Is it possible to eat citrus fruits for diabetes
Citrus fruits for diabetes are one of the permitted Fruits, but there are a number of restrictions and rules for their use. The diet of patients is compiled depending on the stage of the disease and the level of sugar in the blood.
Eating citrus fruits for diabetes
Diabetes diet
The diet of diabetics should be fortified with vitamins. As a result of disruption of the endocrine system, the protective function of the body decreases, patients are often sick, therefore they constantly need high-quality support. Citrus fruits for diabetes help to enrich the body with vitamins. They contain a large amount of antioxidants - vitamins C and B, which are necessary to improve the synthesis processes at the cellular level.
There are specially designed diets that involve daily consumption of citrus fruits. Their number should be strictly limited so as not to provoke deterioration. Patients should monitor blood sugar and follow other treatment instructions.
Permitted fruits:
- grapefruit;
- lemons;
- oranges;
- tangerines.
Grapefruit
The benefits of the product are high in fiber and antioxidants. Essential oils contained in fiber remove toxins, burn fat deposits, which helps to improve patients' well-being, reduce swelling.
The product has the lowest glycemic index, among all citrus fruits - 20-25 units. It is permissible to drink 300 ml of freshly squeezed juice daily, divided into 3 doses. Drink liquid before meals. It is recommended to eat 1 grapefruit per day. The fruit is added to hot, cold dishes, salad dressing with juice.
Fruit composition:
- carotene is a provitamin of retinol (vitamin A): the recommended daily intake of the substance is 1.8-5 mg, has a pronounced immunomodulatory, adaptogenic effect;
- organically acids - participate in metabolic processes;
- naringin is a flavonoid: its content is the highest in grapefruit, enriches the body with energy, improves the absorption of substances from the intestines, suppresses appetite;
- potassium and calcium - are actively involved in strengthening tissues;
- ether.
Lemons
In accordance with the diet, patients are allowed to consume a very small amount of lemon. Due to its taste characteristics, it is easy to keep proportions. It is usually added to salads as a dressing, acidifying water for daytime consumption. One lemon is enough for 2-3 days. The GI of this fruit is identical to that of grapefruit, 20-25 units.
Fruit composition:
- fiber - dietary fiber with a dense structure, in other words, complex carbohydrates, have a positive effect on the work of the intestinal tract - in citruses it is mainly represented by pectin, it lowers cholesterol levels, with high sugar it slows down its absorption;
- ether;
- sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus - participate in the processes of cell structure, improve vascular permeability.
Oranges
Oranges raise sugar levels
Eating oranges with diabetes is allowed much less often.Drinking freshly squeezed orange juice is allowed in small quantities under the strict supervision of a doctor, with strict control of glucose levels. Better to add orange, zest to desserts or other dishes.
Eating oranges for type 2 diabetes is dangerous because they increase sugar levels.
Glycemic index: 40-50 units. The composition of the product:
- antioxidants - improve complexion, support the immune system;
- useful carbohydrates - cleanse the intestines of toxins, improve food digestion;
- lutein - improves visual acuity;
- fiber - increases the performance of the intestines;
- magnesium, calcium, potassium - a necessary set of substances for the normal functioning of all organ systems, the construction of nerve cells.
Tangerines
Tangerines, like oranges, have a similar effect on the body in type 2 diabetes. For diabetics, only sour varieties are shown. Sweet varieties are high in glucose, which can be very harmful to your health. The glycemic index of tangerines: 40-50 units in sour varieties, 50-60 in sweet ones.
In accordance with the diet for diabetics, it is permissible to consume up to 3 fruits per day. It is better to add tangerines to dishes and refuse to use freshly squeezed juice.
Composition:
- folic acid - participates in hematopoiesis, improves the functionality of the immune system, in the blood it reduces the activity of its own antibodies in the body, and a deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia;
- fructose;
- organic acids, fiber, potassium.
Contraindications
Citruses are forbidden to be consumed in the form of preserves, jams, marshmallows and other similar sweets. It is permissible to eat fresh citrus fruits, the main thing is to follow the doctor's recommendations and refrain from eating in the morning on an empty stomach. Tangerines and oranges for gestational type 2 diabetes are best eliminated from the diet altogether. Only lemon allowed. It is better to replace oranges with tomatoes.
With diabetes mellitus, oranges and other citruses can be added to cold and hot dishes. The most useful is grapefruit juice. In order not to increase blood sugar, patients should adhere to certain rules in accordance with the type of their disease.
Contraindications to the use of citrus fruits in diabetes mellitus:
- gastritis, intestinal ulcer, stomach;
- low blood pressure, taking medications to lower blood pressure;
- disturbances in the work of the kidneys, biliary tract;
- allergic reactions to ragweed (there is a cross with citrus fruits) and to the fruits themselves.
Conclusion
Citruses contain a lot of nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. Diabetes mellitus imposes bans on the consumption of these products. They are allowed, but in small quantities. It is better for patients to consult with a doctor in advance and jointly choose a diet.