The Perfect Juicy Solution
It’s a scorching hot summer afternoon and all you can think about is iced popsicles and fruit juices. You start looking for a healthier substitute for these tropical cravings when you stumble upon the idea of wolfing down a watermelon. Is it wrong for you? Does it affect your blood sugar levels? The answer is no! Not. As long as you consume the right quantity of this juicy delight, you’re good to go. The key to staying healthy while enjoying these little wonders is by keeping in check the frequency and quantity in which you give in to these cravings.
Big Red Benefits
Even though watermelon has natural sugar, it also contains a high percentage of water. A glycemic load of 70 or below is not harmful. Watermelon, with a Gl of 72 is still a suitable option for you as it mostly contains water (92%). A research study by the Defeat Diabetes Foundation concluded that a specific portion size of 120g of watermelon only has a Gl of 5. You must however consult your doctor before deciding on the portion size of consumption. It is also advised to avoid liquid intake of this fruit as it contains a higher diluted Gl than eating the fruit in its original form.
The red hue in a watermelon comes from beta-carotene, which is grouped as a Vitamin A substance. This rich substance avoids muscular degeneration and even prevents night blindness. Many diabetes-related hurdles can be overcome by eating this fruit. It also prevents several cardiovascular complications due to the presence of lycopene. Papaya, tomato, carrot, and passionfruit also contain lycopene, its presence dramatically reduces heart-related disorders. These are some more fruits for diabetic patients that can help balance glucose levels.
Watermelon is more beneficial than you think it is! It not only hydrates you but also has several vitamins and minerals that make it the sweetest solution to a healthier self. The fruit contains potassium, fiber, lycopene (a coloring pigment that is also an essential antioxidant), calcium, vitamin A, vitamins B1 and B6, Vitamin C, magnesium, and iron. The potassium in watermelon enables the smooth contraction of muscles and body movement. The presence of citrulline, an amino acid, promotes metabolic health and also stabilizes your blood pressure levels. Oh! And the cherry on the cake? Watermelon is one of the many fruits that helps in weight management.
There is a very low mass of carbohydrates and calories that are found in this fruit. Due to this, watermelon does not add any excess fat or lead to obesity. For individuals with diabetes, body and weight management is significant to live a healthier, happier life.
It’s The Inside That Matters
Other than all the previously mentioned benefits of watermelon, did you know that the seeds are healthy too? Yes! Even though most of us tend to throw away watermelon seeds to consume the smooth texture of this juicy fruit, the seeds are the real deal for individuals with diabetes.
When these seeds are processed or crushed to transform into a thin, powdery form, they become heavily advantageous to control blood sugar levels. Some of the several nutrients that can be found in the seeds are zinc, potassium, omega 3, omega 6, and copper. As a whole, the fruit boosts nerves and muscle strength.
Value Added Taste
If you find yourself guilty of eating a slice of watermelon, it is redemption time for you. When seeds or nuts are included in this delight, your body slows down the sugar absorption process in the bloodstream.
In short, this fruit is not just delicious but also healthy. 120g of watermelon only has a Gl of 5. By consulting your doctor, you are just one step away from giving in to this sweet rush. It hydrates you, improves the functioning of cardiovascular muscles, contains vital nutrients, boosts nerves and muscle strength, stabilizes your blood pressure, and contains essential substances such as lycopene (an antioxidant) and beta-carotene. Don’t throw away the seeds, they provide you with a solution like no other. Carriers of omega 3 and omega 6, the seeds are a sort of remedy for individuals with diabetes.
So, is watermelon good for diabetics? If you are concerned and craving a delicious bite, you have nothing to hesitate for next summer. As long as you satisfy your taste buds as well as your glucose levels by balancing out the good and bad, watermelon is here to your rescue. There are many other fruits for diabetic patients, some of them are grapes, berries, guava, and apple.
