When it comes to those sweet tooth cravings, a tasty piece of fruit can be an amazingly refreshing and delicious solution. For many, fruit is a great go-to when they want to avoid snacks that are processed and not relatively so healthy. But did you know that some tasty fruits can be relatively high in naturally occurring sugar?

While fruit does serve as a vitamin, fiber, and antioxidant-rich alternative to other snacks, such as chips and candy, which provide no real nutritional value, it is still essential to watch sugar levels and how sugar impacts the body.

How Much Sugar is Okay for Those Who Have NOT Had Bariatric Surgery

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), men can have about 37.5 grams (9 teaspoons or 150 calories) of sugar a day, while women can have about 25 grams (6 teaspoons or 100 calories) per day. So it is essential to take these numbers into account when looking at the sugar levels in the fruits listed below.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of sugar for bariatric patients is 15 grams (3.5 teaspoons or 60 calories).

After bariatric surgery, it is essential to follow nutrition guidelines provided by your nutritionist, surgeon, and primary care physician.

1. Lychees

Litches - 8 Fruits that are high in sugar Litchis are loaded with health benefits due to being a great source of:

  • Minerals
  • Vitamin B6
  • Niacin
  • Vitamin C
  • Riboflavin
  • Folate
  • Copper
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorous
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese

But a serving of litchis (1 cup) contains 29 grams of sugar!!!

2. Persimmons

Persimmons - 8 Fruits that are high in sugar

This particular fruit contains flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants such as catechins and gallocatechin. It also contains betulinic acid, an anti-tumor compound.

  • Full of antioxidants that help prevent or slow cell damage by combating stress.
  • It may help prevent heart disease and diabetes.
  • Decrease the risk of certain chronic diseases.
  • Rich in carotenoid antioxidants.
  • Fiber: 6 grams
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin B6
  • Potassium

While not a very large fruit, one persimmon contains 21 grams of sugar!

3. Mangos

Mangos - 8 Fruits that are high in sugar

Mangos serve as a great way to:

  • Prevent cancer
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Clear your skin
  • Improve eye health
  • Boost your sex life
  • Fight heat stroke

But they also come with a high level of sugar per serving at 46 grams of sugar in one whole mango! It still sits at about 15 grams of sugar per serving.

4. Grapes

Grapes - 8 Fruits that are high in sugar

Grapes are a tasty treat and a great source of vitamins that can help with cancer, heart disease, blood pressure, constipation, and other health issues, but you have to be mindful of the sugar content.

  • Grapes may help protect against cancer, eye issues, and cardiovascular disease.
  • Rich with resveratrol
  • Fiber
  • Potassium
  • Essential vitamins and minerals.

Grapes are so high in sugar at 15 grams per serving that they are like popping candies into your mouth in terms of sugar intake.

5. Bananas

Bananas - 8 Fruits that are high in sugar

Bananas are a favorite among the tasty fruit options out there. And they do offer great health benefits such as:

  • Moderating blood sugar levels
  • Improved digestive health
  • Potential to support heart health
  • Potential to improve kidney health
  • Antioxidants to reduce the risk of heart disease and degenerative disease

But this fruit also comes at a higher sugar level per serving than others. A medium-sized banana contains about 14 grams of sugar.

6. Cherries

Cherries - 8 Fruits that are high in sugar

Cherries provide many health benefits, including:

  • Aiding in better sleep
  • Reduction in belly fat
  • Protection against diabetes
  • Reduced risk of stroke
  • Ward off Alzheimer’s
  • Healthy & youthful skin
  • Prevention of colon cancer

But a serving of this sweet source of health benefits (1 cup) contains 13 grams of sugar.

7. Pomegranates

Pomegranates - 8 Fruits that are high in sugar

Pomegranates are a great source of vitamin C and fiber alongside anti-inflammatory properties. And by eating pomegranates and drinking pomegranate juice, one can protect against diseases including Alzheimer’s and certain types of cancer.

Unfortunately, this fruit still makes a list as it contains 12 grams of sugar in a single serving (1/2 a cup of arils).

  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamin C
  • Cancer prevention
  • Alzheimer’s disease protection
  • Digestion
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Arthritis
  • Heart disease

8. Figs

Figs - 8 Fruits that are high in sugar

Figs are a tasty treat that is high in fiber and a great source of essential minerals such as:

  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Calcium (Promotes bone density)
  • Copper
  • Potassium (Great for blood pressure)
  • Vitamins such as K and B6

But a serving of figs (1/4 a cup) contains 8 grams of sugar.

Bariatric Patient’s Sugar Guidelines

Again, we do recommend that those who plan to or who have undergone bariatric surgery follow the dietary guidelines provided by a nutritionist, your surgeon, and your primary care physician to best avoid health issues.

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