Is the Sugar in Fruit Bad for You?

The sugar in fruit breaks down into glucose and fructose, just like sugars in other foods such as cakes and cookies. This can be problematic for certain segments of the population, particularly diabetics, who must pay strict attention to the amount of carbohydrates in their diets. However, that doesn't mean you should avoid fruit when consuming a healthy diet -- for most people, the benefits of fruit outweigh the risk of consuming the sugar it contains.

Apples are a high-sugar fruit. (Image: Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images)

Nutritional Profile of Fruit

Although fruit contains sugar, it also offers a variety of healthy nutrients, too, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, water and, most importantly, fiber. The fiber slows the absorption of sugar into your body, meaning you don't get the spike in blood sugar that comes with consuming sugar in other forms. Additionally, fruit typically contains less sugar by volume when compared to sugary treats such as ice cream, according to registered dietitian Joy Dubost.

High- and Low-Sugar Fruits

If you're watching your consumption of sugar, some fruits are better than others. Apples, bananas, cherries, grapes, pineapples, mangoes, kiwi and pears are all considered high-sugar fruits with more than 10 grams per serving, according to The Paleo Diet website. Strawberries, papaya, guava, grapefruit and figs all contain less than 7 grams of sugar per serving.