Which 5 fruits should diabetic patients avoid and why

Which 5 fruits should diabetic patients avoid and why

INTRODUCTION

A myth you might have heard from others is that you have to be away from fruits if you are suffering from diabetes. The reason for getting away from fruits is because fruit contains some natural sugars and carbohydrates called fructose. Fructose can be a reason for the high levels of sugar in your blood.

 

Don’t worry, diabetic patients can still include it in their diet as you can not avoid taking vitamins and minerals along with very powerful plant elements which are called phytochemicals.

If you are taking fruits which are rich in phytochemicals, you are in the safer hands of not getting a heart disease or a stroke and boosting your overall growth. This is also essential because diabetes can lead to more risks of heart disease and I hope none of the diabetic patients want that to happen in your life.

Fibre-rich fruits are also a very healthy option as fibre aids in slowing down the digestion process and ultimately preventing an increase in the sugar levels in our bloodstream.  

HOW DOES FRUIT AFFECT BLOOD SUGAR?

Due to the presence of carbohydrates, certain fruits might be responsible for the increase in blood sugar levels. 

Thus, it becomes essential for diabetic patients to keep a count of their carb intake and also balance it along with a proper diet and medicines, to maintain a healthy decorum of life.

   

Because of having carbohydrates, fruits tend to raise your blood sugar levels. So it becomes very important to count the carbohydrates you intake and equalise them with medicine, diet, and lifestyle changes. If you are not able to get their sugar levels under control, they must move ahead with diabetes treatment from a specialised doctor.

 

HEALTHY WAYS TO EAT FRUIT

There are a few steps that diabetic patients can take to make a major difference in maintaining their diabetes. All you are required to do is:

1. You need to count on the sizes of the portions that you are taking in a day. Take care that you take care with your dry fruit intake as taking 2 tablespoons full of raisins can be equivalent to the same carb intake as in a small apple. 

2. Avoid using the fruits that are stale and are not fresh. Always prefer fresh fruit rather than frozen ones. There are processed fruits such as applesauce or canned fruit, fruit syrup or processed juices, which can also result in getting your sugar levels to touch the sky.

3. Diabetic patients should not also restrict their hands on drinking fruit juice. The fruit juice is extremely high in carbs. Also having no fibre in the juice, it comes in direct contact with the bloodstream and the blood sugar levels also become extensively very high, which can lead to a higher chance of the risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Divide your fruit intake for the day. Have limited options for both breakfast and lunch and even as an evening snack.

LIST OF SOME FRUITS BASED ON THEIR GI LEVEL

1. Low-GI Fruits

The fibre in fresh fruit helps keep most of them low on the GI scale (55 or under). Examples include:

• Apples

• Oranges

• Bananas

• Mangoes

• Dates

• Pears

• Grapes

• Chikoo

2. High-GI Fruits

A few fruits are on the higher end of the GI scale (70 or higher). These include:

• Pineapple

• Watermelon

5 FRUITS SHOULD DIABETIC PATIENTS AVOID 

1. Watermelon:

The best and the most relaxing food during the hot summer evening, tempting right? However, a person suffering from diabetes can not take this leisure as the GI level in it is way too high which will the sucrose present in the fruit to dilute wholly into the bloodstream, climbing your sugar levels up. 

But what’s with your heart, which will make you tempted for watermelon? In that case, diabetic patients need to have it combined with fruits having a very low GI level to balance out their cravings. 

2. Banana:

A banana lover? I regret to say that it is rather a time to bid farewell and say goodbye to it. Containing a GI of 62, bananas can be the most harmful fruit for your body.

Remember, if you wish to take a banana, you are allowed one per week mixed with proteins such as curd and nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, etc.   

3. Mango:

Heard the name and are already lured to eat it. Wait wait! Hold on. It is not the fruit for you. The king of fruits is a fruit that is moderate on the GI. (14 grams)

Be careful if you have had a slice of mango for a day, you need to cut the GI down by balancing your diet for the rest of the week or else you might again see your glucose levels shooting high.

4. Chikoo:

Chikoo is one of the fruits that is a complete NO-NO for diabetic patients. It rates 57 on the scale of GI. It is a fruit that can make your sugar level reach the top floor. 

5. Lichi:

Litchi, being the most favourable fruit for almost everyone during the summer is one of the most dangerous fruits for diabetic patients. Lichi contains approximately 16 grams of sugar which might also lead to an increase in the glucose levels in the body. 

If you wish to eat lichi at any time of the day, compensate it with the diet that you follow for the rest of the day. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What fruits should diabetic patients avoid?

There are several fruits that must be avoided by those who are suffering from diabetes which are:

1. Watermelon

2. Mango

3. Pineapple

4. Chikoo

5. Lichi

6. Banana

Q2. Is banana good for diabetes?

No, a completely ripened banana is a complete NO-NO for anyone who is facing diabetes as it has a very high GI. However, you can mix a very fresh and small banana with proteins to balance it out. 

Q3. Which fruit is the lowest in sugar?

There are many fruits that are low on the GI level and can be included in your daily routine. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Avocados

2. Guava

3. Strawberries

4. Blueberries

5. Peaches

6. Plums 

7. Raisins (munakka)