Following a balanced diet is the most effective treatment measure for
controlling diabetes. However, this article is confined to discuss the
importance of fruits for diabetics.
Diabetes is a disease, characterized by the production of inadequate amounts of
insulin hormone, which further results in affecting the body's ability to turn
starch, essential nutrients and sugar into usable form of energy. Along with
issues such as, excessive weight gain and obesity, diabetes is also gaining
pace and becoming an international health problem, which is not confined to any
specific race, age group or gender. By far, the best treatment over diabetes is
following a balanced diet, which is neither deprived of any essential
nutrients, nor consists of anything in excess. One of the basic component of a
diabetic diet is consuming foods which are less in sugar, cholesterol and fat
content. Doctors, accordingly prescribe the diet for diabetic people.
It is a well known fact that our body needs all the essential nutrients in
sufficient amounts. This is true in the case of diabetic diets too! Therefore,
diabetic people are given foods, which will supply all those nutrients.
However, one of the most important concern in this regard is that of, fruits
for diabetics. Fruits constitute an important part of diabetic diet, but what
are the fruits good for diabetics? Okay... let us discuss this point in detail.
Benefits of Fruits
Before moving on to know, which are the best fruits for diabetics, we will read
this short write-up which signifies some of the health benefits of fruits.
a.. Fruits provide essential nutrients needed for proper growth and
functioning of the body.
b.. They also strengthen the immune system, thereby protecting from various
illnesses.
c.. Fruits also improve the digestion and metabolic process.
d.. They help in proper functioning of the brain and also safeguard from many
diseases associated with the same.
e.. Relieve from various day to day, minor health disorders.
Fruits for Diabetic Patients
All the above benefits are not only applicable to the non-diabetic people, but
also the ones suffering from diabetes. But, many people think that, fruits are
not good for diabetics! However, I would say, this is not the complete truth.
Yes, some fruits which are rich in sugar and fat content, do pose a harm to
diabetic people. But, fruits which are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals
and proteins and less in sugar content are perfectly alright! Fruits with high
fiber content should also be consumed in limited quantities by diabetic people.
These are the basic principles of fruits to be eaten in diabetes. Some of the
best fruits for diabetics are mentioned below.
a.. Muskmelon
b.. Strawberries
c.. Plums
d.. Watermelon
e.. Papaya
f.. Apple
g.. Rose apple
h.. Grapefruit
i.. Blueberries
j.. Pomegranates
k.. Apricots
l.. Pears
m.. Kiwifruit
n.. Olives
o.. Lime
p.. Cherries
q.. Avocado
Fruits Diabetics Should Avoid
The above mentioned are some fruits diabetics can eat. However, there are a few
fruits, which need to strictly avoided by them. This is because, they contain
high amounts of sugar and fat in them. Some of the fruits, that need to be
avoided by diabetics are, banana, mango, grapes, custard apple and peach. The
sugar and the glycemic index of these fruits is quite high and therefore it is
better to stay away from them. Another important thing in this issue is that of
avoiding fruit juices. Fruit juices do not contain enough fibers in them and
therefore they prove useless for diabetic people. Consuming fruit without its
essential nutrients is something, that makes no sense! If juices are to be
consumed, they should be without any artificial added sweetening substances in
them. Moreover, canned fruits should be avoided.
Be it a diabetic or non-diabetic, fruits are good for everyone. The only thing
with regards to fruits for diabetics is that of the quantities of sugar and fat
content. These are the only factors, a diabetic patients must take care of. As
of this discussion, I hope, it was sufficient enough to give an overview of
some of the best fruits for diabetics.