Should You Eat Strawberry In Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you probably have got the advice on whether you can or cannot eat sweet fruit such as strawberries. Strawberry in Diabetes is not only a well-accepted one but also has a positive impact on our health. These mouth-watery red berries could really be helpful to your health as their nutrition profile is amazing and they can be beneficial to your health.
Strawberries are low in calories, are an excellent source of fibre and have a substantial amount of nutrients and antioxidants. They have a low glycemic index, hence, they don’t cause a sharp surge in blood glucose levels, putting them in the safe zone for people with diabetes. Besides that, research shows that strawberries are the ones which improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation and lower the risk of diabetes-related complications.
In this article, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of incorporating strawberry in diabetes into a friendly diet, as well as their GI level and nutritional value. By the end, you’ll have a thorough knowledge of why even strawberries are a welcome component not only acceptable but also highly recommended in the diet of a diabetic patient.
Here is a table showing the nutritional value of one cup (144g) of fresh strawberries:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 46 | 2% |
| Total Fat | 0.3g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbs | 11.1g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Protein | 0.9g | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 84.7mg | 94% |
| Folate | 24.6mcg | 6% |
| Potassium | 176mg | 5% |
| Manganese | 0.5mg | 24% |
As you can see, strawberries are an exceptional source of vitamin C with one cup containing 94% of the daily recommended dose. In the same way, they are a good source of fibre, folate, potassium, and manganese while being lower in calories, fat, and sodium.
One very important benefit of strawberries to diabetics is their low glycemic index of the fruits. The glycemic index (GI) measures how a given food increases blood sugar levels after eating in a time span. Strawberries are a low GI fruit which means that they are absorbed at a lower rate and consequently the rise in blood sugar levels will be controlled and gradual. This means that strawberries can be taken as a safe and appealing fruit alternative for people who suffer from diabetes.
Strawberries are a wonderful source of fibre, so here cup of whole, fresh strawberries contains 3 grams of fibre. Fibre performs an imperative function through the slowing down of the process of carbs absorption and thus it helps prevent sudden blood glucose high levels. Moreover, fibre makes you feel full for a longer period so you most likely control your weight which has a direct effect on the management of diabetes.
Strawberries have very high amounts of antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C and anthocyanins. These free radical combating antioxidants are essential in causing free radical neutralization and reducing oxidative stress, which is likely to be linked to insulin resistance and elevated risk of diabetes microvascular complications. The antioxidants in strawberries might be present for as many reasons as good for general health by shielding cells from damage.
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Several researchers have pointed out that the consumption of strawberry in diabetes improves blood sugar management, particularly in individuals with diabetes The enrichment in fibre, antioxidants, and other useful compounds in strawberries may aid in regulating the sugar level in the blood by increasing insulin sensitivity. This means that the body can utilize the glucose effectively.
Chronic inflammation is not only common among people who have diabetes but also it can be the precursor of complications due to this disease. The anthocyanins and ellagic acids strawberries contain are well-known anti-inflammatory compounds, and they may help the body in its fight against inflammation. Thus, there will be the possibility to reduce the risk of the development of such diseases as heart disease and nerve damage.
Studies indicate that the mineral magnesium found in strawberries has a positive influence on insulin sensitivity for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Greater insulin sensitivity implies that the organism has a better ability to utilize what has been produced by the pancreas and hence, blood sugar level is kept in good control and the risk of diabetes-related complications is reduced.
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Strawberries could also help protect cardiovascular health, and since people with diabetes are at a high risk of cardiovascular disease, this is a particularly important benefit. Strawberries are an especially good source of potassium, which can regulate blood pressure, while in addition, they provide fibre and antioxidants, which may lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the arteries.
Whereas more research is required to corroborate the findings, some studies propose that the antioxidants in strawberries, mainly anthocyanins, may have anti-cancer properties. These molecules can do a fine job of preventing damage on the cellular level and may also stop the growth of a specific line of cancerous cells.
Another advantage of strawberries is not only their positive effect on diabetes management but also that they are among the most healthful fruits you can have. They are comprised of quite a few calories with 1 cup of fresh strawberries being approximately 46 calories. These fruits also provide Vitamin C and K, as well as folate, manganese, and potassium.
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The glycemic index (GI) indicates how fast some foods can raise the level of blood sugar when eaten. Low GI foods are absorbed by the body at a slow rate leading to a constant rise of the blood sugar level, whereas high GI foods cause a sudden spike at a higher rate. Strawberries are favorable to people affected with diabetes since their GI levels range from 25 to 40 which qualifies them to be included in their diets.
However, this should be noted as the GI only presents general information and individual food reactions do not necessarily follow the same pattern. Furthermore, the GI of food may change with factors like ripeness, cooking methods and the combination which other foods in the meal.
Strawberries are a treat delectable fruit that is readily fit to be used in a balanced diet for diabetic patients and can be used in many different ways. Here are some tips on how to add strawberry in diabetes to your meals and snacks:
Fresh strawberries can be relished in many different ways, one of which is eating them raw. Scoop some fresh strawberries on top of your morning cereal or yoghurt or you can eat them as a refreshing snack anytime.
Add strawberries to your favourite smoothie or shake beverage recipe. Strawberries provide their fibre and nutrients which can be used to balance sugar in some other ingredients, such as milk, yoghurt or fruits.
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Include strawberries that are sliced in your salads to have a flavorful and colourful booster. They are also a good companion with spinach, arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette. Additionally, use them fresh in vegetable side dishes to add some fruity flavour to the dishes.
Curb your craving for sweets using strawberries to make desserts that are ideal for you if you have diabetes. One easy recipe you could try is a strawberry chia pudding, a strawberry-topped angel food cake or a parfait with strawberries and Greek yoghurt.
You can spruce up your water by adding sliced strawberries into it, to have a nice and thirst-quenching drink. This is a means by which you can also augment your water intake while experiencing the fruit’s natural sweet beginning.
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Even though strawberry in diabetes are a healthy option the control of the portion still should be done. Consuming a serving size of about 1 cup or 8 medium-size strawberries which is equivalent to approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates is a relatively fair portion of the food.
To compensate for the number of carbohydrates from strawberries, combine them with a protein source such as Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, or a few handfuls of nuts. Fibre, protein, and healthy fats work together to reduce the absorption of sugar, preventing the rush of blood sugar and keeping you full for longer.
Take into consideration that moderation is crucial especially when eating any fruit including strawberries as part of the diabetic-friendly diet. In addition to that, it is imperative to keep tabs on your blood sugar levels and work with your care team to modify your diet and medication according to the normal parameters.
Incorporating strawberry in diabetes in a balanced manner helps you to take advantage of their sweet taste and health benefits and also helps to effectively manage your diabetes.
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In summary, the use of strawberry in diabetes is not only permissible but also highly recommended. These mouthwatering berries provide a lot of benefits beginning with a low glycemic index and high fibre content and then progressing to antioxidant properties, better blood sugar regulation, reduced inflammation, increased insulin sensitivity, and only then heart health and cancer-fighting abilities. Not only with its nutritious profile and low-calorie content, strawberries are an important addition to a diet that is diabetes-friendly. Nonetheless, it is good to consult your doctor or a dietitian to ascertain that you include strawberries in your diet that are compatible with your specific needs and objectives.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Beato App does not claim responsibility for this information.
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