Apple for diabetes
An apple a day keeps the doctor away but if the doctor’s handsome, do you keep the apple away? Jokes apart, apples are free of fat, cholesterol and sodium; but very high in fiber. Apples contain both soluble fiber in the form of pectins in the white fleshy part of the apple and the insoluble fiber present in the outer skin of the apple. Apple for Type 2 diabetes is good mainly because of the pectins (soluble fiber) and the main reason why diabetic apple recipes are so good for type 2 diabetics where diet control and exercise can keep the blood sugar levels in check.
Raw apple should be the choice of fruit over selecting apple juice for diabetics as it provides both soluble and insoluble fiber. Juicing an apple breaks down the fiber and it is likely that the calories would increase if more than one apple is used to prepare a glass of apple juice. In diabetics, care should be taken to keep total calories constant as per the requirement and ensure adequate fiber , proteins and complex carbohydrates as part of a balanced diabetic diet. Apple juice for diabetes can be the choice of drink in case there is hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar levels) to avoid acute and long term complications of diabetes.
Apple varieties range from green apples, red apples, yellow apples. Some of them are seasonal while many are available all through the year.
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Apple for Better Diabetes Control: Both fibers (soluble and insoluble fiber), but particularly soluble fiber helps to control blood sugar by slowing down the release of sugar in to the bloodstream.
Apple for Constipation: Besides controlling blood sugar, fiber (mainly insoluble fiber) helps in bowel movements and gives relief from constipation.
Apple for Immunity: Soluble fiber is believed to have an anti-inflammatory effects that may help diabetics recover faster from infections.
Apple for High Blood Pressure: Fruits particularly apple are desirable for high blood pressure since it is low in sodium and high in potassium which is good for blood pressure control.
An average medium-sized apple contributes 50-60 calories and 10-15 grams of carbohydrate. Senior citizens who have a problem chewing on food would still benefit from peeling the skin and eating the white fleshy portion with the soluble fiber. However skinned apple has 2-4 grams lower fiber content.
Apples can be enjoyed simply raw as part of a well-balanced diabetic meal, or as a snack along with some almonds, sprouts or 1 or 2 tablespoons of low-fat peanut butter. Apple is best eaten as a snack in between meals rather than incorporate it in your main meals for the best blood sugar control.
Apple Nutrition Research studies indicate health benefits of apple in weight management, cholesterol control, weight loss, heart disease, reduce risk for colon cancer, prostrate cancer, lung cancer, besides the positive role of apple therapy for diabetes and hypertension.
