Healthier Options to Satisfy the Sweet Tooth
5 Fruits that Make a Delicious Sweet Treat
Today’s urban diet consists of significant portions of processed foods. These foods contain added sugar and saturated fat, which contribute to the skyrocketing levels of diabetes (2 out of every 5 Americans are predicted to develop type two diabetes) and other diet-related diseases. For people who want to adopt a healthier diet, low-fat, healthy fruits rich in natural sugars are a good option. Here are a few examples:
1. Pineapple
Arguably one of the more famous fruits, pineapple is a nutritionally abundant fruit that doubles as a natural sugar due to its sweetness. Not only is it a high-fiber fruit, but it also contains vitamin C and thiamin which boosts energy production. Grab a pineapple when you’re thirsty and need a naturally sweet treat.
2. Mango
Whenever you desire something sweet, this succulent, high-fiber fruit might just be the thing you need. It contains pectin and vitamin C which together with its high-fiber content help to reduce the amount of Low-Density Lipoprotein, lowering your cholesterol level and making it a go-to low-fat sweet treat full of natural sugar. The vitamin A that is present in it help’s combat night blindness and dry eyes as well.
3. Grapes
Grapes have long been considered a naturally sweet and succulent snack. They contain fiber, which promotes healthy bowel movement. Grapes also contain polyphenols and antioxidants, which help in combating inflammation. Grapes are also rich in potassium which assist your body to manage high blood pressure by helping it regulate excess sodium. Eat them on their own or include them in a salad. Even better try throwing some in the freezer & get a natural ice cold treat!
4. Dates
Dates are a sweet fruit derived from the date palm tree, and they have a comprehensive nutritional profile. They contain fiber which is useful for stool formation. Another benefit of the fiber content in dates is that it helps slow down your digestion rate, which in turn prevents your blood sugar level from shooting up sharply after eating them. Curiously enough, dates help pregnant women facing late-term labor to deliver without having to induce. You can eat them alone or make your oatmeal with them.
5. Bananas
One can’t talk about sweet fruits without including the prominent banana. Bananas are extremely rich in potassium, which helps the body regulate its sodium intake. As a result, a delicious banana snack can help you ward off high blood pressure. In addition to potassium, bananas contain vitamin C, which helps combat the formation of free radicals.
Bananas are rich in fiber to aid healthy bowel movement. You can eat them on their own for a shot of energy with no artificial sugar, include them in a shake or even have them in a pudding.
Conclusion
Healthy fruits present an alternative to processed foods rich in added fats and sugar which lead to adverse health outcomes. Eating sweet fruits when the craving strikes is an easy and affordable way to enjoy a snack while keeping healthy.