Can Diabetics Eat Fruits – 5 Things You Need To Know

Being diagnosed with diabetes is something that can be alarming. Sometimes, it makes us paranoid with everything we eat and mostly we tend to think that anything sweet is a no-no. How about fruits? Can diabetics eat fruits? Are fruits included in some diabetic meal plans?

 

Here’s 5 Things You Need To Know About Fruits and Diabetes:

 

1. Women with Gestational Diabetes are sometimes told not to eat fruit for breakfast and not to drink any fruit juice at all. For pregnant women, can diabetics eat fruits?
   

Fruits contain carbohydrates and this is why a pregnant woman with diabetes shall control the amount of fruit intake.  Though fruits are not advised, gestational diabetics can consume these as long as they tend to have control and manage the carbohydrates they may incur from certain types of fruit.

Eating unsweetened fruits of all colors is a good thing. However, fruit juices which has added some sugar is a big NO-NO. Also, it is advised that eating dried fruits shall be limited to only 1/4 cup daily.

One can have a daily amount on their diabetic meal plan, as much as two of any of these choices:

• 1 small apple
• 17 pcs. of grapes
• A cup of papaya
• Half of a banana

 

2. Fruits which are fresh, canned, frozen, dried, or juiced have different effects on diabetics.

• Fresh Fruits

Advantages: These are the best type of fruits to consume. Eating newly harvest fruit is the most excellent source of nutrients and vitamins.

Disadvantage: The longer it is consumed, the lesser its nutritional value will become.

 

• Canned or Frozen

Advantages: Any fruit can be available all-year round. Frozen or canned fruits are usually processed immediately after the harvest.

Disadvantage: When processed, some of the nutrients are already lost even if they try to maintain its nutritional composition. They tend to be softer than fresh fruit once unfrozen. Diabetics should be more careful and look for added sugar component for canned fruits tend to have lots of it during the canning or freezing process.

 

• Dried Fruits

Advantage: They tend to have a longer shelf life because when you dry fruits, you take the water out of it.

Disadvantage: Despite having the water come out of it, the amount of carbohydrates in the fruit is not lessened. One shall still have the exact calculation of carbohydrates before consuming it.

 

• Juiced

Advantage: Juiced fruits are usually the most preferred type of treat for diabetic patients. This is best when used with a 100-% natural fruit, having some fruit pieces along with it.

Disadvantage: This sweet treat can increase your blood sugar rapidly, which is why it is not advised especially to those who have gestational diabetes. Water is still the best thirst quencher.

 

3. Nutrients are naturally present in fruits

Carbohydrates and fibers are usually found in fruits. So, can diabetics eat fruits? Yes. Though diabetics has the need to check and monitor their blood sugar, avoiding carbohydrates is a must. However, one can still eat a fruit. Just be sure and remember to compute the amounts of carbohydrates and fiber found in a certain kind of fruit and stick to the recommended amount of fiber by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture which is 14 g of fiber isto 1,000 kCal.

 

4. Fruits are indeed healthy

Because of comorbidity, diabetics are prone to more complications and diseases that is why fruits are recommended for them to avoid cancer. According to American Institute for Cancer, phytochemicals can be found in fruits which helps prevent the disease.

Phytochemicals are plant chemicals such as these:

 

• Carotenoids which helps in improving our immune response and therefore inhibit the grow of cancer cells. This phytochemical is usually found in red-orange and green fruits.
• Flavonoids which may inhibit inflammation. This can be found in citrus fruits.
• Polyphenols are those which help prevent cancer formation and can be acquired by eating grapes, berries, apples, and other citrus fruits.

 

5. Eating fruits is great for children

Giving children fruits daily has a lot of advantages. It helps them in their development and growth. Also, it reduces the risk for chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, heart diseases, and some forms of cancer.

Fruits are a tasty snack which is also helpful for people who has diabetes. Remember that if you have control, discipline, and determination, you may eat whatever you want– just all in moderation.

So don’t ask, “can diabetics eat fruits?” It’s a YES, though with reservations.