Ask the Diva: Should People of European Descent Avoid Tropical Fruits?
Think people of European descent are unable to digest tropical fruits? Nutrition Diva tackles this common myth with logic.
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
by Monica Reinagel, M.S., L.D./N.
Q. A nutrition counselor told me to exclude tropical fruits from my diet. The theory is that my digestive system is not adapted to process this type of food because I am of European descent. This seems weird! Do you know of any studies that support this type of advice?
Answer. That’s exactly what I would have asked if someone had given me this advice: “Are there any studies or other scientific evidence to support your theory?” (Did you by any chance ask your counselor? I would have been very interested to hear what they would have said.)
I did a quick search of the scientific literature and turned up nothing to support (or discount) the notion that people of European descent are unable to digest fruits grown in tropic regions. But let’s think about it logically. “Tropical” fruits are composed of water, sugars, fiber, and various antioxidants and enzymes—more or less the same nutrients as you’d find in apples, berries, or peaches. If your “European” digestive system is equipped to digest sugar, water, and fiber, you should have no trouble digesting a mango.
This theory sounds a little similar to hypothesis that underlies the “blood type diet.” For more on that, see my show on whether you eat according to your blood type.
See also: Is Fruit Good for You?
Tropical fruits from Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.