In the case of having diabetes, it’s understandable why there might be some hesitation when it comes to reaching out to the fruit bowl for a nice snack.
Even though they are healthy, there is a large number of fruits that are rather high in natural sugars, which fall under the carb category and thus warrant caution.
It’s no easy task to pick the right fruit (as well as the proper amount) when counting carbs in order to properly manage blood glucose.
That’s why we’ve taken the liberty to provide people with plenty of information regarding one of, if not the most popular fruit in human history: Healthline. Read on to find out all about it and the effect it has on us and our health.
Health Benefits
The proverb “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is certainly used for a reason. Apples are bursting with vitamin C and fibers, especially in their peel. So, don’t make the mistake of throwing that part away. Apples also contain smaller amounts of iron, calcium, and vitamin A.
Regular intake of apples can prove beneficial for our digestive system, thanks to their high fiber content. It can ensure a more regular excretion of waste from our bodies.
Even though almost any person can reap their benefits, they are of particular importance for those with diabetes. The reasons for this are that fresh apples are:
- Cholesterol-free
- Fat-free
- Sodium-free
- Rich in fiber
Furthermore, apples (whether it’s peel or the fleshy part itself) also happen to be abundant in antioxidants named polyphenols. They are useful for a number of things:
- Aiding one’s body in protecting itself against any diseases
- Slow down the natural aging process
- Help manage one’s proper weight
- Support the health of one’s bones
Apples Can Help Reduce Diabetes-Related Risks
At least according to research done on the subject. A 2004 review states that consuming apples may lower one’s risk of certain chronic ailments. These fruits have even been connected to a lower risk of cardiovascular-related problems.
This is especially good news for adults with diabetes, as, on average, their chances of having a stroke or developing heart disease are Healthline as those of an average individual.
The results of a study back in 2000 suggest that the daily consumption of apples leads to a lower risk of thrombotic stroke. This particular type is linked to cerebral vascular disease, which is much more common for those with diabetes.
However, as we’re sure you’ll agree, much more research is needed on the positive and negative sides of apples.
Apples and the Glycemic Index
This scale is widely used by those with diabetes or high blood sugar issues, so naturally, the question also arises concerning apples.
We are sure we don’t need to tell you that lower GI foods (up to 55) are a far better option than high GI foods (70 or even higher), or medium GI foods for that matter (55-69).
We’re sure you’d be happy to know that a medium-sized apple (138 g, give or take) has a GI of about 37, which means it’s low on the GI scale!
But what about the glycemic load?
Together with the GI, it gives the complete picture of how much effect a particular food might have on our blood sugar. It measures how fast the sugar from the food enters our bloodstream, as well as the carb content of a particular serving.
An apple has a GL of only 5! Everything under 10 is considered low and above 20 – is a high value (which one should best avoid).
Some Other Fruits Which are Diabetes-Friendly
We understand that one can tire from eating apples on a constant daily basis. But don’t worry, there are some other options you can try to mix things up a little!
And remember: fresh fruit is by far our best option, but we may add frozen fruit as well. Just make sure there aren’t any added sugars to it.
As for dried, canned, or juiced fruit…We should be aware that it can spike up our blood glucose levels far more than any fresh or frozen fruit can. Here are some other fruits which are low on the GI scale:
- 5 whole apricots – GI of 34; GL of 5
- 1 small pear – GI of 37; GL of 4
- 1 medium orange – GI of 40; GL of 4
- One small or medium nectarine – GI of 43; GL of 5
Conclusion
So, as we can see, this should be more than enough to answer our question on whether it’s safe to eat apples or not with diabetes. Not only is it safe, but it may also prove beneficial in managing diabetes!
Regular consumption of this tasty natural snack may have other benefits for our general health as well.
Having this in mind, be sure never to overdo it. If we monitor our daily diet as we should and consult with our doctor regularly, adding apples should be no problem, as long as we mind our daily amount.
Another useful bit of information is, as we add these fruits to our diet, to keep an eye on any changes or side effects we may experience. After all, each individual reacts to specific foods differently, and one can never know for sure.
For instance, in case you notice a change in your blood glucose levels, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor immediately to discuss any possible concerns.
We may also want to seek the help of a certified dietitian for any tips on how much is enough and which recipes best suit our current lifestyle and health history.
The bottom line is that we shouldn’t be afraid of apples, as they are both filling and nutritious and obviously a far better option than any packaged snacks.
Instead of complete avoidance, moderation is the key to maintaining not just our blood sugars, but also our body and health as a whole. Stay mindful and healthy, dear readers.
Source: Health Line | Diabetes
