Even though when we talk about alkaline foods, fruits fall on the neutral to acid side of the spectrum, these foods are packed with nutrients, and can be very beneficial to our health if eaten correctly, as part of a balanced diet. The acidifying, or alkalizing effect of fruits in our body is closely related to the way we consume them. Whether it is by themselves, or combined with other foods; on an empty stomach, or after eating something else. Make the best of the fruits you eat, read on to learn why fruits are not dessert.

Because of their sweet taste, and because our society has gotten us used to eating sweets after our meals as a dessert, many people turn to fruits as a healthier alternative for dessert. And while they are definitely a better choice than going for refined sugars, eating fruits after our meals decreases their potential positive impact in our health.

Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. All of these essential to the healthy functioning of our body. When we consume them on an empty stomach, they excel their full potential of cleansing and detoxifying  our system, while being a good natural source of energy.

But they are also very delicate to digest though, and this is the reason why people frequently complain of digestive discomfort after eating fruits. Some people even believe to be allergic to certain fruits, when in fact it may only be a matter of learning when to eat them and how to combine them.

When we eat fruits after having eaten other foods that take longer to digest in our system, those fruits may start a fermentation process inside us, that may cause bloating, gasses, and other digestive problems. Here is the thing, we use different enzymes to digest different foods, and some foods are digested faster than others. Fruits, for instance, are digested pretty fast, so they need a clean pathway to go through. When that pathway is blocked by foods that take much longer to digest, like animal products for example, is when the problems may start.

The conditions mentioned before are all temporary symptoms we experience when our system is unable to digest fruits properly. But the real problem is that fermentation has an acidifying effect that may open the door to other health problems.

Some authors have linked conditions as greying hair, balding, dark circles under the eyes, and mood swings with inadequate consumption of fruits.

Now here is my point, we started talking about the health benefits of eating fruits, and then went on to the undesirable results of consuming them in the wrong way, so how exactly are we supposed to eat our fruits?

As a cleanser, and a natural source of energy, it is best to eat our fruits on an empty stomach, in the morning. This way our digestive track will be ready to receive them, digest them quickly, and absorb all the nutrients they have to offer. They will play an important roll in maintaining your health, your mood, your appearance and weight, and your longevity.

When eaten by themselves, and on an empty stomach, fruits have an alkalizing effect your body, because of their high content of water. They are rich in nutrients and fiber, and help cleanse our bodies from the inside out.

Maybe we should stop looking at fruits as a snack, and think of them in terms of their nutritional properties, and as being part of the foundation of our diet. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I’m not sure about an apple a day, but a rainbow of fruit colors sure will. Since fruit digests so fast, when we are hungry, they are a great way to curve our cravings. You can eat plenty of fruit, ideally only one kind at a time, 30 minutes before your meals. This will fill you up with fiber and nutrients, and clean the way for other foods to come after. Consumption of raw fruits has been liked to disease prevention, and in some cases, they have even been used as part of alternative treatments for different diseases and health conditions.

Fruits are delightful and satisfying. And humans have eaten them for hundreds of thousands of years, long before we started eating grains, dairy products and man made foods. They are an important part of a healthy diet, and we should consume lots more of them than we currently do. Embrace your fruits, enjoy them and give them the right place in your diet and in your day, and you will benefit from everything they have to offer.