What fruits are better for people with diabetes to eat?
Generally, diabetic patients should choose fruits based on the principles of low glycemic index (GI) and low sugar content to help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Suitable fruits include apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries, and pomelos. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Apples: Apples are cool in nature, sweet and sour in taste, with a low glycemic index. They are rich in pectin and dietary fiber. Pectin can delay glucose absorption, and dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility, helping regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients can eat small amounts of apples between meals, which can supply vitamins without causing significant blood sugar fluctuations.
2. Pears: Pears are cold in nature, slightly sweet and sour, with a moderate glycemic index. They are rich in water and dietary fiber. Water helps maintain hydration, while dietary fiber delays sugar absorption. Additionally, pears contain sorbitol, which helps regulate intestinal function. Moderate consumption of pears has minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
3. Strawberries: Strawberries are cool in nature, sweet and sour in taste, with a low glycemic index. They are rich in vitamin C, anthocyanins, and dietary fiber. Vitamin C boosts immunity, anthocyanins have antioxidant properties, and dietary fiber slows the rise in blood sugar. Strawberries are small in size and low in calories, making them an ideal fruit choice for diabetic patients.
4. Blueberries: Blueberries are neutral in nature, sweet and sour in taste, with a low glycemic index. They are rich in anthocyanins, dietary fiber, and various minerals. Anthocyanins improve insulin sensitivity, and dietary fiber helps regulate blood glucose levels. Eating blueberries in moderation will not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar and also provides essential nutrients.
5. Pomelos: Pomelos are cold in nature, sweet and sour in taste, with a low glycemic index. They are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and pectin. Flavonoids promote insulin secretion, and pectin delays sugar absorption. Components in pomelo pulp can also help reduce blood viscosity, making them suitable for diabetic patients to consume moderately after meals.
In daily life, in addition to choosing the above fruits, diabetic patients should also control portion sizes, avoid eating too much at once, preferably consume fruits between meals, and monitor blood sugar changes. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in appropriate physical activity can help better control blood sugar levels.