10 summer fruits that are bad for your digestive health if eaten regularly
Summer fruits: Fresh fruits are too tempting to resist in summers. However, it is important to eat them in moderation as they could disturb your gut health. Here's a list of popular fruits you should go easy on during summer months.
As temperatures climb, leading to heatwave-like conditions, it's difficult not to fall for the temptation of fresh fruits. Yet, for some, enjoying certain fruits in this season may result in digestive discomfort. Recognising which fruits might challenge digestion is crucial for preserving gut health while relishing the abundance of summer produce without unwanted side effects. By understanding the potential triggers, you can make informed choices, ensuring you enjoy the flavours of summer while supporting your digestive well-being. Let’s take a look at some fruits that can disturb your digestive system if eaten frequently (Image: Canva)
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Watermelon: With its juicy sweetness, watermelon is a quintessential summer fruit. However, its high water and fiber content can sometimes lead to bloating and discomfort for susceptible individuals. While hydrating, excessive consumption may overwhelm sensitive digestive systems (Image: Canva)
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Mango: Bursting with natural sugars and fibre, mangoes are a delight in the summer months. However, their richness can cause digestive issues, particularly when consumed in large quantities, says Mumbai-based dietician and nutrition expert Harshil Sharma. The combination of high fiber and natural sugars may lead to bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort (Image: Canva)
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Pineapple: Revered for its tropical flavor, pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme known for its digestive properties. However, in large amounts, bromelain can trigger digestive discomfort in some individuals. Excessive consumption may lead to irritation or sensitivity in the digestive tract (Image: Canva)
Plums: With their vibrant colour and tangy sweetness, plums are a summer favourite. Yet, their high fiber and sorbitol content can pose challenges for digestion. Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, may ferment in the gut, leading to gas and bloating for some individuals (Image: Canva)
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Cherries: Synonymous with summer bliss, cherries contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol known to cause gastrointestinal issues in susceptible individuals. Excessive consumption of cherries may lead to gas, bloating, and discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to sorbitol (Image: Canva)
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Apples: A year-round staple, apples are rich in fiber and fructose. While they offer numerous health benefits, the combination of fiber and fructose can be challenging for some individuals to digest. Overconsumption may result in bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort, says Sharma (Image: Canva)
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Pears: Similar to apples, pears boast high fiber and fructose content, making them a nutritious choice for summer snacking. However, for individuals with sensitive digestive systems, excessive intake may lead to bloating and discomfort (Image: Canva)
Papaya: Celebrated for its tropical flavour and digestive enzyme papain, papayas can aid digestion for many individuals. However, in large quantities, papain may cause digestive discomfort, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs (Image: Canva)
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Figs: With their rich sweetness and chewy texture, figs are a summer indulgence. Despite their nutritional benefits, their high fibre content can have a laxative effect on some individuals, leading to digestive discomfort (Image: Canva)
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Kiwi: Kiwi, with its vibrant green flesh and tangy sweetness, is a refreshing summer treat. However, its high fiber and the enzyme actinidin can sometimes trigger digestive issues, especially when consumed in large amounts (Image: Canva)
Nivedita is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on health, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Views expressed are personal.
