When it comes to losing weight, many of us believe that fruit is the best choice for a healthy snack. What if we told you that these “fruits” are actually false friends that can sabotage our diet and cause us to gain extra pounds? In this article, we’re going to explore 10 fruits that you thought were good for your waistline, but actually promote weight gain. Get ready to say goodbye to those nutritional faux pas for good!
Why eating certain fruits excessively could cause weight gain?
Although fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre, which makes them essential for a healthy and balanced diet, it is essential to understand the reasons why an overconsumption of fruits can cause weight gain, while taking into account account the variety and the appropriate amount for each individual.
First of all, fruits contain fructose, a natural sugar that gives fruits their sweet flavor. When consumed in excess, fructose is converted into fat by the liver. This fat accumulates in liver cells and ultimately in other parts of the body, leading to weight gain. A 2015 study from the University of California found that excessive fructose consumption promotes fat accumulation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity.
In addition, fruits are a source of calories which, when consumed in large quantities, can disrupt energy balance and promote increased body weight. Fruit contains calories from carbohydrates, an essential macronutrient for the proper functioning of the body. However, an excess of calories from fruit can lead to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, thus causing weight gain.
Dried fruits, fruit juices and smoothies can also be problematic due to their high calorie and sugar content.
When you consume fruit in the form of juice or smoothies, you’re often removing a lot of the fiber, which can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar. This can stimulate the appetite and prompt you to eat more, which can ultimately cause weight gain. Dried fruits, on the other hand, have a more concentrated sugar content, which quickly increases caloric intake when eaten in excessive amounts.
Finally, it should be mentioned that each individual’s reaction to fruit consumption may vary. Some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of fructose, which may lead to faster weight gain. Therefore, it is important to consult a nutritionist or health professional to determine the appropriate amount and variety of fruit for each individual, based on their nutritional needs and metabolism.
Here are 10 fruits that can cause weight gain.
Coconut :
Coconut is a tropical fruit that is mainly used for its water and its white, delicious and fragrant flesh. However, this fruit is relatively fatty and caloric, since it contains about 354 calories per 100 g. Coconut should therefore be consumed sparingly so as not to promote weight gain.
Dates:
Dates are dried fruits derived from the date palm, native to tropical and subtropical regions. Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, dates are often considered a healthy snack option. However, they also contain a high amount of natural sugar and calories. Indeed, 100 g of dates contain approximately 282 calories. This relatively high number of calories can promote weight gain if consumed in large amounts.
Attorney :
The avocado is a fruit native to Mexico and Central America, whose flesh is rich in good fats and vitamins. However, the avocado is one of those fruits that promote weight gain, because it contains about 160 calories per 100 g. Its high fat content, although healthy, can be too high in calories when consumed in excess.
Passion fruit :
Passion fruit, also known as granadilla or maracuja, is a tropical fruit native to South America. It is appreciated for its juicy and fragrant flesh and is rich in vitamins C, A and dietary fiber. However, despite its nutritional benefits, passion fruit is also relatively high in calories, with around 97 calories per 100g. Excessive consumption of this fruit can therefore contribute to weight gain.
Banana :
The banana, native to Southeast Asia, is an energy fruit rich in carbohydrates and fiber. Nevertheless, it can promote weight gain since it contains about 89 calories per 100 g. If this fruit has undeniable nutritional qualities, it is still preferable to consume it in moderation to avoid too much calorie intake.
Granada:
The pomegranate is a fruit with multiple small reddish seeds, which is renowned for its many health benefits, in particular thanks to its richness in antioxidants and vitamins. However, this fruit can also promote weight gain due to its calorie content, which is around 83 calories per 100g. It is therefore advisable not to abuse it in your diet.
Mirabelle:
Mirabelle plums, small yellow plums originating from Lorraine in France, are appreciated for their sweet and juicy taste and are often used in the preparation of jams, pies and other desserts. Although they are a source of vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber, Mirabelle plums also contain a notable number of calories due to their natural sugar content. Thus, for 100 g of Mirabelle plums, there are approximately 76 calories. Like the other fruits mentioned above, excessive consumption of mirabelle plums can promote weight gain.
Figs:
Figs are native to the Middle East and have been widely incorporated into Mediterranean cuisine. High in fiber and natural sugar, however, they can be detrimental to weight gain due to their calorie content – around 74 calories per 100g. It is therefore best to eat them in moderation.
Grape :
Grapes are a fruit harvested primarily for the production of wine and fruit juices, but are equally enjoyed in their fresh form. Rich in sugars, grapes contain around 67 calories per 100 g and can therefore contribute to weight gain when consumed in large quantities.
Mango:
Originally from India, the mango is a tasty tropical fruit rich in vitamins C and A. It is also a source of fiber and minerals. However, the mango is one of the fruits that promote weight gain, since it contains approximately 60 calories per 100 g. Consequently, it is recommended to limit its consumption and to prefer other less caloric fruits.
