Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But is it good for a diabetic? How many strawberries should a diabetic consume everyday?
The goodness of strawberries lies in their wealth of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A nutritious diet and adequate physical activity are key for regulating your blood sugar levels. Can diabetics have strawberries? Let’s get deeper into the nutritional value of strawberries and the health benefits of strawberries for diabetes.
Contents:
Strawberry: Nutritional Profile
Strawberries are a red, juicy, and delicious fruit with a glycemic index (GI) of 41. It is crucial, especially for diabetics, to choose foods with low GI to manage their blood sugar.
100 grams of strawberries contain the following:
| Calories: 32 |
| Water: 91% |
| Protein: 0.7 grams |
| Carbs: 7.7 grams |
| Sugar: 4.9 grams |
| Fiber: 2 grams |
| Fat: 0.3 grams |
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants (polyphenols) which help fight diseases and boost insulin sensitivity. They’re also rich in potassium, folate, vitamins, and fiber. Vitamin C helps to boost immunity, while folate boosts normal tissue growth.
Advantages of Strawberry for Diabetes
- Strawberries contain slow-release carbohydrates that do not cause a spike in blood sugar after consumption. Instead, they help in managing it.
- The GI in strawberries is below 55, which makes it a universally low-sugar food. Therefore, the amount of sugar in strawberries will not affect glucose levels in diabetics.
Ways to Consume Strawberry For Diabetes
- Adding strawberries to your oatmeal or yogurt at breakfast.
- Garnishing a chicken salad at lunch for a refreshing burst of tartness
- Pairing them with fresh cottage cheese (paneer) for a unique high-protein, low-sugar snack
- Blending them to make strawberry juice or smoothies for health-conscious drinks full of fiber, vitamins, and micro-nutrients
- Cooking and preserving them to make jams, preserves, etc.
- Tossing them in desserts like chocolate velvet mousse, strawberry-rhubarb ice pops, strawberry cheesecakes- your guilt-free options are endless!
How Much and How Frequently Should a Diabetic Eat Strawberries?
Enjoy the goodness of strawberries by consuming them fresh. You can have up to 8 strawberries in a day, at any time. Have some strawberries whenever the snack cravings hit!
Risks of Overconsumption of Strawberry For Diabetes
- Digestive problems
- Diarrhea
- Reflux and bloating
- Heartburn
The benefits of eating strawberries outweigh any health risks they might possess. However, some people with food allergies may be allergic to strawberries, as they contain histamine.
Other Health Benefits of Strawberry For Diabetes
- Strawberries’ sugar amount is low, and calories are 32 every 100 grams that makes it a diabetic friendly fruit.
- The anthocyanin in strawberries improves heart health
- Strawberries are good for weight loss because of its low sugar and carb content.
- Fiber content in strawberries helps in easy bowel movements.
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties aid tissue repair and help in the treatment of arthritis.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- Strawberries are low in calories and rich in minerals, which make them great, versatile additions to a balanced diet.
- Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, healthy carbohydrates, and are a great source of fiber.
- The micro-nutrients, vitamins, low sugar and carbs found in strawberries make it an ultimate superfood for diabetics.
- Strawberries are sweet but not very high in sugar, which can greatly satisfy a sweet tooth.
- Use Phable Care App to consult India’s leading diabetologists, order medicines, book lab tests, integrate Accu-Chek instant and other devices to get real-time remote care from the comfort of your home. Let’s treat diabetes together.
Friendly Asked Questions
Yes, strawberries are rich in vitamin C and low in carbohydrates that help in maintaining normal sugar levels.
Strawberry’s health benefits are many: its vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber promote good health. These nutrients reduce inflammation, protect from heart diseases, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancers and obesity-related diseases.
No, strawberries are low in sugar. One cup of raw strawberries provides about 8 grams of sugar.
Diabetics should avoid fruits with a GI between 70–100, as that means they are high in sugar. Fruits like pineapple, overly ripe bananas, and dates can increase blood sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
Fruits with low GI like strawberries, apple, avocado, and kiwi are best for diabetics.
Compared to other berries, strawberries are low in sugar.