Fruit and Diabetes: Limits, guidelines, risks, and tips

Diabetes is an ailment wherein blood sugar or blood glucose level goes up consistently.  Prevention is better than cure and so by following certain rules, we can keep our blood sugar level stable to control and reverse diabetes which is the main cause of diabetes.

We are aware of the fact that any kind of disease requires immediate treatment as otherwise it may get aggravated. People are not aware of the consequences of diabetes which can cause obesity, kidney complications, and heart ailments.

Diabetes has no treatment via drugs till this date but it can be controlled by keeping a check on the diet, exercise and blood sugar level. The right diet can become a wondrous treatment for this disease. Awareness of what to be included and what to be avoided in a diet is the key for improving the blood sugar levels

Simple Do’s and Dont’s for a Diabetic:

Simple Dont’s:

• Avoid junk and sugary food
• Abstain taking three square meals
• Avoid taking Potatoes, Corn, and Peas
• Avoid eating fatty cuts of meat and processed or frozen meat
• Say no to full-fat dairy products

Simple Do’s:

• Intake lot of water
• Take fibrous food
• Recommended Vegetables are Spinach, Bitter Gourd, Okra, Eggplant, Sweet potato, Kale and Carrots
• Add certain Nuts and seeds such as Fenugreek seeds, Sesame Seeds, Date, Almonds, Walnuts, and Pistachios
• The recommended fruits are as below

The Types of fruits for diabetes that contain large amounts of fiber and have a lower glycemic index are –

The key to eating fruit is to make sure you eat the right kinds in the appropriate portions. The riper a fruit is the higher its glycemic index, which means it will raise your blood sugar more than a food with a low glycemic index.

The Glycemic index is directly proportional to the blood sugar, riper the fruit, higher is the glycemic index. Hence low glycemic fruits are preferred for diabetics.

Based on the glycemic index and rich micronutrients, the following are the 7 most recommended fruits for diabetes

•  : Properties
•  : Benefits
•  : The Right Serving

Apple :

Apples are an excellent fruit to include in your diet if you have diabetes.

 – Apple is a good source of antioxidants, Vitamin C and dietary fiber

 – It reduces cholesterol levels, cleanses the digestive system, and boosts the immune system

 – 1 small piece per day

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Orange :

Orange is the best citrus fruit for diabetics.  

 – The pulpiness of citrus fruit is a house for great sources of vitamin c and fiber.

 – It lowers the risk of heart disease and Diabetes

 – 1 small piece per day

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Guava :  

Guava, an ancient remedy for many health conditions and diseases

 – Guavas are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C, dietary fiber and low GI

 –  It lowers blood sugar and reduces constipation during diabetes, and boost immunity

 – 1/2 medium per day

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Black Jamun : 

Jamun is a seasonal fruit, houses amazing health and medicinal benefits against almost all diseases.

 –  Jamun fruits are rich in Potassium and antioxidant

 – It increases insulin production, boosts Immunity and eliminates Pita Dosha

 –  100grams

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Pears :

“Cloudy” pear juices are a rich source of antioxidants

 – Pears are rich in Vitamins and fiber

 – It helps in Digestion and reduces Cardiovascular disease and cholesterol

 –  1 small piece

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Kiwi :

Kiwi is a house of powerful health benefits for Heart.

 –  Kiwi is a good source of vitamin A & C, dietary fiber and high in potassium

 –  It lowers your cholesterol, reduces the risk of heart diseases and a heart attack.

 –  2 small kiwi

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Berries :

Berries are among the healthiest food on the earth

 –  Berries are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber

 –  It helps in glucose processing, weight loss, and insulin sensitivity

 –  1 1/4 cup strawberries, 3/4 cup blueberries,1 cup raspberries and blackberries

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Fruits have many health benefits—they contain vitamins, minerals, filling fiber and antioxidants. Fruit can be beneficial to a diabetes meal plan if eaten in moderation. The key to eating fruit is to make sure you eat the right kinds in the appropriate portions

There are certain Myths and facts about Diabetes :

1- Carbohydrates

MYTH	FACT
Carbohydrates are taken to be harmful to diabetic patients.	Carbohydrate having a low glycemic index (GI) can be taken by diabetic patients. It could be oatmeal, whole grain bread, dried beans and legumes and low starch vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and Broccoli.

2- Sugar

MYTH	FACT
Eating sugar causes diabetes.	The intake of sugar in a lot of quantity is not alone the cause of diabetes. Overweight, high Blood pressure, living sedentary mode of life is certain risk factors that can lead to Diabetes.

3-  Starchy foods

MYTH	FACT
Starchy foods contain carbohydrates, and so they can fit into a meal plan.	People with diabetes shouldn’t eat too many starchy foods, even if they contain fiber, because starch raises your blood glucose and makes you gain weight but still one can enjoy any of them on sticking to the proper portion. 1/2 medium banana 1/2 cup cubed mango 3/4 cup cubed pineapple 1 1/4 cups strawberries

Conclusion

Fruits are an impeccable source of all necessary nutrients in their purest form. Consuming fruits prevents your body from being a victim to numerous health conditions like heart diseases, strokes, obesity, high blood pressure and certain forms of cancer.
The common belief might make you totally abandon fruits if you are diabetic. However, there are numerous fruits that are low on the glycemic index and high on other beneficial vitamins, minerals, and soluble fiber. These fruits can be consumed in calculated quantities to replenish your body with all nutrients and also keep your appetite full.

Jaw dropping diabetic Recipes that will blow your mind

Diabetes does not mean the end of tasty food. Diabetic food can be as tasty as ever – only healthier. We have curated a list of top foods for diabetes that can be enjoyed by non-diabetics too thereby saving time and energy by making twice the effort in cooking. Recipes cut across cuisines so there is no boredom to cook or eat. At Sugar Knocker, we do not believe in shunning any food group but maintaining a balance between taste and health. Sugar Knocker does not believe that either has to be compromised to lead a diabetes-free life

1.Creamy Spinach Toast:

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped spinach
One medium onion chopped
Two green chilies chopped
1 tbsp. corn flour dissolved in half cup low-fat milk
1 tbsp. low-fat butter
Optional: Grated cheese

Heat the butter; add onion and chilies and sauté well. Once the onions turn translucent, add the chopped spinach. Once sautéed, add the milk cornflour mix and bring to a boil while stirring continuously. Allow it to cool, spread the mixture on bread slices, sprinkle grated cheese if needed and bake in a preheated oven at 200c until cheese melts or the bread gets roasted. Serve tot

2. Sprouts Tikkki:

Ingredients:

1 cup sprouted moong or mixed sprouts
3 tbsp. chopped coriander
3 tbsp. chopped mint leaves
1 tbsp. besan
A pinch of hing
1 tbsp, oil for sautéing
Grind sprouts along with very little water to make a paste of patting consistency. Mix salt, hing, chopped coriander and mint leaves. Make balls and flatten into tikkis. Heat a non-stick pan and roast the tikkis with minimal oil and serve hot

3. Mushroom soup:

Ingredients:

3 cups sliced mushrooms
One medium chopped onion
2 tsp whole wheat flour for thickening
1 cup skim milk
Salt to taste

Heat the oil, sauté the onions till translucent. Add whole wheat flour, mushrooms and cup of water and cook until mushrooms are done stirring all the while. Allow it to cool. Combine with milk and blend the mixture. Transfer to the pan again and heat with salt and pepper along with more water depending on thickness required and serve hot

4. Apple Rabadi

Ingredients:

3 cups low-fat milk
1 cup apples grated with skin
One pinch each of cardamom and nutmeg powders
1 tsp sugar substitute

Boil the milk in a nonstick and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Take care to keep scraping the sides and adding it back into the milk. Add the grated apple and simmer for 5 more minutes. Add the cardamom and nutmeg powders and mix well. Switch off and allow to cool. Just before refrigeration, add sugar substitute and serve chilled.

The recipes above provide taste along with health and nutrition. Use them as well as your creativity to create more such delectable recipes.

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Aloe Vera: Blood Sugar Control, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Got a recent diagnosis of diabetes from your doctor? Want to know the best holistic ways to treat this issue? Research shows approximately 30 million people are diabetes affected in India.  Although a mounting problem in India as well as the world, it is quite easy to maintain and manage blood glucose levels with few herbal remedies and necessary routine changes

Modern medications today have proved insufficient for in-depth diabetes treatment. Therefore people have started opting for holistic herbal treatment that has been in existence for thousands of years. Aloe Vera as an herbal supplement has minimal or no side effects for diabetes patients.

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant found extensively in the Arabian Peninsula. The Aloe Vera plant contains a clear gel that is packed with nutrients. It is used extensively in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Active Compounds in Aloe Vera for Diabetics

The prime component of Aloe vera includes an outer green coverage with thorns like developments and an inner colorless gel. Leaves are the only part of Aloe Vera which is used for medicinal purposes. Aloe Vera based items are created from either of the components.

The plant houses more than 75 sets of active compounds which include enzymes, vitamins, minerals, monosaccharide, anthraquinones, lignin, polysaccharides, saponins, phytosterols, salicylic, as well as amino acids.

Additionally, the Aloe Vera Gel also houses trace elements like magnesium, chromium, zinc, and manganese. These elements are crucial for the metabolism of glucose with improved insulin sensitivity. Aloe Vera has also been known to address issues such as glaucoma, asthma, IBS, High blood pressure, and skin issues.

How does Aloe Vera affect Diabetes?

Research show Aloe Vera can aid in controlling blood glucose levels. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, aloe is very effective in managing blood sugar levels.  This is why Aloe Vera finds a special place in diabetes treatment.

Aloe Vera has been associated with:

• Increased insulin sensitivity:

Packed with numerous bioactive components and antioxidants, aloe vera stimulates insulin secretion. It is therefore very helpful and in maintaining blood sugar levels.

• Anti-inflammatory:

An incredible antioxidant, Aloe Vera juice houses anti-inflammatory properties protecting you from wounds, ulcers, and infections. People suffering from diabetes are vulnerable to infection and wounds that do not heal soon.  

• Hypoglycemic :

This particular property of  Aloe Vera increases the ability of the tissues to respond to insulin and therefore can be beneficial for both NIDDM (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) and IDDM (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus).

• Less fat:

helps to Decrease levels of fats or blood lipids among patients suffering from abnormally high blood sugar levels.

• Bioactive compounds:

Aloe Vera houses compounds like mannans, lectins, as well as anthraquinones that bind with carbohydrates in your body. This leads to a reduction in blood glucose levels.

• Glucomannan:

This dietary fiber is found in abundant quantity in Aloe Vera gel. It easily dissolves in water and reduces blood sugar levels.

• Body detoxification:

Additional effects of Aloe Vera include body detoxification which eliminates excess blood glucose.

• Fast healing:

Decreased amount of swelling & faster process for healing wounds. Ulcers and leg wounds can be among the common diabetes complications that tend to take longer than normal to heal.

How to use Aloe Vera in our daily life?

Aloe vera in its formal form a colorless gel-like substance. However, it can be included in our daily routine in numerous forms:

• Aloe Vera juice can be amazing for diabetes treatment when paired with a well-balanced healthy diet. Opt for fresh and organic Aloe Vera juice which is bitter in taste. So, if you cannot drink it raw, try and add a hint of honey to cut down the bitterness.
• 1 tablespoon fresh Aloe Vera juice twice a day regularizes blood insulin flow and releases constricted blood vessels for easy flow and protects the heart.
• Aloe vera gel and cream made out of it’ extracts are used as moisturizers, body lotion to treat acne, stretch marks, and sunburn.
• Raw crushed leaves of aloe vera is a form of treatment for diabetes.
• Aloe Vera gel applied to Diabetic boils reduces inflammation and irritation of the skin
• Aloe Vera Gel Treats minor cuts and scrapes to soothe them and promote healing
• A bitter form of liquid termed as the Aloe Latex can be acquired from the Aloe leaf skin which is used for things such as tablets, juice drinks, mouthwash, dental care, and capsules.

Side effects of Aloe Vera

Long term unmonitored use of any product can have some drastic effects on our body. Especially consuming them in unnecessary high dosages can lead to some fatal outcomes:

Some common side effects of aloe include:

• Rare cases of hypoglycemia
• In case you are allergic to any of its biocomponents, it can cause Burning and itching of the skin
• Regular intake of high dosage can cause Stomach pain and cramps
• Long-term use at high doses will lead to Diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances.

Bottom Line

With years to come, it is evident that more than 50 percent of diabetics will move towards holistic herbal health treatment. So, whether you are looking for ways to improve blood glucose levels or cut down the symptoms of diabetes, Aloe Vera can be a great herb. It is very rich with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and bioactive components that aid in lowering and maintaining the blood glucose levels.