The ten best fruits for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
It is not unusual to battle a sweet craving when suffering from diabetes. Diabetes affects approximately millions of people in India alone. Even more troubling is the fact that 57 per cent of these occurrences go unnoticed and untreated. Diabetic fruits are a safe way to fulfil your sugar cravings if you have diabetes.
Fruits also include important minerals and vitamins. However, one frequent fallacy is that people with diabetes cannot eat fruits like many others. So, here are the top 10 fruits for people with diabetes:
Apple
The polyphenol in apples helps to combat a variety of ailments. Furthermore, apples are rich in vitamins and magnesium. They also contain the extremely powerful ‘polyphenol.’ Apple skin’s soluble fibres are also proven to improve digestive health. Apples have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities because of flavonoids. Apples are generally good for the skin, heart, and digestive health. Apples have also been shown in studies to help combat and prevent cancer.
There really is no reason why a person with diabetes should avoid apples. On the other hand, Apples have a GI of 36 and a Glycemic Load of 6, indicating that they have a very low sugar content and are thus quite healthful. Is apple good for diabetes control?
Doctors have discovered that persons who eat apples daily have a 28% decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because polyphenol in apples protects beta cells, which are responsible for insulin synthesis, from wear and strain.
Proportion:
One medium-sized apple is the recommended serving size (150 grams).
Bananas
Bananas are a cheap and tasty method to receive potassium and vitamin C with GI 52. Consume your bananas as soon as they are ripe. The sweeter they get as they sit longer and become browner. According to 1992 research, this increases the amount of sugar and the GI.
Proportion:
Keep in mind that the suggested serving size is half a medium banana.
Pears
Pear is a rich source of fibre and vitamin K, making it a perfect complement to your diabetic diet. It has a low GI index, which reduces the rate of glucose absorption. Pears contain 7g of fibre, accounting for 20% of the daily fibre requirement. Pears contain anthocyanins, which are beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. Pears’ potassium and antioxidant content make them ideal for supporting healthy intestinal conditions.
Proportion:
Eat one pear a day
Prunes
Prunes are among the lowest-GI fruits, i.e., 29, and likely being your grandmother’s favourite. They are also a natural treatment for constipation and are high in antioxidants.
Proportion:
Serving of 2 to 3 prunes is considered standard.
Strawberries
Sweet, sweet berries have a very low glycemic index, i.e., 25. It can also help protect your heart, raise your HDL (good) cholesterol, and lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Proportion:
Eating 1 cup of strawberries
Papaya
Papaya is high in antioxidants, fibres, and vitamins C, A, and E. These three vitamins are potent antioxidants that aid in the prevention of high cholesterol levels in the arteries. High cholesterol levels are linked to heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. Constipation is a major issue for many people, particularly diabetics. Papain, an enzyme that assists digestion, is found in papaya. Furthermore, the fibre and water levels of papaya aid digestion. As a result, drinking papaya relieves constipation.
Papaya is high in antioxidants, flavonoids, and phytonutrients. They are also in charge of preventing toxin accumulation in the body. As a result, papaya aids in the battle against cancer.
Papaya has a plethora of health advantages. It has a low glycemic index and is high in antioxidants.
Proportion:
A quarter of routine papaya is the recommended amount to consume.
Apricots
Fresh apricots may not be your regular go-to fruit, yet they offer a unique flavour that you will not find anywhere else. Apricot has a GI index of 57.
Proportion:
You may eat them on their own or grill them with meat, like chicken.
Oranges
A diabetic patient is unaffected by oranges. On the other hand, Oranges ought to be the go-to fruit due to their high fibre and vitamin content. Orange has a GI of 31-51 and a Glycemic Load of about 5. These results demonstrate that oranges are safe for people with diabetes and will not alter their blood glucose levels.
Proportion:
The optimum serving size for oranges is 154 grams (one medium-size orange).
Kiwi fruit
Is Kiwi good for diabetes? Yes! Kiwi fruit is high in vitamin C and B6, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants. This fruit is useful for decreasing blood pressure (because of its high potassium level), accelerating wound healing, and improving bowel motions.
The kiwi fruit is indeed high in choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These elements help in reducing the risk of kidney stones. Furthermore, kiwi fruit has been shown in tests to help prevent and treat colon cancer due to its high fibre content. Kiwi has a Glycemic index of 50, giving it a low-glycemic fruit, and it has a Glycemic Load as low as 7.7. As a result, citrus fruit does not cause an immediate insulin increase when ingested in moderation. Instead, blood sugar levels rise gradually and to a small degree.
Proportion:
The typical person’s serving size of kiwi is two medium-sized fruits.
Dragon fruit
Dragon fruit contains a high vitamin C, iron, and magnesium concentration, making it a healthy fruit with few calories. It also contains a lot of antioxidants such as betalains, hydroxycinnamates, and flavonoids. Furthermore, dragon fruits contain prebiotic fibres, which encourage bacterial growth and assist in digestion and intestinal health. Dragon fruit has a glycemic index of 48-52 and a glycemic load of 4. Therefore, it will not alter your blood glucose levels. According to research, dragon fruit decreases insulin resistance, successfully reversing type 2 diabetes. It also helps to reduce fatty liver and is good for cardiovascular health, making it a fantastic choice for everyone. Dragon fruit is for type 2 diabetes individuals.
Proportion:
The serving size for dragon fruit is one dragon fruit.
Conclusion
If you have diabetes, there are no banned fruits. Keep in mind that lower-GI fruits are better for you and should definitely be part of your daily diet. Everyone’s daily requirements differ significantly. Consult your doctor or a trained dietitian/nutritionist about developing a personalised meal plan optimal for your health.
