Is Apricot Good For Diabetes?? Is It Safe For Diabetics??

author.webp
Dr. Pakhi Sharma, MBBSGeneral Physician, 6+ Years
Published On : 25-Jan-2022Read Time : 3 minutes
share icon
blog-image

Packed with fibre, apricot is a great addition to your diet to help fight a wide range of diseases. Hydrating in nature, they can be awesome snacks for those hunger pangs in between meals and as a wonderful substitute for peaches and plums, to change your routine. But is apricot good for diabetes? What are the benefits of apricots of diabetes? How much GI does apricot have? This article will give you an in depth insight into the above-mentioned questions. 

Contents:
  • Apricot: Nutritional Profile
  • Advantages of Apricot for Diabetes
  • Ways to Consume Apricot for Diabetes
  • Best Time To Eat Apricot For Diabetes
  • Risks of Over Consuming Apricot For Diabetes
  • Other Health Benefits of Apricot
  • Don’t Have Time To Read?
  • FAQs

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is closely related to peaches, almonds, plums and cherries. It’s one of the healthiest fruits with multiple benefits. These include promoting eye health, helping with diabetes, ensuing heart health and weight management, among others.

Apricot: Nutritional Profile

Around 4 apricots are sufficient to cover your daily requirement of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Potassium. Just 2 fresh apricots (70 grams) contain 34 calories,  8 grams of carbs, a gram of protein, 0.27 grams of fat and 1.5 grams fiber. 

100 grams of apricots contain the following nutrition: 

Total Fat: 0.5 g

Saturated Fat 0 g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1 g

Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 10 mg

Potassium: 1162 mg

Total Carbohydrates: 63 g

Dietary Fiber: 7.3 g

Sugars: 53 g

Protein: 3.4 g

Vitamin A: 72%

Vitamin C: 1.7%

Calcium: 4.2%

Iron: 15%

They also include rich antioxidants such as beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. With a Glycemic Index (GI) of only 32, dried apricots too are wonderful for diabetics. 

Advantages of Apricot For Diabetes

  • Loaded with antioxidants
  • Boosts immunity
  • Good for skin
  • improves  gut health
  • Keeps you hydrated
  • Protects the liver
  • Good for sight

Apricots are rich in flavonoids like catechin, quercetin and chlorogenic acids, antioxidants that protect against inflammation and related illnesses, whilst lowering the risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Ways To Consume Apricot For Diabetes

  • Eat them raw as a snack 
  • Add them to fruit salads and smoothies 
  • Add them to your cheese platter. Gouda pairs well with apricots.
  • Make apricot jams, preserves and salsas for your tacos
  • Add it to your yoghurt and granola mix for a delicious and quick breakfast

Best Time To Consume Apricot For Diabetes

Low in calories, apricots are great for diabetics and can be consumed at any time of the day. A diabetic can consume apricots during the evening or night as a topping over food. You can garnish them and use it as a topping over cereals and salads. 

Risks of Over Consuming Apricot For Diabetes

Eating too many apricots can lead to weight gain and other health problems. For those with diabetes, too many apricots can lead to blood sugar levels spiralling, gas, bloating and constipation, among other things. In extreme cases, it can lead to low blood pressure, fever, headaches and insomnia. One can use the Phable Care App to consult India’s leading diabetologists. 

Other Health Benefits of Apricot

1. Hydrating: 

One cup (165 grams) of fresh apricots provide almost 2/3 cup of water. Apricots can help you meet your daily water intake requirement. 

2. Promotes Gut Health:

Apricots are rich in soluble fibre which is vital for supporting healthy blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

3. Promotes Skin Health: 

Its antioxidants help reduce skin damage and its Vitamins C and E may help protect the skin from UV damage and environmental pollutants etc.

4. Essential For Eye Health: 

Vitamin A and E play a vital role in preventing night blindness and oxidative stress.

Don’t Have Time To Read?

  • With a low Glycemic Index of 32, apricots have tremendous health benefits for diabetics, who can consume it daily. 
  • Rich in vitamins and nutrients, apricots help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, better skin and eye health, and improved gut health and hydration. 
  • They are best consumed raw to avoid extra calories and for being full for longer. 
  • One must not consume more than 3-4 apricots a day. Overconsumption can lead to unwanted weight gain and health complications.
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Blogs

Good Carbs and Bad Carbs: How Do They Affect Diabetics?

Good Carbs and Bad Carbs: How Do They Affect Diabetics?

As a diabetic, you need to be aware of the nutritional content of each and every thing you consume. So when it comes to carbs, which are good and which are bad? In this article, we help you tell the difference.

Read Now  Read more
Wondering What to Eat When Blood Sugar is Low? Here’s a Quick Guide

Wondering What to Eat When Blood Sugar is Low? Here’s a Quick Guide

Do you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or tired frequently? Can't concentrate? These can be signs of low blood sugar levels. Know what to eat when blood sugar is low.

Read Now  Read more
All About the Prediabetes Diet: Indian Foods That Work

All About the Prediabetes Diet: Indian Foods That Work

Eating healthy with prediabetes need not be complicated or expensive. Learn more about the prediabetes diet and Indian foods to include in it.

Read Now  Read more