8 Fruits Best Suited For Diabetic Patients

Diabetes is a chronic but manageable condition in which the body struggles to control the levels of blood sugar.Keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range is a non-negotiable when you are a diabetic. However, every time you get a sugar craving, you need not curb it in the name of maintaining a healthy blood-sugar level.

Fruits are a great source of nutrition and natural sugar which is a great solution for your diabetic sweet-tooth. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises that any fruit is fine to eat for a person with diabetes, so long as that person is not allergic to a particular fruit.The preparation of fruit, however, can affect blood sugar. Fresh or frozen fruits are better than processed fruits straight from a can or jar.

So, how do you pick the best fruit for diabetes? While some forms of fruit, like juice, can be bad for diabetes, whole fruits like berries, citrus, apricots, and yes, even apples. It is safer to consume fruit in its whole, natural form.

Here is a list of 8 best fruits for a great diabetes-friendly diet...

* Berries

Whether you consider blueberries, strawberries or any other type of berries, you are in for a treat. Berries are a diabetes superfood because they're packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre. Berries also have low glycaemic index. You can either pop these berries as it is or try berries in a parfait, alternating layers of fruit with plain non-fat yogurt.

* Tart Cherries

Tart cherries are a great low-Glycaemic Index choice and a smart addition to a diabetes-friendly diet. They are also packed with antioxidants, which may help fight heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. The best way to consume tart cherries is to have them fresh.

* Peaches

Peaches make for an easy diabetes-friendly snack.Peaches contain vitamins A and C, potassium, and fibre, and are delicious on their own or can be consumed in iced tea or smoothie form. You can whip up a quick smoothie by pureeing peach slices with low-fat buttermilk, crushed ice, and a touch of cinnamon or ginger.

* Apricots

Apricots are a sweet summer-fruit staple and a wonderful addition to your diabetes meal plan. These fruits are a good source of fibre and one serving, which is four fresh apricots, provide more than 50 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement.

* Apples

Apples make for a great on-the-go snacking option. A small apple is a great fruit choice, with just 77 calories and 21 g of carbs. Apples are also loaded with fibre and are a good source of vitamin C. Apples have a low glycaemic index which help in regulating the blood-sugar. Don't peel your apples, though — the skins are the most nutritious part, full of antioxidants.

* Apples

Apples make for a great on-the-go snacking option. A small apple is a great fruit choice, with just 77 calories and 21 g of carbs. Apples are also loaded with fibre and are a good source of vitamin C. Apples have a low glycaemic index which help in regulating the blood-sugar. Don't peel your apples, though — the skins are the most nutritious part, full of antioxidants.

* Oranges

When it comes to having a refreshing snack, nothing comes close to citrus fruits, especially orange. Oranges are great source of vitamin C and have also got great nutrition value. Oranges contain folate and potassium which may help normalize blood pressure. And while you're enjoying this juicy treat, don't forget that other citrus fruits, like grapefruit, are also great choices.

* Pears

Pears are an excellent source of fibre and a good source of vitamin K; this is one of the great reasons why they make a wise addition to your diabetes meal plan. Plus, unlike most fruit, they actually improve in texture and flavour after they're picked. The best way to store your pears is to leave them at room temperature until they're ripe and perfect for eating. Once they are ripe, they can then be stowed in the refrigerator.

* Green Kiwi

Delicious kiwi is a good source of potassium, fibre, and vitamin C. One large kiwi has about 56 calories and 13 g of carbohydrates, so it's a smart addition to your diabetes-friendly diet. Kiwis are also a great option because they are available year-round and have a longer shelf-life to last in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.