Fruit contains sugar but it is also packed with fiber and other essential nutrients.

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Many people consume more sugar than they realize.

Brownies and apples both have sugar, so is all sugar the same?

a collage featuring kiwi, papaya, and a strawberry

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Its important to understand thedifference between natural and added sugar.

On the other hand, added sugars areaddedto food during processing.

Those benefits include fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

For example, fiber helps slow down digestion, helping prevent high blood sugar spikes.

Research also supports the health benefits of fruit despite their sugar content.

A recent study found there to be an inverse relationship between consumption of whole fruit and diabetes risk.

The more whole fruit consumed (each 300 g/day of whole fruit) reduced risk of developing diabetes.

This may seem contrary to what most people think, says Micko.

Any sugar consumption, whether it is natural or added sugars, contributes to total carbohydrates per day.

These creamy fruits have only 1 gram of sugar for an entire avocado.

These fuzzy little fruits also offer many other health benefits, fromconstipation relieftobetter sleep.

A 1-cup serving of watermelon has less than 10 grams of sugar and up to 5 ounces of water.

Want to try adding some grapefruit to your diet?

ThisFennel & Grapefruit Saladmakes a simple and colorful side for chicken, fish or pork.

Try adding cantaloupe to your next salad.

Thats because you need around three oranges for 1 cup of fresh juice.

In addition to vitamin C, oranges are also a good source of essential nutrients like potassium and folate.

If youre looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner, try theseOrange-Ginger Chicken Bowls.

Or enjoy a bowl of thisOrange Creamsicle Nice Creamfor dessert.

Maximize your fiber intake by eating the skin of the peach.

Have leftover ricotta cheese?

Try this five-minutePistachio & Peach Toastrecipe, which pairs creamy ricotta with sliced fresh peaches and honey.

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