What Fruits Can I Eat on a Triglyceride-Reducing Diet

A triglyceride-reducing diet is low in sugar and fat. To promote good general health, the goal is to get triglycerides (fats) below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). The higher they are, the greater your risk for heart disease. To lower levels, you need to stay away from simple sugars like soda and honey. Fruits do contain sugars and some have more than others. Additionally, the form of the fruit makes a difference.

Whole Fruit

Eat whole fruit. You are better off eating apples than apple sauce. It is always better to eat fruit in its natural form than once it has been processed in some way. Processing adds more sugar and usually reduces nutrient content. Eat grapes instead of grape juice. Have blackberries rather than blackberry jelly. Fresh raspberries are more nutritious than a raspberry fruit roll-up. Eating whole fruit will limit sugar intake and can reduce triglyceride levels.

Fruits with Lower Sugar Content

Consume fruits with lower sugar content. According to dietary fiber.com, these include lemons, strawberries, melons, papaya, peaches, avocados, kiwi and plums. All of these have lower sugar content when eaten in raw form. The American Diabetes Association recommends citrus fruits because of their fiber content, but oranges have more sugar than other citrus fruits.

Fruits with Higher Sugar Content

Limit your intake of fruits with higher sugar content. Dietary fiber.com suggests that these are dates, prunes, canned peaches and red and green grapes. According to The Complete Guide to Fat-Storing Carbohydrates, avoid watermelon because it is glycemically unacceptable (quickly increases sugar in bloodstream). Also many brands of frozen strawberries and blueberries have added sugar so check the ingredients carefully. Definitely reduce your intake of fruit juices, fruit bars and dried fruits.

Fresh Fruit

Enjoy fresh fruit. According to Prevention's Food and Nutrition book, fruit loses its nutrient density the longer it is stored. Also cooked fruit will have fewer vitamins and minerals than raw fruit. So blueberries cooked in pancakes have lost some of their nutritional value. Canned peaches or pears are less nutrient dense and often sit in sugary syrups. Eating fresh fruit is a safe bet when it comes to lowering triglycerides.