In today's health-conscious world, one thing that gets a lot of attention for its nutritional properties is smoothies. Smoothies-especially plant-based ones made with fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegan milk-are extremely versatile, allowing you to add all sorts of healthy ingredients. They are popular because you can make them nutritious and have them on the go. While it is a fun way to incorporate several nutrients into your diet, are they healthier than eating whole fruits? If you have the same question in mind, then this article is for you.
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Ayurvedic health coach and author Dr Dimple Jangda (@drdimplejangda) shared an informative video on her Instagram handle, pointing out why you should avoid drinking plant-based smoothies and drinks and rather eat raw fruit instead.
Watch the full video below:
Why Should You Avoid Consuming Plant-Based Smoothies?
Ayurvedic health coach and author Dr Dimple Jangda shared a video on her Instagram handle suggesting why people should avoid drinking plant-based smoothies and instead eat raw fruits. She shared three reasons for this.
1. Sluggish Digestion
Our digestion starts in our mouth. In fact, our saliva plays a huge role in digestion. We drink a smoothie or juice faster than we eat raw fruit, and thus, we don't get to chew food and produce enough saliva to aid the digestion process. This can lead to sluggish digestion, metabolism, and even immunity. According to Dr Jangda, saliva contains a special enzyme called amylase, which helps break down complex carbohydrates into sugars that your body can absorb more easily.
2. Sugar Spike, Fatigue, and Sleepiness
The smoothie you consume will cause an insulin response. In fact, the sugary nature of fruit will spike that further. Dr. Jangda says that coming off that spike can make you feel sleepy and fatigued. In contrast, when you eat whole fruit, the dietary fibre in the pulp binds to the natural sugar in the fruit as it travels through your gastrointestinal tract. This results in your body taking longer to absorb the sugar, preventing a sudden sugar spike.
3. Headache and Irritability
According to Dr. Jangda's video, people who are sensitive to blood sugar levels may even experience headaches, weakness, and irritability after drinking a plant-based smoothie compared to eating whole fruits.
Watermelon can keep your body hydrated during summer.
Photo Credit: iStock
Summer Fruits To Enjoy This Week
As Dr Jangda mentioned, it is advisable to consume fruit whole rather than via a smoothie or juice. Since India is experiencing extreme heat currently, here are five summer fruits that you can easily incorporate into your diet to stay hydrated and nourished.
1. Watermelon
Also known as tarbooz, watermelon is an iconic summer fruit that needs no introduction. It has vibrant red flesh and a refreshing taste that keeps you hydrated and provides several nutrients. Moreover, it has approximately 92 percent water content, so try incorporating watermelon into your diet this summer.
2. Mangoes
The king of fruits, mangoes are a must-have every summer. Juicy and fleshy, mangoes can be paired with anything. Plus, they contain 83 percent water, making them even better for a summer diet. Mangoes come in different varieties like Alphonso, chausa, langda, dasheri, himsagar, etc., so make sure not to miss them this summer!
3. Strawberries
Beautiful, tiny, and nutritious, strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and other essential flavonoids along with almost 91 percent water content. Strawberries are not just delicious but also heart-healthy. So make sure to incorporate this tasty fruit into your diet!
4. Pineapple
Packed with tropical flavour, pineapple contains 86 percent water content and is a great source of vitamin C, fibre, and manganese. Moreover, this tangy fruit has anti-inflammatory properties that can help tackle abdominal pain.
5. Muskmelon (Cantaloupe)
Muskmelon has around 90 percent water content, so it is a must-have during summer. The best part of this fruit is that it is not only hydrating but also packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C.
Also Read: Should You Eat Raw Food In Evening? Here's The Answer
Which is your favourite summer fruit to eat? Let us know in the comments below!