Author: Alexander Bruni
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Fruits rich in simple sugars are not always sweet. They are useful, but they also carry risks.
We all know that fruits are good for health. They contain vitamins, microelements, fiber and other important substances. But they also contain simple sugars , which the body absorbs very quickly. In addition, some fruits contain sugars in fairly high quantities.
Simple sugars are short polysaccharide molecules that are broken down quickly from digestive enzymes to glucose and pass very quickly into the blood. That is why they are also referred to as fast carbohydrates .
Regular consumption of fruits rich in simple sugars can be as beneficial as it is harmful. These fruits are among the first products that nutritionists exclude, shaping the individual diet for weight loss in overweight and obesity. Diabetics should also treat them with care . Although most of the sugar in these fruits is due to the safer fructose for diabetics , the high content of glucose should not be overlooked.
It is important to note that fruits with the highest content of simple sugars are not always very sweet in taste. The specific consistency and composition of each fruit and the combination of taste receptors that are activated when consumed, often obscure or dull the sweetness.
Fruits that contain the highest amounts of simple sugars, and which should be consumed by diabetics and dieters for weight loss, include:
| Fruit | Content of fasting sugars |
| Mango | 45 g in 1 piece |
| Grapes | 25 g in a medium bowl |
| Cherries | 20 g in a bowl |
| Pears | 18 g in 1 piece |
| Melon | 18 g in 1 medium slice |
| Bananas | 15 g in 1 piece |
| Figs | 8 g in 1 piece |
The amount of carbohydrates, including simple sugars, which is recommended to be consumed daily, depends on the individual characteristics of each. The only more specific recommendation is that they make up about 40% of the total caloric intake for the day.
Knowing the average sugar content of these fruits can help to better orient people who impose restrictions on carbohydrate intake .
Consumption of these fruits can not and should not be completely ruled out, even in diabetics and people on a diet. However, it is important that their intake is not combined with other sweet foods, but is accompanied by products that are mainly sources of protein to balance the diet.