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.
