Should Fruit Be Eaten Before or After Meals?

Common nutrition myths

Fruits can be eaten before and after meals.

Will you get diabetes if you indulge your sweet tooth? Can fruit rot in the stomach if eaten after a meal? Is all fish fat bad for you?

The Department of Upper GI & Bariatric Surgery from Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group, answers these and other food and mealtime-related questions, debunking popular nutrition myths and presenting the facts.

Common nutrition myths

Myth 1: Fruit should be eaten on an empty stomach, if it is eaten with other foods it can cause fermentation and rot in the stomach, affecting digestion

Fact: Fruit can be eaten at any time and it can be eaten along with other foods. The body produces digestive enzymes for protein, fat, and carbohydrates which help it digest mixed meals. Besides, since the stomach has a high concentration of hydrochloric acid, bacteria is killed before it is able to reproduce so fermentation cannot take place in the stomach.

Myth 2: You will get diabetes if you indulge your sweet tooth

Fact: If you don’t have diabetes you don’t have to worry about treating yourself to your favourite chocolate cake and ice cream now and then. Sugar won’t directly cause diabetes but consuming excess “empty” calories from these goodies can lead to obesity, an important risk factor for diabetes.

Myth 3: All the fat in fish is good fat

Fact: Fatty fishes such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines are important sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote brain and heart heath and help to lower lower triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. The American Heart Association recommends consuming at least two servings of fatty fish per week.

Myth 4: Sweet cravings are due to a deficiency in your body

Fact: You crave sweet foods, particularly when you are under stress, because these foods trigger the release of mood-enhancing compounds in the brain.

Myth 5: A glass of wine every day is good for health

Fact: Alcohol disrupts folic acid, and B-vitamin absorption . Daily alcohol intake can also be damaging to the liver. However, wine - especially red wine - contains antioxidant polyphenols called resveratrol which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease and strokes. .

Nevertheless, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health issues, including obesity, liver disease, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer. Those who do drink, to consume them in moderation. The Health Promotion Board recommends no more than 2 standard drinks a day for men, and no more than 1 standard drink a day for women. One standard drink is equivalent to 330ml beer or 100ml of red wine or 30ml hard liquors.

Need help adopting a better lifestyle? The Obesity Centre at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has a multidisciplinary team of experts who can provide you with guidance on weight management, exercise and diet.

Ref: T24

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