Low Glycemic Index Fruits For Diabetics

What is the glycemic index?

The glycemic index is a scale that ranks foods containing carbohydrates by how much they raise blood sugar levels. Foods are identified as either having a high, medium or low glycemic index:

• High glycemic index foods are those that are 70 or higher
• Medium glycemic index foods are between 56 and 69
• Low glycemic index foods are 55 or lower

It’s important – especially for people with diabetes – to choose medium or low glycemic index foods more often than high glycemic index ones.

Information for diabetes caregivers about the Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) and how it ranks the effects of different carbs on blood glucose levels.

What are 10 low glycemic fruits that are good for my diabetes?

Here are fruit options with a ‘low’ glycemic index (arranged alphabetically):

Apples (glycemic index = 39)

In addition to providing a satisfying crunch, there’s a reason why apples are one of Canadians’ favourite fruits. A single medium-sized apple (eaten with the peel on) provides about 20% of your daily fibre needs. Fibre helps you feel full for longer, and also helps lower blood sugar levels and improve the function of the digestive system. Additionally, apples are a great source of vitamin C.

Bananas (glycemic index = 51)

Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world, for good reason. They’re an easy snack on-the-go, and they’re also rich in fibre, potassium, vitamins A and C, and magnesium. It is also believed that bananas may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risks of cancer and asthma. Here is a wonderful, healthy date and banana snack that you can take on the go!

Cantaloupes (glycemic index = 54)

Cantaloupes are an excellent source of vitamins C and A. Vitamin A helps your eyes stay healthy and your eyesight stay sharp. Cantaloupes also contain a host of B vitamins – including B1, B3, B6 and folate. They are also good sources of vitamin K, potassium and magnesium.

Cherries (glycemic index = 20)

Cherries are packed with antioxidants, which help boost your immune system. They are also very high in potassium: 155 grams (one cup) of pitted cherries contains 260 milligrams. Because cherries have a short growing season, it can be difficult to find fresh cherries in the grocery store. However, canned tart cherries are an excellent substitute – and still have a low glycemic index – as long as they’re not packed in sugar.

Mangos (glycemic index = 51)

Besides being fairly low in calories, and very high in fibre, mangos are a great source of vitamins A, B6 and C. They also contain smaller amounts of calcium, zinc and iron.

Oranges (glycemic index = 40)

Oranges contain fibre, potassium and vitamin C, all of which support heart health. As well, they contain more than 170 different phytochemicals and more than 60 flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant effects.

Peaches (glycemic index = 42)

Peaches contain lots of vitamins C and A, as well as potassium and iron. Potassium helps regulate heart rate and lower blood pressure, while iron helps carry oxygen from the lungs and throughout the body.

Pears (glycemic index = 38)

Pears contain vitamins C and K, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and folate. Instead of paring it, eat the entire pear – with the peel – for an extra fibre boost. This will give you 20% of your recommended daily fibre intake.

Plums (glycemic index = 40)

Plums contain considerable amounts of vitamins A, C and K. They are also good sources of potassium, copper and manganese, and are rich in antioxidants.

Strawberries (glycemic index = 41)

Like many other berries, strawberries have particularly high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols, which help the body fight disease, boost insulin sensitivity and slow the rate at which the body digests and absorbs sugar. Strawberries are also rich in potassium, folic acid, fibre and vitamin C. In fact, although most people associate vitamin C with citrus fruits, 155 grams (one cup) of strawberries actually contains more vitamin C than an orange.

You may be familiar with the advice that, when grocery shopping, it’s best to shop the perimeter of the store where fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk products, meat and fish are usually found. This article will focus on navigating the grocery store for fruits. In summary, here are 10 fruit options, listed in order of glycemic index – all a good option for your diabetes diet!

Fruits	Glycemic index
Cherries	20
Pears	38
Apples	39
Oranges	40
Plums	40
Strawberries	41
Peaches	42
Bananas	51
Mangos	51
Cantaloupes	54

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