4 rules to follow while eating fruits to get maximum benefits

Fruits are an integral part of a balanced diet. But how to eat them and when to eat them has always been a question of debate. In an Instagram reel video, celebrity nutritionist and author Rujuta Diwekar shared 4 rules to follow while eating fruit. In the 30-second video, she says, “We feel cool, virtuous, and healthy when we eat a plate or bowl full of fruits. But, that’s not how it works.” Going further, she points out 4 rules to be followed while eating fruits. Take a look at the rules discussed below:

Rujuta recommends avoiding the practice of eating fruit salad. According to her, each fruit should be consumed solo to gain maximum benefits. As per Ayurveda, fruit should never be eaten with or immediately after anything. It is believed that if not eaten correctly, they can ferment or putrefy, causing formation of acid waste. This acid waste may result in bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea, or heartburn.

According to Ayurveda, fruits are best taken on an empty stomach. It is suggested to consume fruits in the morning, as their benefits are believed to deplete if taken later in the day. Rujuta suggests consuming them either as a first meal, mid-meal or post workout meal, as they are an instant source of energy.

She suggests chewing fruits well and avoiding fruit juices. It is suggested to avoid fruit juices, because the pulp and skin of fruit left behind are rich in dietary fibre which helps promote regular bowel movement. And when you eat a fruit, the dietary fibre binds with the natural sugar in the fruit, and this binding action makes it a time taking process for the body to absorb the sugar. As a result, fruit sugar accumulates slowly in the blood and lets your body use the sugar more as a direct energy source. Also, the skin and pulp are rich in vitamins and other nutrients.

Lastly, Rujuta suggests eating seasonal fruits as they are naturally rich in nutrients to combat seasonal illnesses. According to Ayurveda, the nerve endings of the fingertips are believed to boost digestion, thus eating with hands helps in bringing forth digestive juices in the stomach and makes you gain maximum benefits of the fruit.