Can Diabetics Eat Strawberries?

Strawberries are a delectable delight, but are they any good for diabetics? Well, they are completely safe to eat for diabetics. Not only are they good to eat for diabetics, most doctors suggest that diabetics make them a part of their diet. Strawberries, just like other fruits have several health benefits and should therefore, be a part of a diabetic’s diet. Several researches have shown that strawberries have special ingredient in them that treats type 2 diabetes. Strawberries have the following benefits.

Slow-Release Carbs

Diabetics have to not only keep an eye on the amount of carbohydrates that he/she eats, but also on the type of carbs. Strawberries and all the other types of berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, cranberries and blueberries consist slow-release carbohydrates, which are the best sources of optimising the control of diabetes.

Carbohydrates Content

Another advantage of eating strawberries for diabetes is that they have only fewer carbohydrates compared with other fruits. One cup of strawberries contains over 11 grams of carbohydrates that include 2.9 grams of fibre corresponding to an equivalent of 8.1 grams of available carbohydrates. If you replace your usual serving of fruits with strawberries, you will experience a reduced amount of carb intake. Make sure you eat no more than 2 servings of strawberries at once.

Antioxidant

Strawberries are rich sources of antioxidants, which are natural compounds found in many vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants help one fight against chronic diseases linked with aging. According to a study published in 2003 in the journal Diabetes, strawberries could help prevent diabetes, but for those, who already had diabetes, the wonder fruit could help in preventing common complications associated with diabetes.

You may replace fruits with strawberries to derive their healthy carbohydrates and antioxidant benefits. Make sure that you eat a variety of fruits to diversify the intake of nutrients. Add strawberries to your breakfast and lunch. You may also make snacks out of strawberries, such as that of strawberry slices mixed with cottage cheese to make a high-protein, low-glycemic index. You may also dip strawberries in dark chocolate to make a sumptuous diabetic friendly dessert without even impacting the blood sugar levels.

Tips and Warning

Avoid eating strawberries that are prepared as desserts because these will have extra sugar, which is likely to skyrocket your blood sugar levels.

Avoid strawberries that have been dipped in sugary syrups as these will provide you with high amounts of carbs, fat and calories.

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