The grapefruit, scientifically referred to as shaddock or pomelo, is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. However, it has grow to be popular in various parts of the world, including India, with the primary producers being the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Grapefruit has a definite tart and barely sweet flavor, making it a preferred breakfast or snack selection. Recently, it has gained a popularity as a health food and is believed to assist with weight reduction, diabetes and other health problems.
Grapefruit could be a helpful fruit for a lot of reasons. It is a superb source of vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system after which protects the body from diseases. In addition, Ayurveda suggests that grapefruit has many health advantages.
It is understood to assist digestion, promote weight reduction, and detoxify the body. Additionally, since it has cooling properties, it is particularly helpful for individuals with a dominant “pitta” physique.
This article discusses the role of grapefruit within the treatment of diabetes.
Nutritional properties of grapefruit
in line with USDA100 grams of grapefruit incorporates the next nutrients.
- Energy: 42 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10.7g
- Protein: 0.77g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugars (fructose + glucose): 6.89 g
- Calcium: 22mg
- Vitamin C: 31.2mg
- Vitamin A: 58µg
- Beta-carotene: 686µg
- Lycopene: 1420µg
Thanks to its high content of vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin A, folic acid and lycopene, grapefruit is a superfood.
It may help boost immunity, protect against infections, support proper muscle and nerve function, promote healthy digestion, provide a sense of satiety and satisfaction, and protect against cancer.
Note: Be aware that grapefruit has a bitter taste because of furanocoumarins, which may change the best way drugs are broken down within the body.
As a result, this will result in potentially dangerous drug interactions. Therefore, before consuming grapefruit, consult with your doctor if you happen to are taking certain medications.
Is grapefruit good for diabetic patients?
The effect of grapefruit on individuals with diabetes has been a subject of debate. While some research suggests that grapefruit increases blood sugar levels, studies in mice indicate that it could improve the body’s response to insulin and reduce the results of diabetes.
There is currently insufficient evidence to support any of the claims. That being said, grapefruit may profit individuals with diabetes when combined with prescribed medications, exercise, and lifestyle changes. In addition, people susceptible to diabetes may find relief in grapefruit juice.
Some tests shows that drinking a glass or two of grapefruit juice may help lower blood sugar and increase the results of insulin.
Grapefruit juice could have potential advantages for individuals with diabetes, but more research is required to substantiate these findings in humans. However, excessive consumption of grapefruit juice could cause more harm than good, which is why it’s so vital to manage grapefruit serving size to make sure proper diabetes management.
Benefits of grapefruit for diabetes
While more research is being done to support grapefruit’s role in treating diabetes, listed below are some ways grapefruit helps treat diabetes:
High fiber content
Grapefruit is wealthy in fiber. Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, providing you with higher blood sugar control.
Low glycemic index
Data shows that grapefruit has a low glycemic index (GI) of twenty-two and a glycemic load of 0, making it a perfect food for individuals with diabetes. The low GI of grapefruit indicates that it doesn’t cause a drastic increase in blood sugar levels.
Rich in vitamin C
Grapefruit is wealthy in vitamin C, which can help protect against diabetes-related problems corresponding to heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage. Vitamin C also helps to strengthen the immune system and helps protect the body against diseases.
antioxidants
Tests shows that there may be an in depth relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Therefore, individuals with diabetes have to maintain their heart health.
Grapefruits contain antioxidants corresponding to lycopene, which can protect against cell damage and reduce the danger of heart problems and a few sorts of cancer.
May help with weight management
People with diabetes are encouraged to reduce weight, as being chubby or obese increases the danger of developing diabetes and its consequences. Being a low calorie fruit, grapefruit may help people feel full and satisfied by helping with higher appetite control and due to this fact weight management.
Note HealthifyMe
Healthy ways to make use of grapefruit
There are many healthy ways to incorporate grapefruit in a diabetic-friendly weight loss program:
- Starting your day with a grapefruit may be helpful. Consuming half a grapefruit before your morning meal may help lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.
- Combine grapefruit segments with spinach, cucumber, and onion for a nutritious salad. Sprinkle with slightly lemon juice and black pepper for flavor. Enjoy!
- For a healthy and refreshing smoothie, mix grapefruit with other low glycemic fruits, corresponding to blueberries.
- Prepare the chutney: Combine grapefruit pulp, ginger, garlic and chillies for a spicy and delicious chutney that may be served as a dip or marinade for meats.
- If you are in search of a refreshing drink, why not try some freshly squeezed grapefruit juice? Adding a couple of mint leaves and a pinch of rock salt for flavor can liven things up. Make sure you avoid added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Grapefruit segments may be used as an addition to salads or yogurt bowls for a flavorful and nutritious boost.
- To add flavor and tenderness to fish or chicken, cook them in a grapefruit marinade.
It is crucial to keep up a balanced weight loss program that features a wide range of nutrient-rich foods and be mindful of calorie and sugar intake. For advice on the best way to adjust your weight loss program and determine the precise amount of grapefruit to eat, speak to a registered dietitian on HealthifyMe, especially if you may have diabetes or other medical conditions. Nutritionists will show you how to develop a comprehensive plan to higher achieve your health and fitness goals.
Application
Some research suggests that grapefruit could have helpful effects on diabetes, corresponding to helping to lower blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity.
This could also be because of the fiber, low glycemic index, and vitamin C, which may help slow blood sugar absorption and regulate blood sugar levels. What’s more, the antioxidants in grapefruit may help reduce the danger of diabetes complications corresponding to heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage.
Additionally, its low calorie content will also be helpful in weight management, which is crucial in regulating diabetes. Still, more research is required to know the complete extent of grapefruit’s effects on blood sugar.
Grapefruit may interfere with certain medications, corresponding to cholesterol-lowering or blood pressure medications, making them less effective.
That’s why it is important to all the time consult with your doctor before including grapefruit in your weight loss program. A balanced and nutritious weight loss program with a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats is crucial for managing diabetes.
Research sources
1. US Department of Agriculture
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2344659/nutrients
2. Chudnovskiy R, Thompson A, Tharp K, Hellerstein M, Napoli JL, Stahl A (2014) Consumption of clarified grapefruit juice improves high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance and weight gain in mice. PLOS ONE 9(10): e108408. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0108408
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0108408
3. Glycemic Index Guide
4. Leon BM, Maddox TM. Diabetes and heart problems: epidemiology, biological mechanisms, treatment recommendations and future research. World Diabetes J. Oct 10, 2015;6(13):1246-58. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v6.i13.1246. PMID: 26468341; PMCID: PMC4600176.
