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 good 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.

• Fruits provide essential nutrients needed for proper growth and functioning of the body.
• They also strengthen the immune system, thereby protecting from various illnesses.
• Fruits also improve the digestion and metabolic process.
• They help in proper functioning of the brain and also safeguard from many diseases associated with the same.
• 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 all right! 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.

• Muskmelon
• Strawberries
• Plums
• Watermelon
• Papaya
• Apple
• Rose apple
• Grapefruit
• Blueberries
• Pomegranates
• Apricots
• Pears
• Kiwifruit
• Olives
• Lime
• Cherries
• 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.