Can diabetics eat watermelon?: Watermelon is a delicious summer fruit high in natural vitamins & sugar. The fruit, also called Citrullus Lanatus, is a very delicious and refreshing fruit that is almost everyone's summer favorite. But it is a question to be asked: is it safe to consume for diabetics? Can diabetics eat watermelon?The diet of patients suffering from diabetes needs to be controlled, as any increase in glucose levels can cause problems in the body. Hence, any artificial sources of sugar are not allowed to be consumed. So yes, natural surgery-rich fruits like watermelon, papaya, etc., are considered safe for people with diabetes if consumed in limited quantities. However, medical research suggests eating meals rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein in addition to watermelon and other high-GI fruits.

Nutritional value of Watermelon -

Watermelon is everyone's favorite fruit when summers are on. Watermelons originated in Africa a few hundred years ago. Watermelons are now grown in a great capacity in America.Watermelon is very beneficial for the body as it includes various vitamins and minerals, including:

Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Magnesium
Fiber
Iron
Calcium
Potassium
Vitamin C is very important as it is involved in the prevention of various diseases and improves overall immunity.
Vitamin A is involved in improving eyesight, and it aids in the regulation of kidneys, lungs, and heart.
Watermelon is also rich in fiber which improves digestive health. It is rich in water content which keeps a person hydrated.
Watermelon contains lycopene which gives a red color to the fruit. It is a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene is found to reduce the risk of heart disease.
The Glycemic index is the index that studies how quickly sugar enters the blood. The value ranges from 1 to 100. Glycemic load is the additional combination of the food's glycemic index and carbohydrate content.
Watermelon has a Glycemic index of 72 but has a Glycemic load of 2/100g serving.

How much sugar is there in watermelon?

A slice of watermelon has around 17 to 18 grams of sugar. As it suggests, the fruit is loaded with water and has special electrolytes required by the body to keep the body hydrated during summer.

Can diabetics eat watermelon?

Now that you know what diabetes is and the properties of watermelon, it is important to understand if diabetics can consume watermelon.Can diabetics eat watermelon: The short answer is YES; diabetics can eat watermelon as it is a fruit with a low glycemic load, and hence it serves as a tasty fruit for everyone, including people suffering from diabetes.However, diabetics should be very aware before consuming fruits with a glycemic index of around 70 or more. Watermelon has a GI of 72/100g hence should be carefully consumed. Even though it has several benefits, you should have a balanced diet with fresh fruits having a lower glycemic index than watermelon.As watermelon belongs to the family of gourds, it has good nutritional value and is also a good source of lycopene which decreases the risk and symptoms of diabetes.

How much watermelon can be consumed by diabetic people?

Diabetic people can consume around 150 to 200 grams of watermelon at a time since it has a low glycemic load and consists of 70 to 80 percent of water.Excessive consumption of fruits during diabetes will eventually lead to increased blood glucose levels and various symptoms.Also Read: The Relationship Between Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, and Diabetes

Best way to eat watermelon with diabetes type 2 -

If anyone asks Can diabetics eat watermelon then a person plans to add watermelon or any other fruit to their snack or meal, they should balance it with other nutrients such as protein and fat.

The protein and fat help to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood. This property can be helpful for people who have type 2 diabetes who control their blood sugar levels through different eating patterns.

Like any other fruit, it is usually best to eat watermelon without adding sugar, which is minimally processed. Despite this, a person can add it as a part of a fruit salad and consume the remaining part of it in a part of the larger meal.

When eating watermelon, a person should not pair it with other foods high in GI. Instead, people should include foods such as seeds, nuts, and other sources of protein and fat.

A foundation called the Defeat Diabetes Foundation suggests people avoid watermelon juice since it contains a high glycemic load compared to fresh and solid watermelon fruit.

Also Read: Is Peanut Butter Good for Diabetes?

Conclusion of Can diabetics eat watermelon -

The conclusion of Can diabetics eat watermelon is Watermelon is everyone's favorite fruit and is a fruit that is filled with nutrients and minerals like vitamin C and A, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and fiber. It is also rich in water, which helps maintain the body's water balance. It is at a moderate level in the glycemic index. A diabetic patient should consume Fruits and vegetables with precaution as they contain natural sugars, which can increase the blood sugar level. Although fruits contain sugars, a diabetic person should monitor their intake to a certain extent. Usually, pairing fruits with nutritious proteins and fats helps patients to maintain their blood sugar levels.People should also consider the Glycemic index scale and consider choosing fruits with low levels of sugar and high amounts of fiber as it helps digestion.Watermelon is a fruit that diabetic patients can consume in moderation, as it has a GI index of 72 out of 100 g. However, care should be taken to not over-consume any fruit as it will affect the body. This blog considers Can diabetics eat watermelon.Alternative fruits that a person with diabetes can consume have a low Glycemic index, including plums, grapes, pears, berries, etc.Read Also: Is Papaya good for diabetes?