Diabetics need not give up fruit entirely; what to know about kiwi, apple and papaya
Experts say people with diabetes can eat whole fruit in the right quantity, but should watch carbohydrate content and glycaemic index.
Images are not validated/verified
Fruits are considered good for health. They contain vitamins, minerals, fibre and many other nutrients the body needs, which help keep it healthy. However, people with diabetes need to be a little careful when eating fruit, because fruits contain natural sugar and carbohydrates, which can affect blood sugar levels.
This does not mean diabetics should avoid fruit altogether. According to experts, if whole fruits are eaten in the right quantity, people with diabetes can get fibre and essential nutrients from them. The key point experts make is that the carbohydrate content and glycaemic index should not be ignored while eating fruit.
Kiwi has a sweet and sour taste. It contains vitamin C, fibre and potassium in good amounts. According to available information, a medium-sized kiwi has about 42 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates, and also provides about 2 grams of fibre. The fibre in kiwi is said to help improve digestion and keep blood sugar from rising after meals. People with diabetes can eat kiwi whole.
Apple is considered a fruit rich in nutrients. According to medical reports, a medium-sized apple has roughly 95 calories, 25 grams of carbohydrates and about 4 grams of fibre. It also has plenty of vitamin C and antioxidants. People with diabetes can include apple in their daily diet. The fibre in it can make one feel full for longer and help keep blood sugar under control. Washing the apple well and eating it with the peel is a good option, as the peel also contains fibre and useful plant compounds.
Papaya also has many nutrients, including vitamin C, fibre, potassium and other essential components. The fibre in papaya aids digestion, while vitamin C helps the immune system function smoothly. People with diabetes can eat ripe papaya in limited quantity. It should also be kept in mind that the glycaemic index of papaya can vary with its variety and how ripe it is.
The information is of a general nature and makes no claim of any treatment. It states clearly that a doctor should be consulted before trying any remedy.
