Tomatoes, zucchinis, summer squash, cucumbers, bell peppers/capsicums, olives, avocadoes, eggplants ... are all fruits. Last time I read the book, these fruits are all allowed on Atkins' program, including Induction. While it's true that some fruits contain phytonutrients that have therapeutic benefits, they're not essential for human nutrition .. if they were, then people living in parts of the world where the fruit is not native would've died out eons ago from lack of it.

While the absorption of the fructose sugar from fruits is modulated somewhat by its fiber content, fructose consumed in excess has serious health consequences. Studies show that fructose contributes to obesity, insulin resistance and high triglycerides. And while the studies were done using crystalline fructose, one needs to remember that your liver only recognises that it's fructose - and not where it came from. Fructose, weight gain, and the insulin resistance syndrome.

As with all things, moderation is key. For those who enjoy having some fruit now and then, as I do .. try to choose those with the lowest sugar and highest fiber content.


Doreen