Can diabetes patients eat watermelon, what do experts say?

Does Watermelon Raise Blood Sugar Levels: Watermelon is the most favorite fruit of summer, but when it comes to diabetes, people often get confused whether it is safe to eat it or not? Experts say that watermelon is not completely prohibited, but it is very important to take care of the quantity and method. Let us tell you what things should be kept in mind while eating it.

Why can it be harmful for diabetes patients?

According to the report of healthline, a website providing information about health, watermelon contains natural sugar, which can affect blood sugar. But its effect depends on how much you are eating. For example, one cup of chopped watermelon (about 152 grams) contains about 9.42 grams of sugar and 11.5 grams of carbohydrates, while a large slice contains about 286 grams. Therefore it is important to keep portion control.

Can diabetic patients eat it?

The good thing is that watermelon in limited quantities can become a part of a balanced diet. The American Diabetes Association also recommends that diabetic patients can eat fresh fruits, provided they do not contain added sugar. Along with fiber, watermelon contains nutrients like vitamin A, C, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, iron and calcium, which are beneficial for the body.

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healthy for you

Vitamin A is good for eye health, while Vitamin C helps in increasing immunity and keeping the heart healthy. The anti-oxidants present in watermelon are also helpful in protecting the body from free radicals. It also contains an element called lycopene, which can help in reducing the risk of heart related diseases and the risk of heart disease is higher in diabetic patients.

keeps the body hydrated

Another benefit of watermelon is its high water content. It is rich in more than 90 percent water, due to which the body remains hydrated and the stomach feels full. Along with this, the fiber present in it helps in improving digestion.

advice on eating in balance

If we talk about glycemic index, the GI of watermelon is around 72, which is considered slightly high. But its glycemic load is low, that is, when eaten in right quantity it does not affect the blood sugar much. This is the reason why experts do not prohibit it completely, but recommend eating it in balance. It is also important for diabetic patients to take watermelon with a balanced diet instead of eating it in large quantities alone. Along with this, it is better to prefer fresh fruits rather than dry fruits or juice.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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