Lemon Lime Blackberries Cranberries
Watching your sugar intake? Be sure to choose these 3 low-sugar fruits: Lemons and limes, blackberries and cranberries. (Photo: Pixabay)

When it comes to getting a sugar hit, eating a piece of fruit is a great place to start.

Luckily, these three fruits are low in natural sugar, so you can keep consuming more of the good stuff, while reducing the risk of a myriad of illnesses and ailments. Whether you suffer from type-2 diabetes, or are just looking to trim back the sugar in your diet, they are great to add to your diet.

water-with-lemon-and-lime
One way to increase daily intake of lemon and lime juices is to squeeze them into your jar of water. (Photo: Pixabay)

Lemons and limes
Considering their often-tart flavour, it’s easy to see – or, rather, taste – how lemons and limes are low in sugar (they only contain 2.5 grams and 1.7 grams per piece, respectively). But the health benefits don’t just stop there…

According to scientific research, soluble fibres found in the peels and juice of these citric fruits assist in slowing the body’s absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

Not only that, lemons and limes also contain vitamin C, which researchers say can help kick colds and flus, as well as reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Try adding a slice of lemon to a glass of water come dinner time, or drizzle lemon juice on white rice to lower the grain’s GI count.

blackberries
Blackberries make great toppings for yoghurts and salads. (Photo: Pixabay)

Blackberries
Don’t be deceived by its small size; this low-sugar, low-carbohydrate berry packs a serious, health-boosting punch!

Don’t believe us? Blackberries, like cranberries and strawberries, helps reduce blood-sugar levels, which minimises the risk of type-2 diabetes, while its vitamins (like vitamin K for healthy bones and blood), minerals (folate, potassium and muscle-loving magnesium), as well as polyphenol elements, work to stave off cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Get more of this fruit into your diet by smearing blackberry and pear jam on a slice of multigrain or sourdough toast, and perhaps don’t feel so guilty about reaching for that second slice of blackberry crumble. Yum!

cranberries
Cranberries can be eaten raw, but the taste might be too sour for most. Dried cranberries give the lesser antioxidants but make better tasting snacks than raw ones. (Photo: Pixabay)

Cranberries
Considering there’s only 4 grams per 100 grams, cranberries rank high on the fruits-that-contain-low-levels-of-sugar list.

Cranberries contain a plethora of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory goodness, including fibre, vitamin C and vitamin E and manganese. Manganese, in particular, has been found to boost one’s metabolism and strengthen bone health.

However, while cranberries, or cranberry juice, are also commonly known for its long-standing use in the prevention of urinary tract infections, new research indicates that this may not be the case.

Incorporate cranberries into your diet by drinking cranberry juice, or add a sprinkling of them to a delicious rice salad.

The Health Promotion Board recommends 2 servings of fruits and 2 servings of vegetables daily. If you are wanting to change your diet in any way, it is best to consult your dietitian or GP first. 

Text: The Australian Women’s Weekly / Additional Reporting: Sean Tan

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