Healthy, juicy and ever-so-nutritious, a fresh bowl of fruits is perhaps a magic potion for most of our health woes. Packed with essential vitamins, fiber, flavonoids and antioxidants- fruits must be a part of everybody's diet. While we know it is always better to consume seasonal fruits over the ones that that are not in season, but is it enough to start munching these fruits at any hour of the day or is there a specific point in a day where you can get the maximum nutrition?

There are several myths surrounding the best time to have fruits. Somehow, eating fruits on empty stomach, has always been under the scanner. Some say it can aggravate acid production, while some say it is the best time to have fruits. So what is the truth? Let's find out.
According to Consultant Nutritionist Dr. Rupali Datta, "There is no such good or bad time for eating fruits. They are healthy and nutritious, hence are good at almost any point of the day. You can have them on empty stomach, or after a meal. If you have had a heavy meal, it is advisable to keep a slight gap."

A few years back, there were some experts claiming that one should have fruits on empty stomach only. According to their argument, having fruits with meals may slow down the digestion and cause the fruit to sit in your system longer than it is expected to. This may also cause minor gas and discomfort.

While the fibre present in the food may take long to get out of your system, but that causing any discomfort may not be entirely right. In fact, the fibre in the fruit, due to its slow digestion would make you feel full for long, and prevent you to binge on other food.

Therefore, one can definitely eat fruits on empty stomach; however, if one wishes to eat fruits with their meal, there is no harm in that either.
There are experts and studies that claim, not fruits but the kind of fruits that one should be weary of. It is said that one should not have too many citrus fruits on an empty stomach. This may increase acid production in the stomach. Moreover, having fruits packed with tough fibres like guava and oranges early in the morning can slow down the digestive system too.

Ayurveda expert Dr. Dhanvantri Tyagi also believes that there is no good or bad time to eat fruits. "However, people who are suffering from cold or severe acidity should avoid citrus fruits on an empty stomach", he noted.

Whatever be the ideal time to eat fruits, one cannot deny the fact that fruits are some of the most nutritious additions you can make to your diet. Make sure you have one whole fruit each day. Fruit juices, especially packed juices are ripped off the natural fibres and roughage.

Don't shy away from experimenting with different kinds of fruits as they are a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals.

Food Additives to be avoid

1. Sodium Nitrate

(alsocalledSodiumNitrite) Studies have linked eating it to various types of cancer.

2. BHA and BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydrozyttoluene are used to preserve   common household foods. They are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. They are oxidants, which form potentially cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.

3. Propyl Gallate

Another preservative, often used in conjunction with BHA and BHT. It is sometimes found in meat products, chicken soup base, and chewing gum. Animals studies have suggested that it could be linked to cancer.

4. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and restaurant food. It can cause headaches and nausea, and animal studies link it to damaged nerve cells in the brains of infant mice.

5. Trans Fats

Trans fats are proven to cause heart disease. Restaurant food, especially fast food chains, often serve foods laden with trans fats.

6. Aspartame

 Aspartame, also known by the brand names Nutrasweet and Equal, is a sweetener found in so-called diet foods such as low-calorie desserts, gelatins, drink mixes, and soft drinks. It may cause cancer or neurological problems, such as dizziness or hallucinations.

7. Acesulfame-K

This is a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baked goods, chewing gum, and gelatin desserts. There is a general concern that testing on this product has been scant, and some studies show the additive may cause cancer in rats.

8. Food Colorings: Blue 1, 2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 6

 Five food colorings still on the market are linked with cancer in animal testing. Blue 1 and 2, found in beverages, candy, baked goods and pet food, have been linked to cancer in mice. Red 3, used to dye cherries, fruit cocktail, candy, and baked goods, has been shown to cause thyroid tumors in rats. Green 3, added to candy and beverages, has been linked to bladder cancer. The widely used yellow 6, added to beverages, sausage, gelatin, baked goods, and candy, has been linked to tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney. 

9. Olestra

Olestra, a synthetic fat found in some potato chip brands, can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and gas. Olestra also inhibits healthy vitamin absorption from fat-soluble carotenoids that are found in fruits and vegetables. 

10. Potassium Bromate

Potassium bromate is used as an additive to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls. It is known to cause cancer in animals, and even small amounts in bread can create a risk for humans.

11. White Sugar

Watch out for foods with added sugars, such as baked goods, cereals, crackers, sauces and many other processed foods. It is unsafe for health, and promotes bad nutrition.

12. Sodium Chloride

A dash of sodium chloride, more commonly known as salt, can bring flavor to the meal. But too much salt can be dangerous for health, leading to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.