Question: I often eat four pieces of fruit a day, especially in the morning before lunch around 1 p.m. I've followed this habit for years while maintaining a healthy weight. But am I getting too much fruit sugar? — S.H.
Dietitian Lenny Versteegden: Four pieces of fruit daily is perfectly fine—just don't exceed it. While fruit sugars are natural, overdoing it can impact your weight. Fruit is packed with vitamin C, crucial for a strong immune system. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties have gained attention for potentially protecting against heart disease and premature aging. That's why I recommend more than the standard two pieces daily, especially if you smoke, have diabetes, or exercise intensely. I view fruit as an ideal snack, though. A fruit-only breakfast lacks sufficient substance.
