The sweet and tangy flavor of cranberry juice makes it a common beverage. It contains a lot of sugar, like most juices, which may be problematic for diabetics. So, is cranberry juice good for diabetics?
The pros and cons of cranberry juice for people with diabetes are discussed in this post.
Diabetes And Cranberry Juice
As long as you’re aware of your carb consumption and portion proportions, people with diabetes may still enjoy most foods.
Despite having many minerals, cranberry juice is deficient in dietary fiber.
It implies that when you sip on a small glass of this drink, your body quickly absorbs the sugar, which may result in an abrupt rise in blood sugar levels.
Fruit juice is often not recommended in favor of entire fruits.
Fruits in their whole form have higher vitamin and fiber content, meaning they have less impact on blood sugar levels.
So, does cranberry juice raise your blood sugar?
No more than half a cup should be consumed if you drink pure cranberry juice (125 mL).
It is a single serving by the diabetic food exchange list, containing about 15 grams of sugar-containing carbohydrates.
Choose light cranberry juice, which typically has half as much sugar and calories as regular cranberry juice.
Sucralose and other artificial sweeteners are commonly used to make it, which may only slightly raise your blood sugar levels.
However, cranberry juice may not be tolerated equally by everyone.
It is advisable to closely check your blood sugar levels when you have diabetes and consume a cup of cranberry juice.
Consult your health instructor if you are worried about controlling your blood sugar levels.
Health Advantages Of Cranberries
- Increase Heart Health
The body produces less low-density lipoprotein, sometimes known as bad cholesterol, thanks to the antioxidants included in cranberries.
Your cholesterol will be lowered, as a result, minimizing your chance of developing heart disease. They also guard against oxidative cardiac damage.
- Helps In Digestion
They support the development of beneficial microorganisms in the intestine.
The insoluble fiber included in cranberries helps to support regular bowel movements, serves as a prebiotic (food for good bacteria in the stomach), and improves the condition of your digestive system.
- Increases immunity
Cranberries’ vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are numerous and improve immunity.
Consuming cranberries frequently prevents diseases and other medical issues while promoting good health.
So, can cranberry juice lower blood sugar?
- Contains Blood Pressure Control
The amount of plant compounds in cranberries that improve the health of your heart and blood vessels helps to maintain appropriate blood pressure levels.
Your blood pressure will decrease as a result of the decreased artery stiffness and improved blood flow.
- Blood Sugar Level Effects of Cranberries
The International Tables of Glycaemic Index (GI) place this item at position 59.
However, cranberry juice requires dietary fiber and includes several vitamins.
It suggests that when you have a small glass of this beverage, your body’s sugar is quickly digested, which may result in an abrupt rise in blood sugar levels.
It’s best to consume premium natural goods rather than drinks made from natural ingredients most of the time.
Conclusion
So, is cranberry juice good for diabetics? Many individuals like drinking cranberry juice because it is healthy.
But if you have diabetes, its high sugar content and potential for blood sugar spikes might be a problem.
Even for people with diabetes, cranberry juice may be used in moderation, as with most foods, to maintain a balanced diet.
However, it would be best to always get medical advice before taking it.