Diabetes is a chronic but manageable condition in which the body struggles to control the levels of blood sugar.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises that persons with diabetes can eat any fruit as long as the person is not allergic to the fruit.
According to an article in the British Medical Journal consuming more fruits is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Here are some things to note about fruit intake for persons with diabetes.
- The preparation of fruit can affect blood sugar. Fresh or frozen fruits are better than processed fruits straight from a can or jar. Dry fruits and fruit juice have high content of sugar.
- People with diabetes should eat processed foods sparingly or avoid them completely. Because the body absorbs processed fruits more rapidly, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Processing fruits also removes some key nutrients, including vitamins and fiber
- Eating enough fiber plays an important role in managing diabetes.
- A diet high in soluble fiber can slow the absorption of sugar and control its levels in the blood. Many fruits are high in fiber, especially those with the skin or pulp included.
- Diets containing enough fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of obesity, heart attack, and stroke.