Is Apple Good for Diabetes Patients? | Glycemic Index of Apple

Last updated on November 30th, 2023

Diabetes is a medical condition in which blood sugars rise. There is no concrete cure for diabetes till now. Still, professionals think that it is possible to manage it via lifestyle changes like a diet. Apples are tasty, nourishing, and safe for diabetics. They exert multiple health benefits. Therefore, apples and diabetes have a strong connection. So, let’s understand the effect of apples on blood glucose levels. Also, how a person can add apples to their diet if they are diabetic? Read this blog to know “Can Diabetic Patient Eat Apple and How Many Carbs Does Apple Contains?”

Diabetics must avoid refined and processed foods as they are harmful to their blood glucose levels. Hence, it is always better to supplement the diet with fruits and vegetables.

Apples contain high amounts of both soluble and insoluble fibres. Fibres fail to get digested rapidly, and it takes time to break down and digest. This releases glucose slowly and gradually into the blood.

Nutritional Facts About Apples

Apple is one of the most well-liked fruits worldwide. They have a high nutritional value. Also, apples contain high fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C content.

Apple contains a low glycemic index value of 38. This makes sure that there are no major blood glucose variations while consuming them. Apple contains a very low number of carbs, too. That is, 100 g of apples comprise only 14 g of carbs. The carbs in one apple have a different impact on the body than the sugars present in foods consisting of processed sugars.

One medium-sized apple consists of the following:

A huge fragment of an apple’s nutrient value is present in its colourful skin. Hence, washing and eating the apple with skin is the most excellent way of optimizing the nutrition a person is receiving. Also, apples consist of huge amounts of water and fiber. Both of them make apples astonishingly filling. So, is Apple good for diabetes patients? Keep reading to know it all.

Read More: Top 6 Dry Fruits For Diabetics.

Can Diabetic Patients Eat Apples?

Yes, apples and diabetes patients have a positive relationship. Apple’s GI index is low, and it is full of dietary fiber, which doesn’t spike blood sugar. Even though the carb content of apples is high, the fiber present in them lowers the risk. It delays the process of digestion and maintains glucose levels. The fructose content of apples does not affect the sugar levels due to the fiber. Regular intake of this fruit reduces insulin resistance. This answers the question, can a diabetic patient eat apples? Diabetics can have apples safely but in measured amounts. Moreover, scientific studies state the regulatory effects of apples on postprandial sugar levels.

The antioxidants present in apple’s skin promote the pancreatic cells to release insulin. This helps in glucose absorption in the cells. Not only this, but the American Medical Association (AMA) also says that the consumption of apples in measured amounts can also prevent diabetes mellitus.

Glycemic Index of Apples

The GI score of apples is 36. This belongs to low GI food. It consists of a considerable number of natural sugars. The fiber content of the apples balances these natural sugars. This gives apples a low glycemic index value. As Apple does not significantly elevate glucose levels, apple for diabetes patients is okay for daily consumption. Therefore, diabetes patients can eat apples, and glycemic index of apples being low; it will not disturb their blood sugar much.

It is interesting to know that apple juice GI is higher than the glycemic index of apples (whole fruit). This is because when apple is consumed in juiced form it loses its majority fiber content.

Summary

Apples are healthy and contain rich amounts of fibre, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Also, apples aid a person in feeling full without having a lot of calories.

Read More: Are Grapefruits Safe for Diabetics?

Apples Consist Of Fiber And Carbs

If a person is diabetic, keeping a check on carb consumption is vital. This is due to the 3 macronutrients, i.e., carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Carbohydrates are found to affect a person’s blood sugars the most.

Fiber delays the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. This makes them not raise a person’s blood glucose levels closely as swiftly. As per studies, fiber is found to be defensive against type 2 diabetes. Also, many fiber types have been seen to improve blood glucose management.

Summary

Apples comprise carbohydrates, which may elevate blood sugars. Yet, the fiber content in apples stabilizes the levels of blood glucose. Also, it offers many other health benefits.

Apples Moderately Have An Impact On Blood Glucose

The apple sugar content is mostly fructose. When people consume fructose in whole fruit, it exerts a slight impact on the levels of blood glucose. Similarly, the fiber content of the fruit delays the digestion of sugar.

Furthermore, polyphenols present in apples may delay the digestion of carbs. Also, they might reduce blood sugar levels. Apples contain a low glycemic index and glycemic load value. This means that they would result in a minimal rise in glucose levels.

Summary

Apple exerts a minimal effect on glucose levels. Also, they are dubious to result in fast spikes in blood glucose, even in diabetics.

Read More: Is Cauliflower Good for Diabetic Patients?

Apples Lower Down Insulin Resistance

Does apple increase blood sugar? No. Regular consumption of apples lowers insulin resistance. This must then cause reduced blood glucose levels. This is due to the polyphenol content of the apples. They are majorly present in the apple skin. Polyphenols stimulate the pancreas to release insulin and aid in sugar absorption inside the cells.

Summary

Apples consist of plant compounds that might decrease insulin resistance. And, in turn, improves insulin sensitivity.

Antioxidants In Apples Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes

Can diabetics eat apples? Having apples is linked to a reduced risk of diabetes. There are a number of reasons why apples help in preventing diabetes. However, the antioxidants of apples and diabetes play a crucial role.

Antioxidants present in apples are:

• Chlorogenic acid: Aids the body in utilizing sugar more effectively.
• Quercetin: It might delay the digestion of carbs and thus prevent blood glucose spikes.
• Phlorizin: It might likely delay glucose absorption and thus reduce glucose levels.

The highest amounts of useful antioxidants are present in Honeycrisp and red tasty ranges of apples.

Summary

Consuming apples regularly might aid in preventing type 2 diabetes. Also, eating apples and diabetes management is possible because a person’s blood glucose levels remain stable on consumption.

Read More: Is Apricot Good for Diabetics?

Health Benefits of Apple For Diabetics

Weight Management

Apple for diabetes patients contains a good amount of fiber and water; these make them filling. A growing sensation of fullness acts as a weight-loss approach. And this aids in managing a person’s appetite. This may also cause a person to lower his or her energy intake.

Also, studies recommend that the consumption of apple for diabetes patients might lessen the BMI of a person. Body mass index is a factor relating to weight and is a risk factor for heart problems. Remarkably, apple polyphenols might also exert powerful anti-obesity effects.

Summary

Apple for diabetes patient is specifically filling because of their high fiber and water content. Also, polyphenols in apples might exert anti-obesity effects.

Reduces The Risk Of Diabetes

What are the benefits of apples for diabetes? Best apples for diabetes patients help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. It was also found that consuming apples was linked to an 18% decrease in the risk of type 2 diabetes. Also, just 1 serving per week was found to decrease the risk by 3%. Therefore, this answers the question should diabetics eat apples.

Apple is good for sugar patients as it is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, quercetin and phloridzin. Both of them describe this beneficial effect. The anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin might decrease insulin resistance. This is the biggest risk factor for the inception of diabetes. In addition, phloridzin is thought to decrease the glucose uptake in the intestines. This adds to a decreased blood glucose load and, thus, a lowered diabetes risk.

Summary

There is a strong connection between having apples and diabetes type 2 reduced risk. And, this is likely owing to their polyphenol content.

Helps In Preventing Cancer

Antioxidant content in apples is seen to provide beneficial effects against cancer. The types of cancers may include breast, lung, and GI cancers. Diabetes increases the risk of cancer in diabetics. Can apple be eaten by diabetics? The answer is simply yes. There are favourable cancer-fighting effects in apples which are due to the apple polyphenols. They keep away the tumour cells from multiplying. Also, the high fiber content of apples might contribute to their cancer-fighting properties.

Summary

Apple’s antioxidant and fiber content is associated with a lower risk of various types of cancer. Yet, more research is also required.

Read More: Is Rice Good For Diabetes?

Good For Heart Health

Apple for diabetes patients is also linked to lower the risk of heart problems. One reason might be apples contain soluble fiber. This type of fiber aids in reducing the levels of blood cholesterol. Another reason might be apples provide various polyphenols. These can be flavonoid epicatechin. And it is thought to lower down the blood pressure.

Also, flavonoids are seen to prevent cardiovascular problems by:

• Reducing blood pressure
• Decreasing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol
• Decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis. It is the accumulation of plaque in a person’s arteries.

Summary

Best apples for diabetes patients support good heart health in a number of ways. They’re rich in soluble fiber, which aids in reducing the levels of cholesterol. They also have polyphenols, which are linked to lower blood pressure and stroke risk.

Supports Gut Health

Apples consist of a type of fiber named pectin. It acts as a prebiotic. This implies it feeds a person’s gut microbiota. These are the good bacteria present in the gut. A healthy gut carries out several functions linked to both ailments and health.

Summary

The form of fiber present in apples is thought to improve gut-friendly bacteria. For this reason, this fruit helps in guarding the body against chronic ailments.

Read More: Is Coconut Milk Good for Diabetics?

Few Tips for Diabetic Patients to Eat Apples 

• Consume apples in the raw forms with peels on: People should ensure that they do not take the peels off. They comprise a huge number of antioxidants and fibres. Hand washing is a must for giving a shiny look to the fruit, few shopkeepers coat them using wax.
• Apple Crumble: Oats and apple crumble can be an exciting dessert for diabetics. This dessert packs textures and flavours. It is just perfect for diabetics when they crave something sweet. However, they must ensure not to over-indulge into it. As it might impair one’s blood glucose levels as well.
• Salads: Apple salads are interesting ways to have fruit. People chop fresh apples and mix them with anything like feta, walnuts, and other types of herbs.
• Avoid Apple Juice: Is apple juice good for diabetics? It is always best to consume apples fresh and whole. People must not have apple juice when they have diabetes. Juicing the fruit loses all the vital fibres that aid in controlling the blood sugars. Also, the juice becomes high in sugar content, and that may prove harmful.
• Practice moderation: Moderation is the golden rule diabetics must practice all the time. All fruits, regardless of their nutritive value, should be taken within limits. Portion control is very important in diabetes management.

Summary

To conclude, Apple is an exceptional fruit to add to a diabetic-friendly diet. Many of the dietary guidelines for diabetics propose a diet consisting of fruits and veggies. They pack a lot of nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Moreover, meal plans with rich fruits and veggies are associated with a reduced risk of chronic ailments like cancer or heart disorders. All this would have answered your question, can we eat apple in diabetes?

If a person counts carbohydrates, make sure to consider the 14 g of carbs in an apple. So, can apple raise blood sugar? While apple for sugar patients is not likely to result in a spike in the blood sugars, they do comprise carbs. In addition, diabetics must monitor their blood glucose after consuming apples. This makes them understand how apples have an impact on their health. Apple is a healthy and tempting food to include in one’s diet. And this is irrespective of whether the person is diabetic or not.

Read More: Is Cranberry Juice Good for Diabetics?

FAQ’s(Frequently Asked Questions)