If you are looking forward to eating something that can satiate your sweet tooth, reach for your refrigerator’s drawer or the fruit basket in your kitchen. While a lot of different foods are considered to be the ideal diet for diabetic patients, fruits still remain the favorite choice of many people. This is because of their high nutritional and fiber values. Try the list of best fruits for diabetics given below to manage and control your blood sugar levels.
Can a person with diabetes eat fruits? Fruits are often viewed with skepticism by people with diabetes, given their high sugar content. However, the notion that fruits are harmful to diabetics is a myth. Diabetes specialists and educators prescribe fruits to be an integral part of any meal plan opted by the person with diabetes.
List of Best Fruits for Diabetics
Here’s a list of the most beneficial and commonly available fruits which have been handpicked to be included as food for diabetic patients:
1. Apple
It is a great source of vitamin C, minerals like calcium and potassium, vitamin B complex, fiber, and phytonutrients. Apples are tremendously rich in essential antioxidants and flavonoids, along with dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing hypertension, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
2. Orange
It is one of the most suitable fruit for diabetes. American Diabetes Association considers orange as a “diabetes superfood” and encourages its inclusion in a diabetic diet. Oranges have a low glycemic index score (33 to 51), and people with diabetes can conveniently eat one orange per day. They have a very high content of soluble dietary fiber, which controls blood glucose levels by reducing the sugar absorption rate.
3. Papaya
The health advantages of consuming papaya include aiding in digestion, reducing the risk of heart disease, improving blood glucose control in people with diabetes, lowering blood pressure, and improving wound healing.
4. Peach
One medium peach contains 2% or more daily value of vitamins E and K, manganese, iron, potassium, zinc, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. They have been publicized to ward off obesity-related diseases like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.
5. Strawberry
Strawberries are one of the most accepted, refreshing, and healthy treats that contain many vitamins and antioxidants. The health advantages of strawberries include reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, blood pressure, allergies, constipation, diabetes, and depression. People with diabetes face the danger of eye-related problems, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants which avert eye damage and improve eyesight.
6. Jamun or Black plum
Black plum is one of the most popular summer fruit, loaded with many health and medicinal benefits. Jamun’s polyphenol compounds are helpful against cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis. A variety of digestive disorders, i.e., bowel spasms, flatulence, stomach disorders, etc., are cured by Jamun.
7. Pear
Pear has a natural fruit sugar known as “Levulose,” which adds to the sweetness of the fruit. This fruit sugar is easily converted to energy in people with diabetes. Pears are high-fiber fruits and help lower blood glucose and body weight.
8. Plum
Plums and prunes are very advantageous for people with diabetes who suffer from constipation. These are known to develop the functioning of the digestive system and are a good cure for constipation. They are also rich in antioxidants.
9. Guava
Guavas are low on the glycaemic index (20) and have a high fiber content. Eating guavas keeps your blood glucose levels at bay and also provides energy. Guavas are one of the richest sources of Vitamin C, which is advantageous for a diabetic patient.
Read More: Benefits of Dry Fruits for Diabetics
Food for diabetes doesn’t have to be devoid of all the colors and flavors. With so many fruits to explore, your per serving is set to become even more colorful.
Keep a glucometer handy to track your blood sugar levels. Also, download the BeatO App and connect with our Health Coaches to know more about diabetes diet and nutrition.