How Dragon Fruit Affects Blood Sugar Levels
Dragon fruit is an exotic fruit that belongs to the cactus family of plants and has some unique health benefits. Dragon fruit is full of nutrients, which makes it an excellent fruit. Because it is a sweet fruit, diabetic patients think many times before eating it. Let’s know whether dragon fruit is good for diabetic people or not. So, let’s know about Dragon fruit and blood sugar.
Nutrition of Dragon Fruit:
Dragon fruit contains approximately 60 calories. The fruit is rich in vitamins, including vitamins C, B1, B2, and B3. Dragon fruit also contains many minerals, including:
- Calcium;
- Iron;
- Magnesium;
- Phosphorus.
In addition, the fruit is a good source of:
- Fiber;
- Protein;
- Omega Fatty Acids.
The fruit is an antioxidant. Due to these properties, dragon fruit is a valuable fruit for health.
Dragon Fruit and Blood Sugar:
Dragon fruit has a low glycemic index (GI). It is no less than a boon for diabetes patients. Foods that have a low GI index are beneficial for diabetes. Eating dragon fruit reduces the risk of sudden increase in blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is often accompanied by oxidative stress (a process that causes tissue damage), in which there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Dragon fruit contains antioxidants including vitamin C, betalains, and flavonoids. These compounds destroy free radicals. Also, reduces inflammation in the body. Include dragon fruit in the diet to protect diabetes patients from oxidative damage.
Fiber is beneficial for diabetes patients. It calms your hunger and you do not need to eat frequently. Fiber is found in dragon fruit, which improves digestion and helps in controlling diabetes. It also provides relief from constipation, bloating, gas, and acidity.
Is dragon fruit good for diabetics?
Dragon fruit is a fruit rich in properties such as antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. All of these can do wonders for your health. It also contains fiber, which can help control your blood sugar levels. Dragon fruit is considered a low glycemic index fruit. According to experts, its GI is low between 48-52, so consuming it in small quantities helps control blood sugar. A study also found that dragon fruit can help control blood sugar levels and keep your diabetes under control.
How much dragon fruit should diabetics eat?
Eating 100 grams of fruit provides 60 calories of energy. A person suffering from diabetes cannot consume more than 100 grams of dragon fruit per day. This will help reduce blood sugar spikes and aid weight loss. On the other hand, if it is consumed with other fruits, about 50 grams can be consumed.
Are there any side effects of dragon fruit for diabetics?
General studies have not shown any side effects in people who eat dragon fruit. However, if someone is allergic to the fruit, they may show symptoms such as swelling of the tongue, burning or itching of the tongue. Dragon fruit is also great for improving gut health. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great addition to a heart-healthy diet. The benefits of eating dragon fruit don’t end here. Since it is high in omega-3s and other nutrients, it can help keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce fat-related diseases.