15 Best Fruits To Eat For Weight Loss
1. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a tangy, juicy fruit that is known to aid weight loss. It is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber (7). A study confirmed that people who consumed half a grapefruit before a meal showed greater weight loss compared to those who took placebo. The fruit also reduced insulin resistance (8). Grapefruit also helps improve lipid profile, blood pressure, and reduce inflammation (9), (10), (11). Consume half a grapefruit with breakfast and have half of it before lunch. You may also juice it (but make sure not to strain it unless you are on a low-fiber diet). If you want to try the grapefruit diet, click here.
2. Watermelon
Watermelon is a great source of vitamin C, minerals, lycopene, and water (12). A study concluded that consuming two cups of watermelon a day could increase satiety and reduce weight,BMI, and blood pressure (13). Another study stated that the lycopene in watermelon might help reduce oxidative stress, a key contributor to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) (14). Consume at least one cup of watermelon every day. Consume it 1 hour before lunch.
3. Lemon
Lemons are loaded with vitamin C, a potent antioxidant (15). Scientists have found that lemon peel extract reduces body weight and fat accumulation in mice by increasing fat oxidation (16). A 11-day lemon detox diet showed a greater reduction in body weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, insulin resistance, and body fat percentage in humans (17). A short-term lemon and honey juice fast also lowered serum triglyceride levels (18). Lime (nutritionally identical to lemon) and cumin, when taken for eight weeks, showed a beneficial effect on body weight, lipid profile, and cholesterol (19). Consume a mixture of juice of half a lime, one teaspoon of organic honey (optional), and warm water regularly in the morning.
4. Apple
According to the USDA, apples are rich in beta-carotene, water, fiber, vitamins, and minerals (20). Consumption of a whole apple or apple juice showed promising weight loss results (21). A study found that people who consumed apple in any form had lower BMI and were 30% less likely to be obese than those who didn’t consume apples at all (22). The antioxidants in apples help reduce oxidative damage, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (23). A study concluded that consuming two cups of watermelon a day could increase satiety and reduce weight,BMI, and blood pressure (24). Consume at least one whole apple a day. You can have it with breakfast or before lunch.
5. Blueberry
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant that imparts the dark blue-violet color to them (25).Researchers found blueberry anthocyanins to be the key players in reducing obesity risk, bad cholesterol, and improving insulin sensitivity in humans and lab animals (26). The dietary fiber in blueberries may also reduce hunger. Blueberry anthocyanins were also found to inhibit weight gain (27). Consume a fistful of blueberries with breakfast in the morning. You may also make a smoothie with blueberry, oats, and almond milk.
6. Avocado
Avocado is a delicious buttery fruit. It is a rich source of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals (28). Research studies confirm that consuming half to one avocado a day increases satiety, reduces bad cholesterol, helps maintain weight, and improves cardiovascular health (29), (30), (28), (31). Consume half an avocado with toast, in smoothies, with freshly made guacamole, or in salads.
7. Orange And Blood Orange
Oranges and blood oranges, along with a low-calorie diet, may help reduce weight. Remember, commercially available orange juices have added sugar, which may not serve the purpose. Freshly pressed orange or blood orange juice (or the whole fruit) helps reduce body weight, body fat, insulin resistance, and LDL cholesterol (32), (33), (34). Consume one whole fruit or juice it. You may also make a delicious salad dressing or add orange slices to a salad.
8. Pomegranate
The luscious red ruby-like pomegranate contains anti-obesity nutrients. The anthocyanins, tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids (antioxidants) in pomegranate may help reduce fat (35). A study states that the antioxidant potential of pomegranate juice is more than that of red wine or green tea (36). Another study states that pomegranate extracts may help lower blood pressure levels (37). Consume half a cup of pomegranate every alternate day. You may add it to salads, salad dressings, and juices.
9. Acai Berry
Acai berry is a highly nutritious, deep purple berry. It is a weight loss superfood as it is loaded with antioxidants that help reduce cholesterol and high blood sugar (38). Acai berry juice was found to help athletes reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. It also could improve their serum lipid profiles (39). You can make delicious acai bowls for breakfast or lunch as a meal replacement.
10. Banana
Ripe bananas are satiating, provide energy, and are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and potassium (40). Raw bananas are an excellent source of resistant starch. According to a review by Dr. Janine A Higgins of the University of Colorado Denver, the resistant starch has many attributes, which could promote weight loss and/or maintenance including reduced insulin levels after meals, increased release of gut satiety peptides, increased fat oxidation, lower fat storage, and preservation of lean body mass (41). The banana native starch supplement may help lower body weight and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes (42). Try adding raw banana to your diet to get the maximum resistant starch (43). You may also add banana to your smoothies, acai bowl, or oatmeal or have a banana 45 minutes before working out (for added energy).
11. Kiwi
As per research, consuming one kiwi every week may help lower triglycerides, increase good cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol), and reduce insulin resistance (44). Kiwi fruit also helps reduce the size of fat cells (45). Kiwi fruit is also loaded with vitamin C that helps reduce toxins in the body. The fiber in the fruit aids proper digestion (46). Consume at least one kiwi fruit per week (ensure you take it with the skin intact). Add the fruit to smoothies or salads. You may also juice it.
12. Strawberry
Strawberries are rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that help reduce toxins and inflammation (47).Theanthocyanins in strawberries help improve glucose uptake, increase insulin sensitivity, improve blood lipid profile, and lower blood sugar levels (48), (49). Consuming strawberries also lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and neurodegeneration (50), (51). You can consume 6-7 strawberries every alternate day in smoothies, salads, oatmeal, acai bowl, or as a snack.
13. Goji Berry
The bright red-orange berries are loaded with fiber, protein, and carotenoids. In studies on lab animals and humans, goji berries could lower lipids and blood sugar levels and protect the heart (52). American scientists found that goji berries might help reduce waist circumference by boosting metabolism (53). Goji berries also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with metabolic syndrome (54). Toss in a handful of goji berries in oatmeal, acai bowl, smoothies, and salads.
14. Stone Fruits
Fruits like pears, plums, prunes, and cherries are known as stone fruits. Cherries are rich in anthocyanins. A study on lab animals showed reduced inflammation and a lowered risk of developing type 2 diabetes in those fed with cherries (55). In another study, scientists found that the juice of peaches and plums could help protect against high blood sugar. The juice could also treat leptin (hunger inhibiting hormone) resistance and lower high blood lipid levels (56). As per another study, consuming prunes had resulted in a moderate reduction in body weight (57). Consume one peach or plum, 2 prunes, and one-fourth cup of cherries per day. Consume them whole if you do not have IBD/IBS.
15. Pineapple
Pineapples are rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and phytonutrients (58). In a study, lab animals on a high-fat diet showed improved lipolysis (fat breakdown) and decreased lipogenesis (fat synthesis) after consuming pineapple juice (59). Consume a cup of pineapple every day to improve digestion and induce fat breakdown. You may also follow the pineapple diet for quicker weight loss. Making these fruits a part of your regular diet can help with weight loss. In addition to these, if you are trying to lose weight, there are other fruits you may want to avoid (as they contain more calories and/or have a high glycemic index).
Fruits To Avoid
Can too much fruit make you fat? Too much fruit sugar may lead to potential weight gain. Is two bananas a day too much? You can have one or two bananas as part of a balanced meal every day. Which fruit is the lowest in sugar? Papaya, cucumber, berries, and lemons are a few fruit examples with zero or minimal amount of sugar.
