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There are several struggles people with diabetes face. For a lot of diabetic patients, food is the biggest struggle.
Since many food myths fly around about diabetes, patients must know what’s true and not about the type of food they can consume.
While there are fruits that people with diabetes should avoid due to their high index levels, Dragon fruit appears to be one fruit most people are yet to try.
This leads to the question, “”can diabetics eat dragon fruit?””
Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya, is a highly nutritious fruit that grows on a climbing cactus known as Hylocereus, which originated in Central and South America but is found in tropical regions around the world. The fruit comes in a variety of colors:
- Red skin with red flesh.
- Red leather with white meat.
- Yellow skin with white flesh.
Dragon fruits contain an essential number of vitamins and minerals, but they are exceptionally high in Phytonutrients, Betacyanin, Vitamin C, and Lycopene.
They also contain a lot of pectin mucus, soluble fiber, and insoluble cellulose fiber, which help prevent constipation, obesity, atherosclerosis, colitis, etcetera.
Traditionally, dragon fruit has been used in the treatment of hypertension and regulation of blood glucose levels. It is therefore safe for people with diabetes to eat dragon fruit.
Let’s take a look at some dragon fruit diabetes health benefits.
Benefits Of Dragon Fruit For Diabetes:
● Reduces blood sugar levels:
Dragon fruit is known to have anti-diabetic effects by regenerating pancreatic beta cells—high doses of the fruit help reduce blood glucose levels in diabetics.
Due to its low glycemic index, which is less than 55, mainly provides slowly metabolized fructose natural sugar, which is very good for people with a diabetic condition.
● Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases:
Diabetic patients are highly susceptible to contracting cardiovascular diseases. This can be effectively managed through regular consumption of dragon fruit due to its control of oxidative damage and reduction of aortic stiffness in people with diabetes.
It reduces harmful cholesterol and promotes healthy fat, thereby making the heart work better. It is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats.
The black seeds in dragon fruit reduce triglycerides and improve cardiovascular function.
● Boosts Immunity:
Dragon fruit is an excellent booster of the immune system because it contains Vitamin C and Carotenoids. People with diabetes are at risk of fatal infections caused by viruses or bacteria. Hence, they need to build up a robust immune system.
● Reduces oxidative stress:
Dragon fruit contains an astonishing amount of antioxidants. Flavonoids and these Antioxidants act against free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress in diabetic people. Dragon fruit neutralizes these radicals, thereby averting cell damage.
● Rich in Fiber:
Dragon fruit contains two groups of fibers: Pectin and Cellulose, which contribute to slowing down the absorption of sugar, controlling blood glucose levels, and not increasing sugar mutation.
Research has shown that fiber aids digestion, protects against heart disease, and manages type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the high fiber content in dragon fruit promotes normal blood sugar levels and maintains blood pressure and weight. It is perfect for people with diabetes because it stabilizes and eliminates excess sugar in the body.
The abundant fiber in this fruit can control blood sugar and prevent the risk of diabetes.
● Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes:
Studies have shown that regular consumption of dragon fruit reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus for pre-diabetic patients.
● Aids weight loss:
Dragon fruit contains a shallow level of cholesterol and fats, which is good for maintaining average weight and avoiding obesity. Its seeds are also laced with omega three and Omega 6 fatty acids essential for your overall well-being.
FAQs on Dragon Fruit and Diabetes:
Is dragon fruit good for gestational diabetes?
People with gestational diabetes are advised to eat foods rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and fruits containing Vitamin A, B, C, K, fiber, magnesium, and potassium like dragon fruit. It is therefore evident that dragon fruit is good for gestational diabetes.
Is dragon fruit high in sugar?
Dragon fruit is a highly nutritious fruit containing low calories, less sugar, and a few carbs, unlike other tropical fruits.
The human body with diabetes is quite sensitive to foods or fruit with a high glycemic index, so careful food selection should be carried out.
Dragon fruit contains a low glycemic index indicating that the fruit is not high in sugar and does not negatively impact diabetic or pre-diabetic patients. It is safe to be included in diets for diabetic patients.
Is yellow dragon fruit good for diabetes?
Yellow dragon fruit contains a rich amount of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. It also contains fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants which are beneficial to the health of diabetic patients, making yellow dragon fruit suitable for diabetes.
Is dragon fruit good for blood sugar?
Yes, dragon fruit is good for blood sugar as it helps to improve and regulate the blood sugar level of diabetics. Research has shown that the more dragon fruit a person consumes, the more blood sugar benefits he enjoys.
Is dragon fruit good for diabetes type 2?
Yes, dragon fruit is good for diabetes type 2. The seeds have been traditionally used to regulate sugar levels. It has also been proven that high consumption of dragon fruit will prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Dragon fruit is potentially helpful for the management and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion:
Over and again, it has been proven that dragon fruit has preventive and curative effects on diabetic and pre-diabetic patients due to its nutritional content.
It doesn’t just taste great but also supplies essential nutrients needed by diabetic patients. However, patients must consult with their doctor before making dietary changes and ensuring this fruit is right for them.