IS ORANGE GOOD FOR DIABETES
Fruits that are in season and fresh are an essential component of a balanced diet. They are abundant in several antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that are necessary for performing several bodily processes. Health professionals frequently stress the need of incorporating fruits of all varieties and colours in one’s diet. But even when it comes to fruits, if you have diabetes, you need to be a little more careful about what you put on your plate. Melons and chikoos, two fruits with high sugar content or glycaemic index, are not particularly recommended for diabetics. Consuming fruits like oranges, however, has been associated with reduced blood sugar levels.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF ORANGES
Oranges are a well-known citrus fruit that is frequently eaten as a snack or added to fresh juices. About 60 calories, 12 grammes of sugar, 1 gramme of protein, 15.4 grammes of carbs, and 3 grammes of fibre are included in one medium-sized orange. Both sodium and fat are absent from it. With roughly 14 mcg of vitamin A, 70 mg of vitamin C, 237 mg of potassium, and 6% of your daily recommended intake of calcium, oranges are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
BENEFITS OF ORANGES TO DIABETES
- LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX
Oranges have a low GI rating. A person’s blood glucose levels gradually increase because of eating this fruit. And because of this, oranges are better for diabetes. However, GI shouldn’t be the only element considered when controlling blood sugar levels. The body’s response to blood glucose is also dependent on pairing it with wholesome fats or proteins.
- FIBRE
Undigested fibre stays in the intestine. It provides a variety of health advantages, including the management and prevention of diseases. Foods high in fibre are known to help people better control their blood sugar levels. The amount of fibre in one medium orange is around 4 grammes. According to research, fibre decreased the levels of HbA1C and fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetics. Following a meal, fibre prevents blood glucose levels from rising quickly. It accomplishes this by delaying stomach emptying and speeding up food passage through the gut.
- VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Oranges are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, especially for diabetics. Around 91% of the DV for vitamin C may be found in one medium-sized orange. This vitamin prevents oxidative stress in the body by acting as an antioxidant. Oxidative stress is brought on by elevated blood glucose levels. Additionally, this could cause problems and cellular damage. To counteract oxidative stress, the diabetic patient may have a high requirement for vitamin C.
- ANTIOXIDANTS
For diabetics, flavonoid antioxidants are particularly helpful. These flavonoids’ functions in combat include:
- inflammation,
- oxidative stress,
- insulin resistance
EAT WHOLE, DON’T MAKE A JUICE!!!
As a result, they aid in improving insulin sensitivity. Surprisingly, one of the foods with the highest availability of flavonoid antioxidants is orange. Blood oranges contain anthocyanins as well. It belongs to a group of flavonoids that are frequently found in foods that are red, purple, or blue. According to studies, these substances can help prevent heart issues, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
For the most health benefits, consume the fruit whole and in its natural state. Your blood sugar levels may rise, and you might lose some beneficial fibres if you drink its juice. According to a study in the journal Diabetes Care, citrus fruit consumption may reduce women’s chance of developing diabetes, while citrus fruit juice consumption may be harmful to women’s blood sugar levels.
In comparison to the GI score of a whole orange, the GI score of unsweetened orange juice is likewise approximately 50. (40).