Can Diabetes Patients Eat Pineapple? Here’s the Explanation

Pineapple is a tropical fruit with a sweet taste that makes some diabetics reluctant to eat it. This concern is based on eating it can make blood sugar levels increase. So, is it true that people with this disease cannot eat pineapple at all?

Can Diabetics Eat Pineapple?

Most fruits have a low glycemic index (GI) score, meaning that they have a smaller impact on blood sugar levels than other foods.

GI values ​​tend to be low because fruit contains fructose and fiber which help the body digest carbohydrates more slowly, so that blood sugar levels are more stable over time.

Pineapple has a medium GI value; which means that they can have more of an effect on blood glucose than any other type of fruit. Now,the following are categories of glycemic index values:

• Low GI foods have a value below 55.
• Medium GI Food has a score between 56 and 69.
• High GI foods have a score of 70 or more.

Pineapple has a GI value of 66, making it a moderate GI food. Therefore, this fruit should be consumed in limited quantities.

Here are several factors that affect the GI value of pineapple, such as:

• Pineapple ripeness. Ripe fruit has a higher GI value.
• How to process. Fruit juice has a higher GI value than raw fruit.

Pineapple fruit is a good source of vitamin C and manganese for the body. This fruit also contains fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B, and bromelain.

These various nutrients make pineapple a healthy food for diabetics.

So, regarding the question can diabetics eat pineapple? the answer is yes. However, as explained above, it should be combined with other healthy foods and limit the amount of consumption.

Also Read: Is it safe for diabetics to drink fruit juice? Know the Rules

How to Safely Eat Pineapple for Diabetics

Even though pineapple has an effect on blood sugar levels, people with diabetes can still eat it, but you should choose fresh young pineapple because it is considered the healthiest.

Canned or processed pineapple often contains added sugar. If canned pineapple is the only option available, choose one with pineapple in it; not in syrup form.

Choosing young or frozen pineapple instead of pineapple juice or dried pineapple also includes the right steps. Eat young pineapples for dessert after consuming foods with a low glycemic index such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, legumes, lean protein and healthy fats.

Also, it’s best if you combine it with protein or a healthy fat, such as nuts, seeds, or avocado. All of these foods are useful for limiting the effect of fruit on blood sugar levels.

If you combine fibrous carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats, it will prevent overeating, keep you full longer, and reduce blood sugar spikes.

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