What Fruits can a Diabetic Eat?

Can diabetic have fruits? Is it safe? What are the fruits that a diabetic can have? These are some of the common questions of those diagnosed with diabetes and sometimes even those who are a diabetic.

Mehar Rajput, Nutritionist at FITPASS and Sonia Narang, Nutritionist and Wellness Expert at Oriflame India, list down the fruits and their hidden benefits which a person suffering from diabetes should eat.

‘Fruits are an abundant source of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that help the body fight free radical damage and reduces the risk of inflammation.’

• Pomegranates contain the richest combination of antioxidants thereby, protecting you from free-radicals and chronic diseases. They play an important role in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol and resistance, which the body has against insulin.
• Apple is a hypoglycemic fruit which contains plenty of fibre that is an impeccable ingredient for a diabetic. It also contains the chemical Pectin, that has the capability of reducing blood sugar levels and the requirement of insulin in the body by almost 50%.
• Berries have the capability to break glucose into energy, which reduces the increased glucose levels by a considerable amount. Further, they increase the release of insulin. Thus, regulating glucose levels in the body.
• Guava with a low glycemic index, guava is very rich in dietary fibre that helps ease constipation (a common diabetic complaint) and can lower the chance of developing type-2 diabetes. Guavas are also high in vitamin A and vitamin C.
• Papaya: Natural antioxidants in papaya make it a great choice for diabetics. As diabetics are prone to many ailments, like heart or nerve damage caused by irregular blood sugar levels , the diet having papaya can obstruct future cell damage for a better and longer life span.
• Jamun : Its leaves are good for diabetic patients. As it has anti-diabetic features. This helps to convert starch into energy and keep the blood sugar levels in check, it has low glycemic index. It reduces the symptoms of diabetes like frequent urination and thrusting.
• Orange: The glycemic load of an orange is about 5, a low number that indicates that only small rise in blood glucose.Be cautious don't consume orange juice.
• Amla has a good source of chromium which shows positive effects on the pancreas, where insulin is produced and therefore,helps to manage blood sugar levels.

Source: IANS