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Diabetes mellitus makes certain adjustments to the human diet. After all, non-compliance with the rules of nutrition can lead to a deterioration in well-being. Therefore, you need to know exactly which foods are safe, including fruits. Indeed, in winter, grapefruits appear in abundance on store shelves. They are valued for their high content of vitamins and minerals. But is it possible to use grapefruit for various types of diabetes, you need to figure it out in order to exclude the possibility of an exacerbation of the disease.
How Grapefruit Affects Blood Sugar
Studies conducted by dietitians in San Diego have shown that this fruit helps lower human blood sugar levels. This is due to the high fiber content in grapefruit. After all, it is she who normalizes the digestive processes in the body, slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, thanks to which grapefruit lowers blood sugar.
The glycemic level of its pulp is 25 Units, and the carbohydrate content per 100 g of the product is 11 g.
Is it possible to eat grapefruit with diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2
This citrus is not only possible, but also necessary to eat regularly with various types of diabetes. Doctors came to such conclusions when, during a special experiment, patients were given ½ grapefruit at each meal. This prevented a sharp increase in glucose, and also gave a long feeling of satiety.
Due to the high content of flavonol, nobelitin, grapefruit helps prevent the development of obesity, which is typical for people suffering from type 2 disease. This component is also useful in that it activates the production of insulin in the body. This property of grapefruit is important for type XNUMX diabetics.
Useful properties of grapefruit in diabetes
Citrus is characterized by a rich chemical composition, which is the reason for the health benefits. The substances included in its composition help to improve the well-being of a person suffering from diabetes and prevent its development.
Among them:
- vitamins of group B, A, C, PP;
- a complex of macro- and microelements, including potassium, zinc, calcium, iron;
- alimentary fiber;
- organic acids.
In addition, grapefruit is also useful in diabetes mellitus because it contains naringin, which causes the bitter taste of the fruit. This component is a natural antioxidant and helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body, increase the absorption of insulin. This normalizes the work of the heart muscle.
Regular consumption of fruit can increase the resistance of a weakened organism with diabetes to viruses, stress, normalize sleep, and improve emotional state.
The benefit of citrus is also that it improves kidney function, has a gentle diuretic effect. This helps prevent swelling, reduces the load on internal organs and systems, which helps to improve their work.
Harm and contraindications of grapefruit in diabetes
Even though grapefruit does not raise blood sugar, in some cases it can harm a person with diabetes. Therefore, before introducing fruit into the diet, you must first familiarize yourself with its contraindications.
Among them:
- idiosyncrasy;
- ulcer;
- chronic gastritis with high acidity;
- liver, kidney disease;
- pancreatitis;
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- problems with the oral cavity;
- hepatitis.
Grapefruit is incompatible with more than a hundred types of drugs. Therefore, before using it, you need to consult with your doctor. The interval between taking the drug and grapefruit should be at least two hours.
Of great importance is the time of consumption of citrus. It can not be eaten in the morning on an empty stomach, and also in the evening before going to bed.
How and how much to use
Knowing whether grapefruit raises blood sugar or not, we can say that the fruit does not pose a danger in diabetes of various types. To bring maximum health benefits, you need to know how to use it correctly.
According to doctors, with diabetes, you can eat grapefruit pulp, as well as drink juice based on it. The recommended daily dosage in the first case is 120-150 g, and in the second – 200 ml.
But with gestational diabetes, grapefruit juice should not be consumed, as it contains much more sugar than slices, since it does not contain fiber. And this can provoke excess body weight during pregnancy.
Grapefruit recipes for diabetics
With increased sugar, grapefruit is one of the healthiest fruits. For a variety of menus, it is permissible to include citrus in salads, desserts, ice cream. Based on it, you can prepare sauces for meat and fish, jam, fruit drink. However, the preparation of meals requires adherence to recipes in order for them to bring maximum benefit in diabetes.
grapefruit jam
You can use not only ripe, but also slightly unripe grapefruits for this recipe. To make jam, you need a wide pan for uniform evaporation of moisture during the cooking process. It is also recommended to stir the dessert regularly and control the temperature so that it boils constantly, but not too much. This will result in a jam with a smooth consistency that will retain most of the vitamins and minerals.
Required:
- 2 grapefruits;
- 15 g of the substitute sugar;
- 400 ml water.
Cooking process:
- Wash citruses thoroughly.
- Peel the peel, remove the film from the slices.
- Put the fruit in an enamel container.
- Pour in water and cook until the fruit mass becomes thick and homogeneous.
- Add sugar substitute, mix thoroughly.
- Allow to cool.
- Divide into sterilized jars.
Jam acquires a balanced taste after two days. It is recommended to store it in the refrigerator.
grapefruit ice cream
It is not difficult to prepare healthy ice cream for diabetes from grapefruit at home. For this, it is only necessary to strictly observe the technological process.
Required:
- 2-3 grapefruits;
- sugar substitute.
Algorithm of actions:
- Wash citruses thoroughly.
- Peel them off.
- Remove the protective film from the slices.
- Grind the fruit with a blender until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
- Add sugar substitute to taste.
- To stir thoroughly.
- Pour into molds, cover with lids.
- Put in the freezer.
Such a dessert is especially relevant in the summer during the heat. But, so that it does not harm health, it must be consumed in doses – 150 g per day.
grapefruit sauce
Grapefruit lowers blood sugar in diabetics, even when made into a sauce. It can be an excellent addition to various dishes and will help improve your appetite.
Required:
- 1 medium grapefruit;
- 40 g butter;
- sugar substitute and salt to taste.
Cooking process:
- Wash the citrus thoroughly.
- Peel it off.
- Remove the film from the pulp, which gives bitterness.
- Grind citrus with a blender until a homogeneous composition is obtained.
- Balance the taste with a sugar substitute and salt.
- Pour the citrus mixture into a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
It is recommended to store the sauce in the refrigerator for no more than three days. Pour it into glass containers.
Morse
In diabetes, it is also recommended to prepare drinks based on grapefruit. They help quench thirst and lower blood glucose levels.
For seaweed you will need:
- 3 liters of purified water;
- 1 kg of grapefruit;
- 1 tsp of substitute sugar.
Cooking process:
- Wash citruses thoroughly.
- Remove the peel, and also remove the top film from the slices.
- Put the zest in an enamel pan.
- Add water and sugar substitute.
- Boil after boiling for five minutes over low heat.
The drink acquires a balanced taste after two hours.
Recommendations for diabetics
You can not buy grapefruits that have not reached technical maturity. In this case, fruits will not be beneficial for diabetes, but will also cause an eating disorder. Therefore, when buying, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the fetus.
Citrus should be large, heavy, have a shiny peel. The ripeness of a grapefruit can also be determined by its aroma. In this case, the citrus smell should be saturated.
Citrus will bring the maximum benefit in diabetes if it is bought during the period of mass ripening. This reduces the likelihood that the fruits were harvested ahead of schedule. It is recommended to store fresh fruits in the refrigerator. The shelf life of the product is ten days.
Conclusion
Grapefruit in diabetes is one of those fruits that help normalize metabolic processes. In addition, citrus helps to strengthen the resistance of a weakened body to viruses, infections, bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly include it in the menu in a metered amount.