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Oranges for diabetes are a taboo treat for many people. They limit themselves to fruit for fear of harming their body. But if citrus is correctly introduced into the diet, then it will not only not be dangerous for a diabetic, but will also benefit him.
The effect of oranges on sugar levels
The duty of a diabetic is to constantly calculate the glycemic index of a dish. This indicator displays the degree of glucose jump after eating the product. If the glycemic index is above 70, then the diabetic should refuse to take such food.
Oranges, despite the presence of sugar, are of great benefit to the body. It should be borne in mind that they contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed in the digestive tract. Glycemic index does not increase due to pectin. This substance contained in the pulp slows down the process of sugar absorption.
The glycemic index of an orange is 33, so citrus can be introduced into the diet of a diabetic.
Can diabetics eat oranges?
An important criterion is compliance with the norm and the individual characteristics of the body. If a diabetic strictly controls his diet, leads a healthy lifestyle, and his disease is in remission, then eating an orange will be beneficial.
People who have complications of diabetes are forced to limit themselves in food. It is not recommended to introduce fruit into the menu for patients in whom the disease has passed into the acute stage.
Benefits of orange for diabetes
And if there are carbohydrates in the pulp of citrus, then there are no proteins and fats in it. Orange is valuable for diabetics not only with a low glycemic index, but also with an abundance of vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect on the functions of organs and systems. Benefits are not only the pulp, but also the peel, which can be used to prepare healing decoctions.
An additional option for using orange peels is the preparation of candied fruits.
Useful material:
- provitamin A;
- ascorbic, folic and nicotinic acid;
- vitamins of group B;
- phytoncides;
- potassium;
- cobalt;
- pectins;
- magnesium.
The main difference between all citrus fruits is the presence of vitamin C. In oranges, ascorbic acid is important in the autumn-winter period, helping to fight SARS. Increases vitamin and body resistance to infections, improves the appearance of the skin.
It is generally accepted that the frequent use of citrus by diabetics reduces the risk of tumor-like formations, because antioxidants prevent the development of malignant cells. Oranges also have a beneficial effect on the visual system. The substances contained in the pulp do not allow the appearance of retinopathy, slow down the processes of damage to the nerve endings and blood vessels in the eye.
If diabetics regularly consume oranges, they will be able to make up for magnesium deficiency. With a lack of this substance, there is a risk of developing nephropathy, which will lead to the destruction of the kidneys. And vitamin E, contained in the pulp, safely removes toxins from the body.
Anthocyanins not only lower the level of glucose, but also prevent its sharp jumps in the body.
It should be borne in mind that in diabetics, the hormone erythropoietin is often produced in insufficient quantities. This leads to the development of anemia. With the introduction of citrus fruits in your diet, it is possible to raise the level of hemoglobin.
Dietary fiber in the pulp helps fight cholesterol plaques, prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
The effect of citrus on the human body:
- improving heart function (reducing the risk of arrhythmia);
- lowering blood pressure;
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
Possible harm and contraindications
But besides the advantages, citrus also has disadvantages. You can not eat it for diabetics with inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines: ulcers, gastritis or colitis.
It is not recommended to consume fruit for children under five years of age, since at this age there is a high risk of a rash or diathesis.
According to dentists, oranges have a negative effect on the strength of tooth enamel. So that acids do not destroy the shell, you need to rinse your mouth every time after eating the pulp.
orange juice for diabetes
It should be borne in mind that there is no fiber in the liquid form, and a person will consume the product in larger quantities. If you drink 0,5 liters of juice, then up to 52 g of carbohydrates will enter the body, which corresponds to the daily norm. Therefore, doctors insist on abandoning canned and freshly squeezed orange juices. It is not recommended to drink punches based on citrus.
Features of use
Eating oranges for diabetes is recommended fresh. Any type of cooking will increase the glycemic load, and thus the risk of high blood sugar. It should be borne in mind that under the influence of temperature, the nutritional qualities of the fruit also deteriorate.
You can consume 1-2 oranges per day if there are no medical contraindications. It is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the organism.
If a diabetic does not like fresh oranges, he can eat candied fruits. They will not raise glucose levels if they are prepared without sugar.
One of the recipes for candied orange peels:
- Soak the peel for several days in water, then separate the white film and rinse well.
- Cut the orange into strips, put them in a saucepan with a thick bottom.
- Simmer the peel over low heat for 30 minutes, and then drain in a colander.
- Pour candied fruits with syrup. For its preparation, you can use sorbitol or fructose.
- Place all ingredients in a frying pan and stir continuously over low heat until all liquid has evaporated.
The zest can also be used to boost immunity. To do this, make a decoction of their crusts. To get the medicine, you need to pour 200 ml of boiling water over the peel from one citrus and leave for 1-2 hours.
A separate problem for diabetics is excess weight. Oranges help fight excess weight in violation of carbohydrate metabolism.
The calorie content of an orange reaches 43 kcal per 100 g, depending on the variety.
To reduce body weight, you need to adhere not only to a healthy lifestyle, but also regularly eat citrus fruits. They are best consumed fresh, added to salads, given the total calorie content of the dish.
orange pie recipe for diabetics
If there is a need for heat treatment of citrus, then you can use several recipes for pies.
Prepare the following ingredients:
- 3 eggs;
- 1 orange;
- 30 g of sorbitol;
- 100 almonds;
- tsp lemon peel;
- a pinch of cinnamon.
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. At this time, boil the orange, remove the seeds from it and chop. Beat one egg with the addition of sorbitol, combine with zest, pulp and cinnamon, mix. At the end of all work, pour chopped almonds into the dough. Mix the resulting puree with two beaten eggs, pour into a mold. Bake for 40 minutes.
Diabetics are advised to consume no more than 100 g of orange pie per day.
For the second recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 0,5 kg of low-fat cottage cheese;
- 3 st. l. butter;
- 2 Tbsp. Honey;
- 200 g fructose cookies;
- 1 whole egg and 1 protein;
- 2 orange;
- 100 g dried apricots.
Cookies need to be crushed into crumbs and mixed with butter. Put the finished base into a mold and put in an oven preheated to 150 ° C for seven minutes.
While the dough is baking, make the base. To do this, combine cottage cheese with egg and protein, add honey and beat until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. Grate orange zest, squeeze juice from citrus there and add dried apricots. Put the fruit mixture on the fire and simmer until you get a puree. Combine it with curd. Put the finished filling on the dough and transfer the cake to the oven for 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Oranges for diabetes are not only not prohibited, but also a recommended product. It is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the body, get the permission of the doctor. Citrus should not be abused: fresh diabetics can eat no more than 1-2 oranges per day.
