Fruits Good for Diabetes People: List of Diabetics Friendly Fruits

Reviewed By Dietitian Dt. SEEMA GOEL (Senior Dietitian) November 29, 2023

Last updated on October 15th, 2023

Don’t eat MANGO, as you are diabetic. Mango has high sugar content and it can be harmful. Many diabetic patients would have heard such statements. Can eating fruit cause any harm while you are diabetic? If yes, then which fruit should I eat and which fruits I should avoid? Read the article below to understand the best choices of fruits for diabetes patients.

fruits for diabetes patients

Fruits and Their Dietary Importance

Fruits are the best options available while you are hungry. Fruits are a rich source of carbohydrates, essential vitamins and minerals, and fibres needed for a healthy diet. Certain nutrients can only be found in fruits. Thus, fruits are essential to us to have a balanced and healthy diet.

Also Read: Diabetes Diet Plan Indian

Why Eat Fruits When You are Diabetic

Fruits’ composition makes them necessary dietary substances.

  • The main composition of fruits is carbohydrates. Fruits contain natural sugar Fructose.
  • Fruits are a source of minerals and vitamins which are important for our body. For example, Citrus fruits are the source of Vitamin A and C, Banana is a source of Potassium and tryptophan while Apples provide Iron and essential minerals, etc. All these vitamins and minerals are needed in ensuring proper body metabolism.
  • Fruits are also a rich source of fibers. Fibers are essential for a bowel movement and in controlling cholesterol and sugar levels of the body. It helps in maintaining a healthy weight and thus essential for a healthy body.
  • Fruits contain certain compounds like phytochemicals and antioxidants. These compounds are found to reduce the risk of diseases like cancer, heart diseases, and stroke. 

Summary:

Fruits contain Carbs, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fibres needed for healthy body functioning. Thus, fruits are an essential part of our dietary plate.

Fruits & Diabetes: Fruits For Diabetics

Diabetes is a condition wherein the body fails to maintain normal blood sugar levels. The best way to manage Diabetes is to have a proper medicine plan, a proper diet plan, and a healthy lifestyle.

There is a myth related to fruits and diabetes. The myth is to avoid fruits while you are diabetic. But numerous health researchers recommend that fruits are essential for a healthy lifestyle. They thus recommend a rich fruit diet to diabetic patients.

Also Read: Blood Sugar Level Chart According to Age

Glycemic Index of Fruits Which Are Good for Diabetes

If you are diabetic the safest way of selecting good fruit is through the help of glycemic Index (GI) or glycemic load (GL).

The Glycemic Index is the ranking of food products on a scale of 1 to 100. The ranks are based on the way these food products raise blood sugar levels. Fruits with a high glycemic index are absorbed at faster rates when compared with medium or low glycemic fruits.

Fruits Glycemic Index or GI
Apple 35
Banana 48
Strawberries 25
Peaches 40
Citrus Fruits 30
Mango 56
Pineapple 66
Watermelon 75
Grapes 56
Lychee 50
Black Plums 35
Pomegranates 35
Guava 31
Cherries 25
Pear 30

Thus, low glycemic index fruits (GI value less than 50) are good for diabetic patients. Glycemic load (GL) on the other hand is the total glycemic index and the carbohydrates consumed in one serving. It is the best way of assessing the food impact on blood sugar levels.

Low Glycemic load (GL) (values less than or equal to 10) fruits are good for diabetic patients. Example: Apples GL value 6, Banana GL value 10.

Summary:

Fruits with low GI value and Low GL value are good for diabetic patients.

List of Fruits to Eat in Diabetes

List of Fruits to Eat in Diabetes

Based on the glycemic index and glycemic load combination, the following fruits are good for diabetic patients.

1. Apple

They are rich in vitamin C and fibre. It has 77 calories and 21 g of carbs. Apple skin contains polyphenol compounds. These compounds trigger pancreas to produce insulin. These compounds help in decreasing insulin resistance and thereby help in reducing blood sugar levels. The outer skin of apples also has antioxidant properties. Thus, apples are good for reducing the risks of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Apple is one of the best fruit for diabetes patients.

2. Banana

A medium-sized banana has 3 g of fibre, 29 g of carbs, and 112 calories. These are also rich in potassium and vitamin C. Banana contains all the vital nutrients. It is therefore the best option for a balanced diet. But browner bananas as they are ripe tend to have more sugar content and thus can increase sugar levels. Thus, for diabetic patients, it is better to have a small to medium-sized banana. Being rich in potassium and vitamin C, Banana is one of the best fruits for diabetics.

Read more: can diabetics eat banana daily?

3. Strawberries

The GI value for strawberries is 25 and GL value is 3, which makes it a perfect choice for diabetic patients. Strawberries help in regulating blood sugar levels due to slower absorption rates. Strawberries have 11 g of carbs and 2g of fibers. Rich Vitamin C helps in improving immunity, increases body metabolism, and helps in reducing body weight. It also reduces ad cholesterol level and thus reduces risks of cardiovascular diseases. Due to their low GI value, strawberries is one of the best fruits recommended for diabetic patients

4. Peaches

Peach is a diabetes-friendly fruit that contains metabolism-boosting potassium, vitamin A and C as well as fiber. One large peach has 70 calories and 2 g of fiber. The GI value is 42 and the GL value is making it the perfect fruit for diabetic patients. These enhance body metabolism, blood circulation and thus reduce the risk of heart diseases.

5. Citrus fruits

These are fruits that are rich in Vitamin C, folate, potassium, and vitamin K. Example: Grapes, Lemon, Oranges, Kiwi. Citrus fruit Vitamin C helps in reducing blood glucose levels. 1000 mg of daily vitamin C intake reduces blood glucose levels in type-2 diabetes patients. It is also a powerful antioxidant and thus helps in healing the cells damaged by free radicals. Such healing is necessary to reduce the risk and complications of type-2 diabetes.

6. Black plums

Jamun is a miracle fruit for diabetes as it has a low glycemic index and is rich in soluble fibers. It also helps to cure diabetic symptoms like excess urination and thirst as well as improve insulin sensitivity. 9 grams of plums have about 1.4 g of carbohydrates

7. Pomegranates

These are generally rich in sugar content but are a high source of antioxidants. These thus help in reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation a vital process for increasing insulin sensitivity and thus helping in controlling type-2 diabetes. Pomegranates reduce fasting blood glucose levels at a higher rate. These also help in regulating blood flow and protect from free-radical thus reducing risks of cardiovascular diseases, especially in type-2 diabetic patients.

Read more: Can diabetics eat pomegranate?

8. Guava

Guava is a highly nutritious fruit as it has high amounts of lycopene, dietary fiber, and rich in vitamin C, A, and potassium. It helps in maintaining good bowel movements. It is the best choice when it comes to weight management. The fruit as well as its leaves have low GI and GL values and thus helps to control blood sugar levels. One guava (55g) has 38 calories.

9. Cherries

Cherries have the lowest glycemic index and don’t cause spikes in blood glucose levels. It also contains chemicals called anthocyanins that boost insulin production. 100 g of cherries has 63 calories. Thus, cherries are one of the fruits good for the diabetic person.

10. Pear

Pear is a wonderful addition to your diabetes diet plan as it is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin K. It has a low GI index and thus decreases the rate of absorption of glucose. 180 g pears have 5.5g of fibre, which is 20% of the fibre needed in a day. Anthocyanins present in pears are good for reducing blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetic patients. Potassium and antioxidants present in pears make them best for maintaining good bowel conditions.

Also Read: Fibre Rich Fruits for Diabetes

Types of Fruits for Diabetics to Avoid

Types of Fruits for Diabetics to Avoid

Fruits to limit when you are diabetic are:

  • Avoid fruits with High glycemic index values. But if you are willing to eat such fruits then a balanced diet is the best option.
    For example, Pineapple, Pumpkin, and watermelon are high glycemic fruits that can be consumed by diabetic patients only with balanced options i.e in little quantity and with care.
  • Fruit Juices: Avoid fruit juices as they tend to raise blood sugar levels instantly.
  • Dried fruits: These are rich in GI value and GL values. Thus, avoid them as they contain more sugar than fresh fruits. If you want to consume them then use only very little portions of them.
  • Cooked Fruits: Do not eat cooked fruits.
  • Fruits flavours: Flavored fruit products should be avoided as they are rich in sugar content. Example: Jam, fruit yogurt, candy, etc.
  • Applesauce & processed fruits: Don’t eat applesauce and processed fruits as they are rich in sugar content and can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.

Summary:

Avoid Fruits with high GI value and high GL value, dried fruits. If consumed then they must be consumed with moderation.

Best Ways to Eat Fruits While Diabetic

Everyone has different needs for carbs. Consult the dietitian for a good fruit diet plan. Generally, diabetic patients should eat 2 to 4 servings of fruits each day. A single-serve is nearly 150 g of the fruit.

The 1 serving of fruit portion shall give 15g of carbs. 1 serving for each fruit is as follows:

  • 1 cup of strawberries
  • 3/ 4 cup of black plums
  • 1 medium-sized orange
  • 1 small piece of apple, peach, or pear
  • 1/2 medium-sized banana.
  • 2 small kiwis
  • 1 cup of watermelon
  • 18 small cherries or grapes
  • 2 tablespoons of raisins
  • Yes, 1/3 portion of a medium-sized mango

Plan well before you consume the fruit of your choice.

A Final Thought:

Fruits are a rich source of nutrients essential for our body metabolism and boosting our health. The choices of fruits shall vary from one diabetic person to another. It is advised to consult a dietician and have blood sugar checked up before consuming the perfect fruit in your diet plan.

Remember:

  • Consume only Low GI and Low GL fruits.
  • Take High GI fruits and dried fruits in very less quantity with care.
  • Avoid processed and canned fruits, cooked fruits, and juices. 
  • Get regular blood sugar levels checked up.

Also Read: Benefits of Saunf

FAQ’s:

What are the 5 best fruits for diabetes?

The five best fruits for diabetes are berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries), cherries, apples, citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, grapefruits), and avocados, as they have lower glycemic indices and provide essential nutrients.

Is pear good for diabetes?

Pear is a wonderful addition to your diabetes diet plan as it is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin K. It has a low GI index and thus decreases the rate of absorption of glucose.

Fruits harmful in diabetes?

Fruits with high glycemic index value if taken in large quantity are harmful for diabetic persons. For example Pineapple, Ripen banana, large sized mangoes, high quantity watermelon, cooked fruits, fruit juices, apple sauces, packed and processed fruits.

Is kiwi good for diabetes?

Kiwi slows down the digestion and thus helpsin lowering blood glucose levels. It has high source of vitamin C, fibre and water content suitable for lowering blood glucose levels. Thus, kiwi is good for diabetes.

Does guava raise blood sugar?

Guava has low glycemic index value and thus doesnot raise blood sugar immediately. It is a high source of vitamin C and has low sodium and potassium content making it a perfect diabetic fruit. It has good fibre content that helps in good bowel movement. Guava skin may cause spikes in blood glucose levles, so peel and enjoy guava.

Watermelon for diabetic patient?

Watermelon has high glycemic index value. This means it shall increase blood sugar levels immedately after eating. But it is of great nutrional benfit. It has lycopen that reduces risk of cancer and heart disease. It has high fibre and water content essential for weight management. Thus, a diabetic person can eat watermelon only in limited amounts like 150 gm at one time.

Which fruits are good for diabetics?

Last updated on September 5th, 2023

Fruits with low glycemic index values are good for diabetics includes strawberries, Black Jamun, Kiwi, small apple, Guava, Pear and peaches. But all fruits should be taken in limited amounts and as per dietician recommendations.

Which fruit is good for sugar patient?

Last updated on September 5th, 2023

There are so many fruits are available for people with diabetes. But fruits with low glycemic value are good for diabetes. If the GI value is low then the fruit is good to eat.

What is fruit sugar and why it is bad for diabetic persons?

Fruits contain natural sugar Fructose. This is decomposed to glucose and released into the bloodstream. It is not bad. It is good for our body. Only excessive fructose levels can harm you if you are diabetic.

Which fruits should I eat when I am diabetic and have heart-related problems?

Fruits rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fibers. For example Peaches, Apples and Avocados.

Can I eat Mango if I am diabetic?

Eating any fruit within your recommended calorie intake will not cause any problem if you are diabetic. Mangoes have a GI value of 51 and thus have no drastic effect on blood sugar levels. But generally sweet and rich in calories can affect your blood sugar levels. Thus, it is recommended to 1 to 2 slices of small to medium-sized mango per day.

Last Updated on by Dr. Damanjit Duggal 

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