I was reading through some articles online today and I found this one from the LA Times. This article was the perfect summary of why I always tell people whole; “real foods are best”! Emily also posted a blog recently, which talked about the benefit of real, whole foods, as compared to their more processed counterparts.
I’ve said this numerous times, but why buy a supplement when you can get those same nutrients by enjoying a real apple, a real banana, and a cup of real yogurt?!
Similarly, like the article says, why give your kids (or buy for yourself) a bag of fruit snacks, which claim to provide “2 whole servings of fruit”, when you can enjoy an actual bowl of fruit?!
This bowl of fruit may have a bit more calories than some of the popular fruit snacks, fruit leathers, and fruit bars, but there are many things that you will get from the real fruit that you will not get from the “processed fruit that’s disguised as real”;
1) Certain antioxidants and phytonutrients (plant nutrients)
2) FIBER!
3) ZERO added maltodextrin, corn syrup, and sugar
4) More water to keep you hydrated, and full
Bottom Line: Buy the fruit snacks, fruit bars, etc. as a quick snack for when you’re in a hurry, but don’t use them for your, or your children’s, daily fruit consumption. Explore the delicious world of real fruit, and enjoy.
Check out this article about how studies have shown that bottled teas have fewer polyphenols than real tea. Once again, really comes out ahead!
