Content
- 1 How grapefruit affects blood sugar
- 2 Is it possible to eat grapefruit if you have diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2?
- 3 Beneficial properties of grapefruit for diabetes
- 4 Harm and contraindications of grapefruit for diabetes
- 5 How and how much to use
- 6 Recipes with grapefruit for diabetics
- 7 Recommendations for diabetics
- 8 Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus makes certain adjustments to a person’s diet. After all, failure to follow nutritional rules can lead to deterioration in well-being. Therefore, you need to know exactly which foods are safe, including fruits. Indeed, in winter, grapefruits appear in abundance on store shelves. They are valued for their high content of vitamins and minerals. But is it possible to consume grapefruit for various types of diabetes mellitus? You need to figure it out in order to eliminate the possibility of exacerbation of the disease.
Grapefruit is the healthiest citrus, according to nutritionists
How grapefruit affects blood sugar
Studies conducted by nutritionists in San Diego have shown that this fruit helps lower human blood sugar levels. This is due to the high fiber content of grapefruit. After all, it is she who normalizes digestive processes in the body, slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, due to which grapefruit lowers blood sugar.
The glycemic level of its pulp is 25 Units, and the carbohydrate content per 100 g of product is 11 g.
Is it possible to eat grapefruit if you have diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2?
This citrus is not only possible, but also necessary to eat regularly for various types of diabetes. Doctors came to these conclusions when, during a special experiment, patients were given ½ grapefruit with each meal. This prevented a sharp increase in glucose and also gave a long-lasting feeling of fullness.
Due to its high flavonol content, nobelitine grapefruit helps prevent the development of obesity, which is typical for people suffering from type 1 disease. This component is also useful because it activates the production of insulin in the body. This property of grapefruit is important for type 2 diabetics.
Beneficial properties of grapefruit for diabetes
Citrus is characterized by a rich chemical composition, which is responsible for its health benefits. The substances included in its composition help improve the well-being of a person suffering from diabetes and prevent its development.
Among them:
- vitamins of group B, A, C, PP;
- a complex of macro- and microelements, including potassium, zinc, calcium, iron;
- alimentary fiber;
- organic acids.
In addition, grapefruit is also useful for diabetes because it contains naringin, which is responsible for the bitter taste of the fruit. This component is a natural antioxidant and helps reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body and increase the absorption of insulin. This normalizes the functioning of the heart muscle.
Regular consumption of the fruit allows you to increase the resistance of a weakened body with diabetes to viruses and stress, normalize sleep, and improve your emotional state.
The benefit of citrus is that it improves kidney function and has a gentle diuretic effect. This helps prevent swelling, reduces the load on internal organs and systems, which helps improve their functioning.
The calorie content of 100 g of fresh grapefruit is 35 Kcal
Harm and contraindications of grapefruit for diabetes
Even though grapefruit does not raise blood sugar, in some cases it can be harmful to a person with diabetes. Therefore, before introducing fruit into your diet, you must first familiarize yourself with its contraindications.
Among them:
- individual intolerance;
- ulcer;
- chronic gastritis with high acidity;
- liver and kidney diseases;
- pancreatitis;
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- problems with the oral cavity;
- hepatitis.
Grapefruit is incompatible with more than a hundred types of medications. Therefore, before using it, consultation with your doctor is necessary. The interval between taking the drug and grapefruit should be at least two hours.
The time of consumption of citrus is also of great importance. It should not be eaten in the morning on an empty stomach, or in the evening before bed.
How and how much to use
Knowing whether grapefruit raises blood sugar or not, we can say that the fruit is not dangerous for various types of diabetes. In order for it to bring maximum health benefits, you need to know how to use it correctly.
According to doctors, if you have diabetes, you can eat grapefruit pulp, as well as drink juice based on it.The recommended daily dosage in the first case is 120-150 g, and in the second - 200 ml.
But if you have gestational diabetes, grapefruit juice should not be consumed, as it contains much more sugar than the slices, since it does not contain fiber. And this can cause excess body weight during pregnancy.
Recipes with grapefruit for diabetics
If you have high sugar levels, grapefruit is one of the healthiest fruits. To diversify the menu, it is permissible to include citrus in salads, desserts, and ice cream. You can use it to prepare sauces for meat and fish, jam, and fruit drinks. However, preparing dishes requires following the recipe so that they bring maximum benefit to diabetes.
Grapefruit jam
You can use not only ripe, but also slightly unripe grapefruits for this recipe. To make jam, you need a wide pan to ensure uniform evaporation of moisture during the cooking process. It is also recommended to stir the dessert regularly and control the temperature so that it constantly boils, but not too much. This will result in jam with a uniform consistency that will retain most of the vitamins and minerals.
You will need:
- 2 grapefruits;
- 15 g sugar substitute;
- 400 ml water.
Cooking process:
- Wash citrus fruits thoroughly.
- Peel the peel, remove the film from the slices.
- Place the fruit in an enamel container.
- Pour in water and cook until the fruit mass becomes thick and homogeneous.
- Add sugar substitute, mix thoroughly.
- Allow to cool.
- Place into sterilized jars.
The jam acquires a balanced taste after two days.It is recommended to store it in the refrigerator.
The daily intake of jam for diabetes of various types is 40 g
Grapefruit ice cream
Making healthy ice cream for diabetes from grapefruit at home is easy. To do this, you just need to strictly follow the technological process.
You will need:
- 2-3 grapefruits;
- sugar substitute.
Algorithm of actions:
- Wash the citrus fruits thoroughly.
- Peel them.
- Remove the protective film from the slices.
- Grind the fruit in a blender until smooth.
- Add sugar substitute to taste.
- To stir thoroughly.
- Pour into molds, cover with lids.
- Place in the freezer.
This dessert is especially relevant in summer during the heat. But so that it does not harm your health, you need to consume it in doses - 150 g per day.
Ice cream is not recommended for long-term storage, as its taste changes over time.
Grapefruit sauce
Grapefruit lowers blood sugar in diabetics, even when made into sauce. It can be an excellent addition to various dishes and will help improve your appetite.
You will need:
- 1 medium sized grapefruit;
- 40 g butter;
- sugar substitute and salt to taste.
Cooking process:
- Wash the citrus thoroughly.
- Peel it.
- Remove the film from the pulp, which gives bitterness.
- Grind the citrus in a blender until smooth.
- Balance the taste with a sugar and salt substitute.
- Pour the citrus mass into a saucepan.
- Cook it until thickened over low heat, stirring constantly.
It is recommended to store the sauce in the refrigerator for no more than three days. Pour it into glass containers.
You can also add an apple to the sauce
Morse
If you have diabetes, it is also recommended to prepare grapefruit-based drinks. They help quench thirst and reduce blood glucose levels.
For fruit drink you will need:
- 3 liters of purified water;
- 1 kg grapefruit;
- 1 tsp. sugar substitute.
Cooking process:
- Wash citrus fruits thoroughly.
- Remove the peel and remove the top film from the slices.
- Place the zest in an enamel pan.
- Add water and sugar substitute.
- After boiling, cook for five minutes over low heat.
The drink acquires a balanced taste after two hours.
It is recommended to drink fruit drink cool
Recommendations for diabetics
You cannot purchase grapefruits that have not reached technical maturity. In this case, fruits will not be beneficial for diabetes, but will also cause an eating disorder. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the fruit.
Citrus should be large, heavy, and have shiny peel. The ripeness of a grapefruit can also be determined by its aroma. In this case, the citrus smell should be rich.
Citrus will bring maximum benefits for diabetes if you buy it during the period of mass ripening. This reduces the likelihood that the fruits were harvested ahead of schedule. It is recommended to store fresh fruit in the refrigerator. The shelf life of the product is ten days.
Conclusion
Grapefruit for diabetes is one of those fruits that help normalize metabolic processes. In addition, citrus helps strengthen the weakened body’s resistance to viruses, infections, and bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly include it in the menu in measured quantities.
