The 15 Best Superfoods For Diabetics
beats1/Shutterstock Chocolate is rich in flavonoids, and research shows that these nutrients reduce insulin resistance, improve insulin sensitivity, drop insulin levels and fasting blood glucose, and blunt cravings. But not all chocolate is created equal. In a 2008 study from the University of Copenhagen, people who ate dark chocolate reported that they felt less like eating sweet, salty, or fatty foods compared to volunteers given milk chocolate, with its lower levels of beneficial flavonoids (and, often, more sugar and fat, too). Dark chocolate also cut the amount of pizza that volunteers consumed later in the same day, by 15 percent. The flavonoids in chocolate have also been shown to lower stroke risk, calm blood pressure, and reduce your risk for a heart attack by 2 percent over five years. (Want more delicious, healthy, seasonal foods? Click here.) Jiri Vaclavek/Shutterstock Broccoli is an anti-diabetes superhero. As with other cruciferous veggies, like kale and cauliflower, it contains a compound called sulforaphane, which triggers several anti-inflammatory processes that improve blood sugar control and protect blood vessels from the cardiovascular damage that’s often a consequence of diabetes. (Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people with diabetes, so this protection could be a lifesaver.) Sulforaphane also helps flip on the body’s natural detox mechanisms, coaxing enzymes to turn dangerous cancer-causing chemicals into more innocent forms that the body can easily release. Blueberries funnyangel/Shutterstock Blueberries really stand out: They contain both insoluble fiber (which “flushes” fat out of your system) and soluble fiber (which slows down the emptying of your stomach, and improves blood sugar control). In a study by the USDA, peopl Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar And Watermelon
Having high blood sugar levels, especially for an extended period of time, can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk for kidney disease, heart disease, stroke and nerve and vision problems. Watermelon provides you with a number of essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, but eating watermelon can cause an increase in your blood sugar levels, so diabetics need to take care. Many diabetics count carbohydrates to help control their blood sugar level and aim to consume between 45 grams and 65 grams of carbohydrate per meal. A 1 1/4-cup serving of watermelon contains 15 grams of carbohydrates and only 1 gram of dietary fiber, so if you consume watermelon, you need to limit the amount of carbohydrates in the rest of your meal to between 30 grams and 50 grams, depending on your limit per meal. Glycemic Index The glycemic index is a scale that goes from 1 to 100, and measures how quickly carbohydrate-containing foods boost your blood sugar compared to pure glucose, which is used as the benchmark. The higher the number, the greater the effect of a food on your blood sugar levels. Foods with a GI of up to 55 are considered to have a low glycemic index, while a figure of up to 69 is considered moderate and 70 or above is high. By that reckoning watermelon is high on the glycemic index, with a rating of 72. This isn't really an issue for non-diabetics, but anyone managing blood sugars should be wary of watermelon and eat it in moderation. Minimizing Effect The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics only consume fruit as part of meals. This is because consuming foods that are high on the glycemic index or high in carbohydrates along with foods that are low on the glycemic index or foods that consist mainly of fat or protein helps minimize the effe Continue reading >>
Is Watermelon Good For Diabetes?
It's common to think that fruit and fruit juice is “healthy.” And because of that, a common question we get is: Is watermelon good for diabetes? While it's true that fresh fruit contains valuable nutrients that may offer health benefits to the general population. Watermelon on the other hand, well… read on to learn why it's best avoided for better diabetes management. JUMP TO: Watermelon nutrition facts | Watermelon vs other fruit | Research on watermelon and diabetes | Conclusion Watermelon Watermelon is a fruit that is easily recognizable due to its large size, its oblong (or round) shape, and its bright red center encased in a green rind. Due to modern agriculture, watermelons now come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, but they all have one thing in common – a high sugar content! But, sorry to say, that means watermelon doesn't really fit into a diabetic diet when you're trying to manage blood sugar and A1c levels. Check out these nutrition facts to see for yourself. Watermelon Nutrition Facts Based on its name, it probably isn’t a shock that your average watermelon is roughly 92% water! And while it is very important to stay hydrated throughout the day, you might want to reach for a glass of cool, refreshing water rather than of a slice of sugary melon. So, just how much sugar does watermelon contain? Here’s a quick rundown of the basic nutrients found in 1 cup diced classic red watermelon (equal to about half a wedge): Carbohydrate content = 11.48g Sugars = 9.42g Dietary fiber = 0.6g Protein = 0.93g Fat = 0.23g Calories = 46 It’s easy to see that carbohydrates and sugars are the top nutrients in watermelon, which isn’t great news for people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. While all fruit contains “natural sugar,” it is still sugar Continue reading >>
Is Watermelon Good For Diabetes?
American Diabetes Association , blood sugar , carbohydrate , Circulatory system , Diabetes , diabetes mellitus , Healthy diet , insulin , Kidney failure , sugar , Watermelon Author: Farah Shaikh/Source: Foods4BetterHealth According to the American Diabetes Association currently 25.8 million Americans have diabetes and by 2020 almost half of all the Americans will have this disease. Diabetes is a condition when the body is unable to utilize the sugar absorbed from the food. This increases the blood sugar level and may cause complications such as kidney failure, blindness, heart attack, nerve damage, stroke, poor blood circulation, and hearing loss. Diabetic people have to always monitor their diet, especially their carbohydrate intake, as sugary foods can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Maintaining a normal sugar level is essential. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that sustained spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels may lead to increased diabetes risk. This is known as the pre-diabetes stage. However, by incorporating some lifestyle changes this condition can be controlled. In fact, diabetics can also lead a healthy life if they control their blood sugar well through healthy diet, exercise, and prescribed medications if any. The main restriction for diabetics is controlling their sugar intake. However, they can eat carbs that have a low glycemic index and fruits provided they watch the amountsi of carbs they consume in one meal, eat them during the day, and exercise daily. As a diabetic, you can consult your doctor or a dietician to chalk out a plan wherein you can enjoy your favorite foods and seasonal fruits such as mangoes and watermelons. Who doesnt like watermelons? The bright red, sweet and juicy fruit is a pleasi Continue reading >>
Can Diabetics Eat Watermelon?
Summer is just around the corner, and that means it is watermelon season! But what about the diabetics that need to keep a watchful eye on their sugar intake? To answer the question: “Can diabetics eat watermelon?” without beating around the bush – the answer to this is a clear-cut “YES”. Watermelons are a safe choice for diabetics, in fact, they are recommended! The reason for this is that they don’t contain a lot of carbohydrates or sugar. And even then, the sugar is a much healthier natural sugar. The end result of this is that they are relatively low in calories and can easily be enjoyed when you have a craving for something sweet. To add on to the list of why watermelons are great, they are packed with potassium and vitamins A, B6 and C. Not to mention it brings a bit of fibre to the table, as well as antioxidants! Furthermore, a study done on the benefits of watermelon revealed that they contain an amino acid known as “L-citrulline” which kick-starts a process in the body which can help lower blood pressure. It is clear that watermelons should be included in your eating habits for many reasons, but what if you are on a diet? Well, the best way to utilise the benefits of watermelon is to replace your dessert with it, and in this way, you can hit two birds with one stone! A natural boost for diabetes-control efforts… Whether you eat fruit or any other food, we suggest taking two Manna Blood Sugar Support tablets with each meal to help prevent blood glucose levels from going up. It helps to bring balance to the blood sugar levels which mean that you do not experience blood sugar rises and falls. The result of this is higher energy levels for a longer period of time, as well as reduced cravings for sugar-filled foods. It really is the ultimate supple Continue reading >>
Can Diabetics Eat Watermelon?
Like all fruits, watermelon contains plenty of natural sugar. While watermelon is usually safe for someone with diabetes to eat as part of their diet, how much and how often they can do so depends on several factors. People with diabetes are aware of the need to educate themselves about the right kinds of foods to eat to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Eating a diet high in fruit and vegetables is advisable, but fruit contains natural sugars, and so it can be confusing to work out how much a person with diabetes can eat. The American Diabetes Association recommend that "there is no single ideal dietary distribution of calories among carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for people with diabetes, macronutrient distribution should be individualized while keeping total calorie and metabolic goals in mind." There is not a simple "yes" or "no" answer about whether fruits, such as watermelon, are healthful for people who have diabetes. In this article, we look at the nutritional and health benefits of watermelon, as well as other factors a person with diabetes should consider. Health benefits of watermelon Watermelon is a refreshing, juicy fruit and is a common healthful food choice in the summer. But what does it contain? Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including: vitamin A vitamin C vitamin B1 and B6 fiber iron lycopene Vitamin A helps to keep the heart, kidney, and lungs functioning properly. It also supports vision and eye health. A 280 g serving of watermelon provides 31 percent of a person's recommended daily amount of vitamin A. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and promotes a healthy immune system. A good immune system can reduce colds and infections, and may help prevent certain types of cancer. One 280 g serving of watermelon provides 3 Continue reading >>
10 Diabetic Friendly Fruits To Help You Manage Diabetes Better
Diabetes mellitus (DM) commonly referred to as Diabetes, is a chronic disorder. It occurs when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or when the cells of the body become resistant to insulin. In either case, the blood sugar cannot get into the cells for storage, which then leads to serious complications. Diabetes, perhaps more than any other disease, is strongly associated with the western diet, as it was uncommon in cultures consuming a 'primitive diet'. However as cultures switch from their native diets, to the foods of commerce; their rate of diabetes increases eventually reaching the proportions seen in the western societies. However, what's alarming is the fact that India Is home to 62 million diabetics and the number is estimated to be 100 million by 2030. Obesity is seen as one of the major contributing factors to the development of insulin resistance in approximately 90% of the individuals with type-2 diabetes. In most cases, achieving ideal body weight is associated with the restoration of normal blood sugar levels. Hence dietary modifications and treatment are fundamental to the successful treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. There are some specific foods that have been shown to produce positive effects on blood sugar control. These foods have a low glycemic index and glycemic load and are high in fiber. When it comes to diabetics eating fruits, there is a lot of confusion and information is very misleading. Just remember that moderation is the key here. TIPS TO ENJOY FRUITS IF YOU ARE DIABETIC: - Always eat fruits that are fresh, local and in season. - Eat fruits that have a low glycemic index. - Fruits should not be eaten with your main meals, its best to have fruits in between meals and as a snack. - Fruits with high glycemic index should be Continue reading >>
Is Watermelon A Good Fruit For People With Diabetes?
Watermelon is a good fruit choice for people with diabetes, but many people mistakenly think that it is not. The reason has to do with the difference between glycemic index and its glycemic load. The Glycemic Index (GI) is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion, releasing glucose rapidly into the bloodstream (like those found in white bread), have a “high GI” (70 or higher); carbohydrates that break down slowly, releasing glucose gradually into the bloodstream (like those in whole grains and legumes), have a “low GI” (55 or lower). The Glycemic Load (GL) is a ranking system for the glycemic impact of foods, based on their carbohydrate content, portion size, and Glycemic Index. Low = 1 to 10; Medium = 11-19; High = 20 or higher. As explained in the book The New Glucose Revolution for Diabetes (Marlowe, 2007), the GL was developed by Harvard researchers, who posited that eating a small amount of a high-GI food would have the same effect on blood sugar as would eating large amounts of a low-GI food. Another issue with looking only at the GI of a food is that it’s tied to the number of grams of carbohydrates in that food and, obviously, that number varies by large amounts. Watermelon is a good illustration of this problem. Watermelon’s GI is high, 72. The GI, however, is based not on a normal portion, but on 50g of carbohydrates — whatever the food. To get 50g of watermelon carbs, you’d have to eat almost 5 cups. GL combines both the quality and the quantity of the actual carbohydrates consumed — and provides one “number.” The GL of one cup of watermelon is about 9, which is low. Continue reading >>
6 Health Benefits Of Watermelon For Diabetics
Who doesn’t like watermelons? The bright red, sweet, and juicy fruit is a pleasing treat in summers. But, is watermelon good for diabetes? Watermelon has a lot of natural sugars, and so people assume that it isn’t good for diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million Americans currently have diabetes, and by 2020, almost half of all Americans will have this disease. Diabetes is a condition when the body is unable to utilize the sugar absorbed from the food. The main restriction for diabetics is controlling their sugar intake. However, they can eat carbs and fruits that have a low glycemic index, as long as they watch the amount of carbs they consume and exercise daily. As a diabetic, you can consult your doctor (or a dietician) to chalk out a plan where you can enjoy your favorite foods and seasonal fruits, such as mangoes and watermelons. Is Watermelon Good for Diabetes? Watermelon Nutrition Chart The amount of sugar in watermelon is not too high. A serving of 100 grams of watermelon contains six grams of sugar and only 30 calories. It has good amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C, around 11% and 13% respectively. It also has folate, choline, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and copper. Watermelon has more than 90% water, and the fruit is a great option to keep yourself hydrated, rather than drinking sugar-laden soft drinks. Watermelon contains good amounts of lycopene, which gives the fruit its red color. Lycopene is a naturally-occurring carotenoid pigment and phytochemical. It is a strong antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, it may be useful in preventing various types of cancers, asthma, and cataracts—although more research is required in these areas. Watermelons also have phytosterols. A 100-gra Continue reading >>
Diabetes Diet: Should I Avoid Sweet Fruits?
I've heard that you shouldn't eat sweet fruits such as strawberries or blueberries if you have diabetes. Is this true? Answers from M. Regina Castro, M.D. It's a common myth that if you have diabetes you shouldn't eat certain foods because they're "too sweet." Some fruits do contain more sugar than others, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't eat them if you have diabetes. The total amount of carbohydrates in a food affects blood sugar levels more than does the source of carbohydrates or whether the source is a starch or sugar. One serving of fruit should contain 15 grams of carbohydrates. The size of the serving depends on the carbohydrate content of the fruit. The advantage of eating a low-carbohydrate fruit is that you can consume a larger portion. But whether you eat a low-carb or high-carb fruit, as long as the serving size contains 15 grams of carbohydrates, the effect on your blood sugar is the same. The following fruit servings contain about 15 grams of carbohydrates: 1/2 medium apple or banana 1 cup blackberries 3/4 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries 1 1/4 cup whole strawberries 1 cup cubed cantaloupe or honeydew melon Continue reading >>
Fruit For Diabetes – Is There A Best Or Worst Fruit?
Fruit gets an unfair bad rap and is often feared to spike up the blood sugars among people with diabetes. But does all the worry around fruit for diabetes really have any truth? We look at three common fruit myths to bust. 1. Banana / Durian / Grape / Watermelon is bad for people with diabetes. There is a “best” or “worst” fruit for diabetes MYTH Many people avoid certain fruits in diabetes because they taste sweeter and believe they are higher in sugar. That is not entirely true. Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fibre, lots of vitamins and antioxidants. Regardless of the sweetness level, all fruits contain carbohydrates naturally, and a variety of fruits should be included as part of your meal plan. The key is to stick to the right portion sizes. Generally, we recommend to aim for two portions of fruit a day, at separate times of the day. For more details on portion sizes, head to Jasmine’s blog post. Another thing to consider that’s not as important as portion size, but may be helpful to optimising blood sugars, is the glycemic index (GI). Most fruits have a low GI because of their fructose and fibre which means the sugar is released slower into the blood. Melons and pineapple have medium GI values as do dried fruits like dates and raisins; a few are high GI including rockmelon and watermelon. Some fruits also tend to be lower in carbohydrates for the same portion size, like berries or guava. The advantage of eating a low-carbohydrate fruit is that you can take a larger portion to make up the 15g carbohydrate serving size. But there is no best or worst fruit for diabetes, all fruits are healthful in their own way and provide unique benefits, so enjoy a rainbow! (click and drag on the text to tweet this/share on Facebook) Let’s look closer at each fru Continue reading >>
Can I Eat Watermelon If I Have Diabetes?
Watermelon is typically a summertime favorite. Although you may want to dish some of the sweet treat up at every meal, or make it your go-to summer snack, it’s important to check the nutritional information first. If you have diabetes, you know how important it is to watch what you eat and monitor your blood sugar levels. Watermelon is loaded with natural sugars. Depending on your overall diet, this may have an impact on your blood sugar level. Keep reading to learn how adding watermelon to your diet may impact you. Native to West Africa, watermelon is a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals that include: vitamin A vitamin C potassium magnesium vitamin B-6 fiber iron calcium One 280 gram serving provides 31 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A. This supports healthy vision and aids in the upkeep of your heart, kidneys, and lungs. Vitamin C is also beneficial to a healthy diet and found in large amounts per 280 gram serving. A single serving of watermelon provides 37 percent of your daily recommended intake. Vitamin C has been known to improve heart health, aid in the prevention of some cancers, and help battle symptoms of the common cold. Because it’s high in fiber, eating watermelon can help your body flush out toxins and promote good digestive health. Not only can eating moderate amounts of watermelon curb your craving for something sweet, it can also keep you feeling full longer. This is because watermelon is over 90 percent water. In addition to keeping you hydrated, this can help you stick to your diet and aid in weight management. There isn’t any research directly connecting watermelon consumption and diabetes management. That said, there is some evidence to suggest that eating watermelon may help reduce your risk for certain diabetes-rel Continue reading >>
8 Best Fruits For A Diabetes-friendly Diet
1 / 9 What Fruit Is Good for High Blood Sugar? When you're looking for a diabetes-friendly treat that can help keep your blood sugar within a healthy range, look no farther than the produce drawer of your refrigerator or the fruit basket on your kitchen table. Believe it or not, the notion that fruit is not safe when you need to watch your A1C is a popular diabetes myth that has been debunked again and again. Indeed, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), many types of fruit are loaded with good-for-you vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber — a powerful nutrient that can help regulate blood sugar levels and decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Fiber — which can also be found in some of the best vegetables for diabetes, as well as whole grains — can further benefit your health because it promotes feelings of fullness, curbing unhealthy cravings and overeating, research shows. Healthy weight maintenance can increase your insulin sensitivity and help in your diabetes management. So, how do you pick the best fruit for diabetes? While some forms of fruit, like juice, can be bad for diabetes, whole fruits like berries, citrus, apricots, and yes, even apples — can be good for your A1C and overall health, fighting inflammation, normalizing your blood pressure, and more. But as with any food in your diabetes diet, you have to be smart about counting carbohydrates and tracking what you eat. Portion size is key. Consume fruit in its whole, natural form, and avoid syrups or any processed fruits with added sugar, which have the tendency to spike your blood sugar. Stick to the produce aisle and the freezer section of your grocery store. If you're using the glycemic index (GI) or glycemic Continue reading >>
Watermelon & Diabetes: How Safe Is It For Diabetics To Eat Watermelon?
People associate watermelon with summer and weight loss. It is because watermelon is a wonderful summer fruit, and has a very high rate of water content in it. It keeps the body hydrated, and also helps the person in losing weight. However, only recently, people have started to wonder the goodness of this fruit. So, whether this amazing fruit, watermelon, is safe for diabetics or not, is a question that everyone has in mind. For people, who are suffering from diabetes, it is really important that they watch out their diet and monitor their blood sugar levels. How Safe is it for Diabetics to Eat Watermelon? There is no clear evidence that suggests any connection between watermelon and diabetes. However, there is evidence which proves that watermelon consumption can actually reduce the risk of complications that are related to diabetes. People with diabetes should actually include more of fruits and vegetables in their diet, so that they get healthy nutrition, without increasing their blood sugar levels. Watermelon has some natural ingredients, which are proved to be helpful to diabetics. It improves the blood pressure, which is something that bothers 2 out of 3 diabetic patients. As per studies, the extract from watermelon can bring down the blood pressure of people suffering from hypertension. Some of the experiments were conducted on mice, which displayed that the watermelon extract could bring down the blood sugar level. Also, as per studies published in July 2008, a lycopene based treatment could bring down cognitive decline that is related to diabetes. So, these studies prove that the plant chemicals present in watermelon might help with diabetes management in a big way. Glycemic index gives an indication of how fast the sugar from food enters the blood. So, it meas Continue reading >>
Can Diabetics Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon is a favorite fruit to many, but if you have diabetes, you may wonder if its sweetness might spell trouble for your blood sugars. A fruit from the gourd family, watermelon packs nutritional value and is an excellent source of lycopene -- a plant chemical linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Video of the Day But since watermelon is a source of carbohydrates and has a high glycemic index -- a measure of a food’s blood sugar response -- it’s often shunned in favor of other fruit choices. However, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages the inclusion of fruit, as long as the food's carbohydrates are factored into the meal plan. This large fruit comes from the gourd family, known for their hard green rinds and red, sweet and watery pulp. One cup of cubed watermelon contains less than 50 calories and is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. Red watermelon also packs a wallop when it comes to the antioxidant lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. If you have diabetes, the quality of your diet matters, and eating more fruits and vegetables is one way to reduce the risk of other health conditions. Components in watermelon may prove to be of value in helping diabetes and improving blood pressure -- a condition found in 2 of 3 people with diabetes, according to the ADA. A small study published in the January 2011 “American Journal of Hypertension” demonstrated that watermelon extract reduced blood pressure readings in people with prehypertension. A study published in the February 2011 issue of “Food Science and Technology,” demonstrated that mice fed extract from watermelon rind, but not extract from the pulp, had lower blood sugar levels after diabetes was induced. I Continue reading >>
