The 12 Best Fruits For Beating Sugar Cravings, From A Neuroscientist

Potassium works in opposition to sodium, helping to lower blood pressure, reducing one's risk for high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiovascular disease3. The B vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin, all aid in energy production. Maintaining B vitamins is essential to ensuring normal energy reactions and energy levels4.

Keep these fruits on hand, and think about how you can incorporate them into your diet to help you manage your sugar cravings:

One cup has 21% DV copper, 18% DV vitamin K, 8% riboflavin. It also contains 1.4 grams of fiber, which accounts for about 6% of the recommended fiber intake. Grapes help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce cholesterol5.

One cup has 3.15 grams of dietary fiber, aiding in keeping you full and satiated, 18% DV of vitamin C, 10% of potassium, and 5% DV copper. A rich source of antioxidants, cherries can improve sleep quality by increasing melatonin6.

Mangos offer 67% DV of vitamin C, 20% DV of copper, and 18% DV of folate. Mango also has lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that have been shown to protect the eyes against damage from blue light.

One banana contains 12% DV of vitamin C, 11% DV of copper, 10% DV of potassium, and 3 grams of fiber, 12% of the recommended intake. They can help enhance digestion and improve gastrointestinal health7.

One medium apple has 25% DV of fiber, 10% DV of vitamin C, and 5% DV of potassium. Polyphenols in apples can help reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Apples also have anticancer and antiviral properties8 and may help protect against Alzheimer's disease. 

A medium pear has 16% DV of copper, 12% DV of vitamin C, and 5% DV of vitamin K. Pears are a rich source of antioxidants and contain anthocyanins, which can possibly lower one's risk for Type 2 diabetes9.

One kiwi has 62% DV of vitamin C, 23% DV of vitamin K, and 5% DV of potassium, plus 2.1 grams of fiber, 8% of the recommended intake. Kiwis contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect eyes from blue light, and they help promote regular bowel movements10.

One cup of pineapple has 131% DV of vitamin C, 76% DV of manganese, and 9% DV of vitamin B6. Pineapple also contains bromelain11, which helps with relieving osteoarthritis and diarrhea and increases the absorption of antibiotics.

Plums pack 10% DV of vitamin C, 5% DV of vitamin A, and 3% DV of potassium. The fruit's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic properties and are associated with improved bone health12, cognitive function, and reduced cardiovascular risk factors.

One peach has 17% DV of vitamin C, 10% DV of vitamin A, and 8% DV of potassium. Peaches improve water retention and skin moisture13.

One orange has 95% DV of vitamin C, 10% DV of fiber, 9% DV of folate. They contain the compounds hesperidin and naringenin. Hesperidin has been found to reduce systolic blood pressure and pulse in individuals with high blood pressure. Naringenin has been found to improve cells that line the insides of blood vessels.

Two apricots have 8% DV of vitamin C, 4% DV of vitamin E, and potassium, plus vitamin A and vitamin E both promote eye health.

Excerpted with permission from Sugarless: A 7-Step Plan To Uncover Hidden Sugars, Curb Your Cravings, and Conquer Your Addiction ⓒ 2023 by Nicole M. Avena. Published by Union Square & Co.