Complex relationship of diabetic and watermelon

Watermelon can be enjoyed in moderation by diabetics as it has a low glycemic load despite being high on the glycemic index. Combining watermelon with foods rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein can help slow sugar absorption. Other fruits like oranges, berries, apples, peaches, kiwis, and pears are also good options. Watermelon contains citrulline, which can improve blood pressure and provide health benefits. Test, test. How much watermelon can diabetics eat as the warmth of the summer sets in? Actually, the heat wave we are dealing with right now. Nothing screams fresh and quite like biting into a juicy slice of watermelon. However, for individuals living with diabetes, enjoying this sweet and succulent fruit can sometimes come with uncertainty. With varying information on the effects of watermelon on blood sugar levels, it can be hard to know whether to indulge or avoid altogether. But fear not, as today I am here to provide insights on how to make the most of watermelon season without compromising your diabetes management. You might be tempted to brush off watermelon as a no-go for diabetics due to its sweet taste. But did you know, it also contains a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals? This juicy fruit is loaded with nutrients, including vitamin A, B1, B6 and C, as well as potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, fiber and lycopene. Don't let the sugar content of watermelon scare you away from reaping these nutritional benefits. Now, in moderation, watermelon can be a healthy and delicious addition to a diabetic's diet. How do we do that? Let's talk about if watermelon is going to raise your blood sugar. Can you believe it, folks? Watermelon might actually be one of the few sweet treats that won't send your blood sugar levels into a frenzy. Watermelon has a glycemic index of 72. Any food item with a glycemic index of 70 or above has a very high glycemic index. You're probably thinking, what are you talking about, Doc? Well, despite being high on the glycemic index scale, this juicy fruit has a low glycemic load. Yes. Now, what does that mean? Watermelon has a low glycemic load of 5 in a typical portion size of 120 grams due to the high proportion of water in the fruit. This means that you have got diabetes and a hankering for something sweet you can indulge in the refreshing goodness of watermelon, when I say indulge, you know, maybe a slice of two, right, without feeling like you have betrayed your entire body. I recommend avoiding watermelon juice, though, due to its much higher glycemic load. Here is a trick on eating watermelon without severe blood sugar spikes also. For people with diabetes, finding the right foods to pair with the watermelon sometimes can make all the difference. Combining this juicy sweetness of watermelon with other foods rich in healthy fats, fiber and protein can help slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream and keep cravings at bay. Whether it is a handful of nuts or a sprinkle of seeds, these small additions can offer big benefits in terms of satiety and your glucose control. So next time you are craving something sweet, consider reaching for some refreshing watermelon and a handful of nutritious things that go along with it to keep you full longer. Still not convinced that the watermelon is a friend to those with diabetes? Well, fear not, my friends. There are plenty of other fruits out there that won't send your blood sugar levels on a wild rollercoaster ride, because some of you will argue that watermelon will spike your blood sugar. I am talking about the oranges, the berries, apples, peaches, kiwis and pears. Not only are they lower on the glycemic index, but they are also delicious and will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free. So go on and indulge in some sweet fruit, because with these options, diabetes does not stand a chance. Here is a bonus information. Watermelon is not only a refreshing and delicious fruit, but it also contains citrulline, which is a non-essential amino acid that can provide potential health benefits. For example, according to a 2018 study, citrulline has been known to improve blood pressure, which can be beneficial for individuals who suffer from insulin resistance or diabetes. Incorporating this sweet fruit into your diet can not only satisfy your taste buds, but also provide you with potential health benefits, in this case, the blood pressure as well. Thanks for watching. I will see you in the next video. Remember to subscribe, share and give a like. Give a thumbs up. Talk to you later.