Is refrigerated peeled fruit healthy?

Answer:

Fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals for the body. However, some among these components, for example vitamin C, may be lost when exposed to light, temperature and air. Thus, it is not recommended to remove fruit peel before refrigerating them, as the fruit may be infected and oxidized more rapidly that way, and lose their nutrients and flavor.

Instead, you should consume the fruit immediately after peeling them in order to take in the most nutrients.

But not every fruit should be peeled. You should wash this type of fruit with specialized washing products or slightly salted water to remove dust and pesticides on their surface before eating.

Fruit is recommended to be eaten after meals, so that you can fully absorb nutrients from them, and their acids can also make you produce more saliva, which helps cleanse your teeth.

Eating fruit after meals helps you absorb most nutrients from them. Photo illustration by Freepik

Eating fruit directly is better than having them as juices since doing so helps you take in more fiber. The combination of fruit and yogurt, either with or without sugar, is also a perfect snack.

On the other hand, it is recommended to not eat fruit before bedtime in order to avoid dyspepsia.

Expecting mothers with gestational diabetes should not eat fruit that contains high amounts of sugar such as mangoes, papayas, bananas, lychees, or dried fruit.

Apples, oranges, kiwis, guavas, or dragon fruits are better choices.

People with kidney failure should avoid eating potassium-rich fruits like durians, bananas, guavas, or jack fruits.

People with other health conditions may consult with doctors to make the best choices when it comes to eating fruit.

Nutritionist Nguyen Thi Hanh

Vietnam - Sweden Hospital in the northern province of Quang Ninh