Fruit are the healthiest foods anyone can consume but there are few fruits that should be limited for persons with diabetes . Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the blood glucose levels in the body are elevated.
Insulin is the hormone that is produced by the pancreas which helps glucose from food to get into the cells and be used as energy. Having too much glucose in the blood cause diabetes.
People are most likely to develop type2 diabetes if they are older, having family history of diabetes, being overweight, obese and inadequate physical activity.
Even though fruits are natural sugars that don’t cause much harm, a person with diabetes is not allowed to consume all the fruits of his choice he needs to be restrictive with his choices.
Fruits that are not good for diabetes
Consuming fruits which trigger the least influence on blood sugar levels is necessary. For people who suffer from type2 diabetes it is important to keep their blood sugar levels under check to avoid certain fruits like:-
Figs
- Even though figs help with proper insulin function for people with diabetes and are loaded with vitamin C, they contain approximately 30 g of sugar per serving.
- There is a common belief that figs are good for diabetic people, it is important for them to understand that choosing figs that are unsweetened and fresh are healthier options compared to dried figs.
Pineapple
- If people have diabetes consuming pineapple in moderation should be done mindfully. Consuming frozen pineapple contains sugar which can cause a spike in the blood glucose level.
- The raw version of the fruit is sweet and contains around 16 to 20 g of sugar per cup or a serving.
Raisins
- Raisins are rich in dietary fibre that would help regulate blood sugar levels and it is good for the diabetic people. A person suffering from type2 diabetes can consume raisins but should be mindful of the amount they consume.
- Raisins may be an excellent option as a snack, while people with diabetes should restrict the portion to 12 g or less because of the carbohydrate content in raisins.
Tangerine
- The tangerine or citrus fruits,which are high in vitamin C and fiber have been shown to improve the blood sugar, therefore people with type two diabetes should be mindful of consuming this fruit. Tangerine is a fruit that is packed with a sweet taste.
- Eating small portions of tangerine is better as it contains around 20 g of sugar.
Mango
- Mangoes, the king of the fruits the word itself, bring a smile to people’s faces. It is bright coloured fruit, sweet in taste and packed with various nutrients.
- Consuming the king of fruits in moderation is very important as it contains 25 g of sugar.
Cherry
- Cherries are sweet, round, and usually bright red in colour.One serving of cherries would contain around 20 g of sugar.
- Moreover because of their size cherries can still leave a person feeling hungry so it is a relatively poor choice of fruit for a snack.
Lychee
- Lychee offer a sweet taste that is irresistible. Lychee contains 30 g of sugar per serving.So people with diabetes should consume in moderation.
Kiwis
- Kiwis are beautiful green coloured fruits.One has to be cautious about the portion sizes of kiwis. One slice of kiwi would contain 18 g of sugar.Therefore, it is best consumed in moderation.
General guidelines for consuming fruits
- Do not consume fruits with the meal, there has to be a gap of 1 hour between fruit intake and the meal.
- Do not have fruits post 5pm
- Please avoid having fruit juices.
To sum up
- Fruits are always a friend to the diet despite a person has diabetes or not. Consuming various types of fruits that are rich in antioxidants are healthy but some of them would raise blood sugar levels.
- It is important for everyone to understand that people need to consume dried fruits or fruit juices in moderation if they have diabetes.
- Two servings of fresh fruits and vegetables are recommended by medical professionals in order to maintain a healthy life. Therefore, taking advice from a medical professional is encouraged.
