What Kind of Fruits Are Low in Carbs?

What Kind of Fruits Are Low in Carbs?
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Carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet and there are several different types including simple sugars, starches and fiber. Simple sugars and starches are converted to energy and used by every cell in the body. In contrast, fiber cannot be digested and it is excreted unchanged. According to MayoClinic.com, a typical daily intake of carbohydrates ranges between 50 and 150 g when on a low-carbohydrate diet.

Melons

Melons are a good source of fruit containing few carbohydrates. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a 100 g serving of cantaloupe or watermelon contains 8 g of carbohydrates. A 100 g serving of honeydew melon contains approximately 10 g of carbohydrates. Only tomatoes -- with less than 3 g of carbs per 100 g serving -- surpass the melon's low-carb content.

Berries

Many berries contain a low amount of carbohydrates and provide a multitude of vitamins and antioxidants in the diet. According to the USDA, a 100 g serving of strawberries contains less than 8 g of carbohydrates, while a 100 g serving of blackberries contains 10 g and the same serving-size of cranberries or raspberries contains 12 g of carbohydrates.

Apricots, Plums, Peaches

Apricots and plums contain a little over 11 g of carbohydrates per 100 g serving, the USDA reports. The same-size serving of peaches contains slightly less with about 10 g.

Citrus Fruits

Many citrus fruits contain a higher amount of carbohydrates, but are a good source of vitamins and fiber. Of the citrus fruits, grapefruits contain the least amount of carbohydrates with 8 g of carbohydrates per 100 g serving. Lemons, limes and oranges contain approximately 9, 11 and 12 g of carbohydrate, respectively.

References

Article reviewed by Avraham Zuroff Last updated on: Nov 17, 2010

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