In managing diabetes, there are lots of tips and advice on the types of food you can consume and the different precautions to be taken. Adhering to these rules could be cumbersome, and sometimes if care is not taken, we might go extreme and miss out on some amazing foods that could have been of great benefit to our bodies if consumed.
It is generally known that a diabetic should definitely cut out all sources of refined sugar and carbohydrates and fill up their kitchen pantry with more whole grains. In the quest of cutting off foods that might raise their blood sugar level, some people get confused about which fruits to take and which to take out. Below are some health benefits of consuming pomegranate for diabetes.
Nutritional Information
Pomegranates are known to be rich in plant compounds that provide antioxidants. Antioxidants help to maintain the structure of the cells in our body; therefore, they maintain and improve their function. According to the United Department of Agriculture (USDA), one 4” diameter pomegranate (282 grams) contains 4.71 grams of protein, 52.7 grams of carbohydrates (more than three servings of carbs), and 11.3 grams of fiber, which is almost 50% of the recommended intake of fiber on a 2000 calorie meal plan.
Rich in Fibre
As someone who is diabetic, Fibre-rich fruits and vegetables are a very important part of the meal plan, and one fiber-rich fruit you could consider loading up on is pomegranate. Remember that fiber is instrumental in maintaining normal gut health, cholesterol, blood pressure, and satiety.
Helps to Manage Several Conditions Linked with Diabetes
Just as some spices like cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, and turmeric are known to keep your blood sugar levels in check, some fruits are very great in managing diabetes, one of which is Pomegranate.
Pomegranates can help manage a lot of conditions that are known to be linked with diabetes too. Experts have claimed that pomegranate seeds may help improve insulin sensitivity and manage sugar levels which makes it a great fruit option for people living with diabetes.
Rich in Antioxidants
Pomegranates have almost three times the antioxidants of green tea and red wine. These antioxidants help in fighting damage caused by free radicals and chronic diseases like diabetes. Hence consuming pomegranates is a great way to maintain a balanced and healthy body system.
Great for Healthy Diabetic Meal Plans
Carbohydrates get metabolized very quickly causing blood sugar spikes. This is why diabetics are advised to include low-carb foods in their diet. Because pomegranates are low in carbs (19 grams in 100 grams). The estimated glycaemic load (GL) of pomegranate is 18, this makes it an excellent fruit to include in the diabetic meal plan to manage blood sugar levels.
So as a diabetic, feel free to go ahead and enjoy this delicious fruit. However, make sure you do not go overboard. Remember, the key to a healthy life is moderation.
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