Apple For Diabetes

Diabetes is the condition which gets directly affected by the food intake. A healthy and right intake of food can help in the early improvement of the disease and it also helps to improve the overall health of the person. Apple is one of the healthy foods which can be really beneficial for a diabetic patient. Apple is rich in fiber, iron, B complex vitamins, vitamin C and it has zero fat and sodium. Apple also contains small amounts of potassium, phosphorous and calcium. Following are some of the benefits of apples for the diabetics: Carbohydrates in apples for diabetics: During the diabetes metabolism of carbohydrates get impaired and one should avoid the foods rich in carbohydrates especially the simpler carbohydrates. Apples do contain a moderate amount of carbohydrate but it comes from the natural sugars present in the fruit. Fruits are the best sources of carbohydrates instead of starches, grains and dairy. Fiber in apple for diabetics: Apple is rich in soluble fiber pectin which is extremely beneficial for a diabetic patient. It slows down the absorption of sugars and improves the blood sugar levels in the body. Fiber helps to give you long term energy and does not give the spikes of glucose. Fiber also helps to regulate the bowel movements in the body and have an anti inflammatory affect. The fiber present in the apple helps you feel full for longer time. Glycemic index of apples: Glycemic index of apple is low and thus it is a healthy food for the diabetic. Although the type of apple and the ripeness of fruit are some of the factors which affects the glycemic index of the food. The riper the fruit more will be its glycemic index. Its sweet taste can also minimize the cravings for sweets hence are a very good alternative for sweet cravings. Green Apple versus Red Apple: Glycemic index of green apple is lower than red apple, so it is advisable to take the green apple if someone is suffering from the diabetes. However a diabetic patient can also take the red apple sometimes. The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes. Antioxidants in apples: Apple is rich in the antioxidants like quercetin, epicatechin and procyanidin B2. These antioxidants protect the body from the oxidative damage and they also help the body to get rid of free radicals. These antioxidants help to relieve various health problems like diabetes. Apples improve the overall health: Apple contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber present in Apples is Pectin which helps in digestion and prevents the problems like cancer. The soluble fiber also increases the production of a protein which fights against inflammation. It also helps to lower down the cholesterol level in the blood. Thus a very beneficial fruit for prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Apple is a good source of B complex vitamins which helps in many bodily functions. Apple contains Boron which is a mineral and helps in the absorption of calcium. Phloridzin and flavonoids present in apples can protect menopausal women from osteoporosis and can increase bone density.