Fruit Myth Sabotages Sugar-Free Diets: Harvard, AIIMS Doctor Clarifies

• Harvard, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi debunks the myth that fruits sabotage sugar-free diets.
• Whole fruits, unlike added sugars, contain fiber, water, and polyphenols, slowing sugar absorption and preventing glucose spikes.
• Many mistakenly cut out fruits entirely, believing fruit fructose behaves like refined sugar, which Dr Sethi clarifies is incorrect.
• Fruit form matters: whole fruits support gut health, while juices and dried fruits behave more like added sugar due to fiber loss.
• Eliminating whole fruits is counterproductive; they provide essential nutrients, and including them improves long-term diet compliance.

Why It Matters: Whole fruits are crucial for sugar-free diets, offering nutrients and fiber, unlike processed added sugars.