Fruits and Vegetables That May Be Less Healthy Than You Think

In most cases, fruits and vegetables are seen as the healthiest options to include in a daily diet. They offer a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. However, not everything that’s green or crunchy necessarily delivers the promised nutritional benefits. In fact, some may be less healthy than they appear. Ayelet Biran, a clinical dietitian and head of the diabetes center in Petah Tikva, Israel, shares which fruits and vegetables to watch out for.

According to her, potatoes, for example, are a favorite ingredient in salads, soups, and side dishes, but nutritionally, they are considered a high-glycemic carbohydrate that can quickly spike blood sugar levels. While they do contain vitamins and minerals, the cooking process reduces their nutritional value, making them less of a “healthy vegetable” than commonly assumed.

Corn may look like a wholesome veggie, but it’s actually high in starch. Although it has beneficial nutrients, overconsumption can raise blood sugar levels and contribute unnecessary carbs to the diet.

Canned fruits, while sweet and convenient, are often cooked and sometimes have added sugar during the preservation process. This lowers their nutritional value and significantly increases sugar content.

Iceberg lettuce, popular in many salads, is crisp and tasty, but mostly water with very little fiber, vitamins, or minerals compared to darker leafy greens like spinach or kale.

Pineapple, a tropical favorite, is naturally high in sugar, especially when canned in syrup. Even fresh pineapple, if eaten in large quantities, can raise blood sugar levels significantly.

"Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, but it’s essential to understand their characteristics. Fiber content, vitamin composition, and sugar levels should all factor into how much and how often we consume them.”