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Fruits form an integral part of a balanced diet. Children are always encouraged to include fresh fruits and vegetables in their daily diets growing up. Fruits provide essential nutrients necessary for the functioning of the human body.
But are you free to eat any fruit you like if you have diabetes? Certainly not. Not all fruits are diabetes-friendly. A person with diabetes has to choose fruits and food items that, after eating, do not spike his blood sugar level. You may think this selective eating will leave them out with very few options, but that is not the case.
Many fruits and food items are low glycemic, meaning eating them does not cause significant changes in the sugar levels. Eating food items that are low glycemic and moderately glycemic is advisable for people diagnosed with diabetes.
Can Diabetics Eat Jackfruit?
Diabetes patients can eat jackfruit but in moderation.
Jackfruit has not always been popular across the globe. The popularity enjoyed by jackfruit is relatively newfound. Jackfruit is a rich source of plant-based protein. Therefore it is also used as an alternative to meat sometimes. After cooking, the texture of jackfruit resembles that of cooked meat; hence jackfruit has replaced it in vegan cuisines.
The origin of jackfruit likes in South India, and jackfruit is a spiky, green fruit with a yellow core on the inside. Jackfruit belongs to the fig family.
Jackfruits are sweet to taste and have sugars, but they are also rich in fiber and proteins. Proteins and fibers are helpful for people detected with diabetes. When eaten in moderate quantities, jackfruits can help control blood sugar levels.
Jackfruits are also rich in vitamins and minerals; a diabetes patient can benefit from these nutrients. However, the carbohydrate content of jackfruit is a bit on the higher side, and diabetes patients must watch their carb intake, so it is better to eat jackfruits moderately.
7 Benefits Of Jackfruit For Diabetes
Although to be enjoyed in moderation, jackfruit benefits for diabetes patients are aplenty. It’s not just the fruit; the leaves and seeds of jackfruit are beneficial for diabetes patients.
The benefits of jackfruit for diabetes are-
1- Helps Control Blood Sugar:
Even though jackfruit contains natural sugars and jackfruit sugar content is high, it helps control blood sugar levels.
The high amount of dietary fibers present in jackfruit slow down the digestion process and control the sugar levels from a spike. The jackfruit glycemic index is between 50 and 60, making it a moderate glycemic food item.
Also, the proteins that exist in a jackfruit prevent blood glucose from spiking up. Jackfruit is also a good food choice for type 2 diabetes patients.
2- Rich In Nutrients:
Jackfruit is a treasure store of nutrients and minerals.
It contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and C, potassium, magnesium, manganese, riboflavin, copper, etc.
These nutrients can benefit diabetes patients by controlling blood sugar, building up immunity, or overall health monitoring.
3- As An Immunity Booster:
Along with nutrients and minerals, jackfruit also contains antioxidants. These antioxidants help boost immunity.
Jackfruits contain carotenoids which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Vitamin C in jackfruit can help combat flu and the common cold.
4- Enhance Skin Health:
The antioxidants and vitamin C present in jackfruit enhance skin health by looking young and fresh.
5- Jackfruit Leaves:
Jackfruit leaves are known to reduce and control the blood sugar level. They contain vitamin A and calcium necessary for keeping bones and vision healthy. These are the benefits of jackfruit leaves for diabetes.
6- Benefits Of Jackfruit Seeds:
Jackfruit seeds, when crushed into a powder, resemble flour. This jackfruit flour also helps control the blood sugar levels of diabetes patients.
Although the jackfruit is delicious to taste and quite aromatic, the seed powder lacks both- aroma and taste.
7- Benefits Of Eating Raw Jackfruit:
Eating raw jackfruit is better than cooking it and then eating it. Raw jackfruit contains less sugar than ripe jackfruit.
It also contains more potassium and fiber than ripe or cooked jackfruit.
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FAQs
Does Jackfruit Increase Blood Sugar?
Yes, jackfruit has the potential to raise your blood sugar levels.
Jackfruit consists of carbohydrates, and these carbs are in the form of naturally occurring sugars. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, these sugars spike blood sugar. Blood sugar levels remain controlled because of dietary fibers and proteins in a jackfruit.
But technically speaking, jackfruit does increase blood sugar.
Jackfruit For Gestational Diabetes?
Eating jackfruit is known to control diabetes, and it may also prove to be good for gestational diabetes. However, moderation while eating jackfruit during pregnancy is necessary. It would be better if diabetes patients avoided jackfruit during pregnancy.
High fiber content can lead to gastrointestinal issues, while high sugar can spike blood sugar levels. Both of these situations can be dangerous during pregnancy.
How Much Sugar Is In A Jackfruit?
It is a fact that jackfruit contains high amounts of natural sugars. Despite this fact, moderate quantities of jackfruit benefit diabetes patients.
A ripe jackfruit contains approximately 31-32 grams of sugar. Therefore, a diabetes patient should be okay having an occasional and moderate serving of jackfruit now and then.
What Is The Side Effects Of Eating Jackfruit?
Jackfruit benefits might be many; there are side effects too. Not of the severe types, but there are still side effects.
Inflammations and body discomforts are relevant among diabetes patients who are allergic to jackfruit.
Jackfruit increases blood coagulation. Doctors often advise against eating jackfruits pre and post surgeries.
Can Diabetic Patient Eat Ripe Jackfruit?
Although a diabetes patient can eat moderate quantities of ripe jackfruit, it is advisable to eat raw jackfruit than ripe jackfruit.
It is because raw jackfruit contains fewer sugars than ripe jackfruits.
Conclusion:
Diabetes patients can have jackfruit in moderation.
Jackfruit is a rich plant-based protein source and replaces meat in some cuisines.
Jackfruits have natural sugars and carbohydrates in large numbers, but they also have high proteins and fibers in equally large numbers. These proteins and fibers help control blood sugar levels.
Jackfruit contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and C, potassium, magnesium, manganese, etc. These help in building body immunity against several diseases.
The fruit, stem, leaves, and seeds of the jackfruit tree are all beneficial for people with diabetes. Eating jackfruit in moderate quantities is known to control blood sugar, improve skin quality, provide the body with nutrients, and build immunity.