This is the first in a series of "truth about....", based on our new Today Show series. Do you have questions about fruit and fruit products? Take a look at the TV segment (check back later for the video), and let me know what you think.

Some of the basics:

1. Eat your fruits ... Don't drink them.
Look for added fiber and fewer calories with whole fruits.

2. Is organic fruit really a better choice?
Is it always better to buy organic? The price is a big deterrent for many, and the nutrient content is pretty similar. What about pesticides? A good rule of thumb is to buy organic for fruits with thin skins - particularly if you consume them regularly - for many people that's apples and grapes. The thin skin is more prone to absorb residues than thick skinned fruits, like bananas and oranges.

3. Look for 100% fruit leathers and snacks.
Fruit on the package doesn't mean it's in the product. A great snack can be "fruit leather" - but look for 100% fruit, running about 40-60 calories per whole wrapped bar. While some packaged roll-ups, strings, and pieces can have all fruit, many have juice and extra sugars, which are a waste of calories. The tip off are the calories: if it's 80-100 calories per serving (instead of 40-60), it's got some unneeded extras, compared to 100%.

4. Dried fruit is so "fattening" - are there other choices?.
Fresh fruits are a calorie bargain, since all the water fills you up. Dried fruits take out some of the water, but are still "squishy" and it's easy to eat 4 or 5 fruits very quickly. While nutrient-packed, it's also calorie-packed. A great choice are the new "freeze dried fruits". ALL the water is removed, and are so dry, you have to re-hydrate them in your mouth. Intensely sweet, sort of nature's candy, they take a long time to eat, and are a calorie bargain. Also, quite portable and available in all fruit varieties in most supermarkets.

5. How do frozen fruits stack up to fresh?
Frozen fruits, without added sugar, are a GREAT substitute when you're looking for out of season choices. Frozen berries are great, and while squishier than fresh, can be added to cereals and fruit salads - and eaten right out of the bag, frozen. Economical and great taste.

Madelyn shares the truth about fruit and nutrition

What are your thoughts on fruit???

February 14, 2008 at 02:00pm | Permalink | Comments (23)

Comments

Fruits like berries are a good source of vitamins, phytochemicals (components of fruits or vegetables that may help to prevent diseases), and powerful antioxidants that help to slow down the aging process and keep us healthier.
However, getting a daily dose of these fruits to our diet can be difficult and expensive, especially when they are out of season. An wonderful alternative I found are dietary supplements containing real fruit and anti-oxidants such as the Andrew Lessman New Fruit Full Anti-Oxidants:
http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_748583_andrew_lessman_new_fruit_full_anti_reviews

What does everyone else think of dietary fruit supplements ?

Posted by Emma on February 15 at 02:05am

nice page

Posted by princess on February 15 at 04:19am

Does anyone know where or how to purchase the freeze dried fruits in the article? Any help would be great!!

Posted by christie on February 16 at 10:49am

Dont get confused, fruit does the same thing that a candy bar does-it raises your blood sugar level. to find out which ones to love, and which fruits to shove, go to www.getfitwithjnl.com and download this incredible program!
www.getfitnowwithjnl.com HELPED ME LOSE 22 pounds in 4 weeks. Now I have sleek sexy muscle tone, and Im getting ready to wear my bikini on a cruise in March.
Thank goodness for great diet advice that finally works.
I urge all of you who need to know what to eat when to visit
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Posted by Elizabeth on February 17 at 09:31pm

Posted by Elizabeth on February 17 at 09:32pm

I drink Monavie, a functional fruit juice that includes 19 fruits, some you can't even buy in the US. The main fruit is the Acai berry which has the highest anti-oxidants of any fruit studied to date. It is also provides phytonutrients. You drink it twice a day, just a few ounces. It is a quick and I think tasty way to get the fruit you need (that most of us don't eat enough of, including me!). For more information go to www.mymonavie.com/carefree . I have been drinking the juice for about 6 months now and my digestive system is quite happy!

Posted by Andrea on February 23 at 11:50pm

Stop spamming, jerk!

Posted by I HATE SPAM on March 05 at 08:08pm

I read that EU researchers discovered they can reverse osteoporosis by haveing the patient eat prunes. The amount was a high level maybe as much as 12-18 a day. They are very sweet. I tried it but could not handle the sugar load. However prunes are an excellent source of minerals.
I make a very yummy salad called 2 of everything:
2apples,2 kiwi,2 oranges, 2 plums,2 bananas,dried apricots a handful ( try to get them with no sulfur) chopped into bits,golden raisens just a few,juice of a lime . You can also put in a smal amount of natural unsweet coconut.Soaked almonds are OK too. I like to put organic bee pollen in my fruit salad. It gives the sald a wonderful flowery aroma, and a drizzle of honey. Not too much!
This sald is very rich but it will get you eating fruit which is the food your eyes need and your vascular system .In particular bioflavanoids and rutin.
I smell evrything I buy. If it smells like chemicals I put it down and wash my hands. Shop with your nose. Peaches arent in there, cuz...

Posted by zeina on March 29 at 02:07am

All those websides are trying to sell their products by telling you how good they feel after they follow some particular program..Do Not Fall for those websides!!!!!!!
Since 8 years Im trying to lose only 3 kilos and every program I tried-I lose only 1.5 kilos...and guess what?-its keep comming back again...so I never get my perfect weight since 8 years...
What to do?...have no idea...I have been trying Acai juice as well...but its helps only to realx your stomach and its kind of laxative....I eat all those berries and fruits fresh 365 days a year..and nothing good....Im still having that extra look in my tummy....

Posted by Naida on April 10 at 09:03am

The tips here are very wise and I appreciate them.

Elizabeth, go sell your product someplace else.

Posted by Debbie on April 11 at 09:45am

Thankyou for the information , as it is new for me to know that, the best kind of dried fruits is the freeze dried fruits

Posted by Dina Ibrahim Ayad on April 13 at 07:24pm

iVillage Total Health

The Truth About Fruit

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