Facebook Pixel

The 6 Best Fruits to Eat if You Have Diabetes

By Expert HERWriter
 
Rate This
6 Best Fruits to Eat if You Have Diabetes arinahabich/Fotolia

Most people love to eat fruit. But when you are a diabetic, eating fruit can be hard because sugar found in fruits can raise blood sugar levels. Here are fruits that research has shown to appropriate for diabetics.

Strawberries

Strawberries are considered to be low on the glycemic Index coming below 50 on the scale, according to Optimalfoods.org. The fiber contained in strawberries keep blood sugar levels from getting too high by keeping you full longer.

In addition, the polyphenols found in strawberries may slow down the release of simple carbohydrates so that less insulin is needed and better blood sugar control is maintained.

Cherries

Cherries have a phytonutrient called anthocyanin. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed that diets that are high in anthocyanins showed improvement in insulin resistance. This helps to control blood sugar levels, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

Blueberries

Blueberries are considered to be low on the GI scale. They are still higher than other berries like blackberries, raspberries and strawberries, but they still are better options than many other fruits.

A study reported in Whole Foods.com looked at eating berries, including blueberries, three times per week for a three-month period. People who did this showed an improvement in their blood sugar levels. Blueberries are a good source of soluble fiber, so they are acceptable fruits for diabetics to eat. They also have anthocyanins which improve insulin resistance as noted above, and also inhibit digestive enzymes that slow down blood sugar spikes after starchy meals.

Avocado

Yes, avocado is a fruit. It is high in polyunsaturated fat called monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Foods that are high in fat do not raise blood sugars in the same way that foods high in carbohydrates do. Health line.com reported that MUFAs have been shown in studies to decrease metabolic syndrome. Ciabetes is one of the illnesses included in that syndrome. So avocados are a great fruit to eat as a snack, or in a smoothie for breakfast.

Combining Blueberries, Grapes and Apples

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reported on three studies: the Nurses’ Health Study, the Nurses’ Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Findings were that greater consumption of whole fruits resulted in lower risk for type 2 diabetes. They found that especially blueberries (yes blueberries again) along with grapes and apples were most beneficial.

Live Vibrantly!

Dr. Dae

Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com

Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com

Dr. Dae's Bio:

Dr. Daemon Jones is your diabetes reversal, hormones, metabolism and weight loss expert. Dr. Dae is a naturopathic doctor who treats patients all over the country using Skype and phone appointments. Visit her or schedule a free consultation at her website, www.HealthyDaes.org

Sources:

Blueberries. Whfoods.com Nov. 5, 2015.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8

Can I Eat Fruit if I Have Diabetes?. WebMD.com. November 5 2015. http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/fruit-and-diabetes.
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/foods-lower-blood-sugar#5

Vegetables and Fruits. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Newsletter. Nov 5. 2015.
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits

Foods That Lower Blood Sugar. Healthline.com Nov. 5, 2015.
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/foods-lower-blood-sugar#6

Reviewed November 6, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

Read more in Diabetes Health Center

Diabetes Health Center

How Diabetes And Blood Sugar May Be Ruining Your Sex Life

How Diabetes And Blood Sugar May Be Ruining Your Sex Life

Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Diabetes?

How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Diabetes?

Health Innovations in Diabetes: These 5 Top the List

Health Innovations in Diabetes: These 5 Top the List

All in Diabetes Health Center

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.