As the chillier weather sets in, many people are adjusting their diets to meet their body’s winter needs and to incorporate seasonal produce.
MedGenius spoke to Dietitian Trista Best from Balance One Supplements and nutritionist Jacek Szymanowski from Torokhtiy who have delved into which fruits Brits might be overlooking that could be crucial to achieving their health goals, such as weight loss.
Dragon Fruit and Passion Fruit were among the lesser-known fruits recommended by the duo for weight control and loss, as they are low in calories but provide a sweet treat when needed.
Dragon Fruits are also rich in vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants, making them beneficial for boosting immune health and digestion – particularly important as the colder weather and carb-heavy festive food season approaches.
Passion Fruit is also a good source of vitamins A and C, which can support the immune system and enhance skin health, noted Jacek. However, Trista warned that every weight loss tool comes with potential drawbacks.
Passion Fruit can be a bit of a worry, as one expert warned: “The seeds can cause intestinal obstruction if consumed in large quantities, particularly in children.”
Overindulging in Dragon Fruit can also lead to health issues ranging from mild digestive problems to diarrhoea.
Other lesser-known fruits that the experts wanted to spotlight included Jackfruit, which Jacek noted is packed with vitamin C, potassium and fibre but can trigger allergic reactions when eaten in large amounts.
Durian fruits, notorious for their smell, can also pose risks if you overeat them due to their high calorie and fat content.
However, Durians are still incredibly beneficial fruits when eaten in moderation as they can be “a good source of potassium and helps with digestion”, Jacek added. This is similar to Kumquats that are “loaded” with vitamin C and fibre.
The nutritionist specifically recommended eating the fruit whole as the peel “provides a unique blend of antioxidants”.
Trista cautioned about the acid reflux and digestive discomfort the fruit can cause due to its high acidity levels.
