Bursting all those skeptical fruit bubbles
MYTH #1
Fruits are not fattening.
Fact: This is true most of the time. Then again, there are exceptions such as avocado. Avocados are unique among the fruits, as they are high in calories, contain about 30 grams of fat and also contain carbohydrates. For vegetarians who do not eat a lot of fatty foods, avocados may be a good source of oils needed, but those who consumes more fat and calories, these fruits may add excess fat and weight.
MYTH #2
Bananas help cure headaches.
Fact: Nope! Bananas are healthy and contain many vitamins and minerals, including iron and magnesium. However, they are rich in carbohydrates. Besides, some people do not digest bananas well, some get constipated, while others are allergic to them and they may even trigger migraines for some. Nonetheless, bananas have been voted as number one favorite fruit in America!
MYTH #3
Papayas are good for your skin.
Fact: The vitamin A in one papaya exceeds the daily requirement by 50%. And vitamin A is crucial to keeping skin healthy. Papayas carry some calcium and potassium, as well as your full day's requirement of vitamin C. Papayas are best known for their digestive support, due to certain enzymes they carry, and this helps detoxify your body. So yes, papayas are great for your skin. Plus, a banana and papaya mask applied twice a week leaves your skin noticeably healthy and glowing.
MYTH #4
Mangos cause acne.
Fact: Yes, sadly, this is true. Mangoes are healthy -- they contain vitamin C and have some vitamin E and are extremely rich in vitamin A. Mangoes are also fairly rich in various minerals, including zinc, magnesium and potassium. Yet, they are heaty and mangoes in access can lead to an overnight zit congregation. So tango with mango in limits!
MYTH #5
Grapes are rich in fat.
Fact: Nope, grapes contain no fat! In fact, they contain fibre, vitamins, potassium and traces of other minerals. However, they are fairly high in fructose -- the fruit sugar -- and are mainly carbohydrate foods. Also, they contain minimum protein and have about 100 calories per cup.
MYTH #6
Lemons help dissolve fat.
Fact: Lemon does help digestion and detoxification and is believed to dissolve fats (a reason why it is used in dishwashing liquids). Lemon squeezed into water and drank 20 to 30 minutes before meals is said to help simulate gastric juices. Lemon is considered to be a cleanser, purifier, rejuvenator and detoxifier, especially for the liver, as they help in fat metabolism.
MYTH #7
Dried fruits are just as healthy as fresh fruits.
Fact: This is not true for one main reason -- a dried fruit has lost its water content and we all know the importance of water. Dried fruits may worsen or cause constipation. Plus, some of the vitamins and mineral may be reduced with time. It's also said that those with asthma or allergies may be sensitive to some of the preservatives added to dried fruits.
MYTH #8
Watermelons work as a body cooler.
Fact. Yup! America's national melon is all water and nutrients -- beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. This fruit is used as a diuretic, which increases the flow of urine. It cools your system and is an especially great treat for hot climates like Singapore.
