People often ask, Can a diabetic eat watermelon? Is watermelon good for diabetics? Different fruits have different benefits. Watermelon also has some benefits for some people and has some side effects for other people, especially diabetic people.
Watermelon for diabetes people/disease is totally a different topic. There are different factor which affect a human healthy body and a diabetic patient’s body.
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Question: Can a diabetic eat watermelon?
Answer: Yes, a diabetic can eat watermelon but it should be in limit. It depends upon the glycemic index of watermelon and the glycemic load of watermelon.
The Glycemic index (GI) is a number from 0 to 100. This number is assigned to every food according to their glucose level. This number, between 0-100 represents the relative rise in the blood glucose level two hours after consuming that food.
The glycemic load (GL) of food is a number that estimates how much the food will raise a person’s blood glucose level after eating it.
Different Proven Benefits Of Watermelon
There are lots of benefits of watermelon but these are some of the proven benefits of watermelon for a healthy person.
- Keeps you hydrated
- Improves skin and hair health
- Promotes sexual health
- Treats inflammation
- Keeps your heart healthy
- Combat Cancer- lycopene in watermelons has been found to reduce the extent of cancer insurgence
- Helps in-digestion
- Good for pregnant women
- Good for blood pressure
- Prevents asthma
Watermelon, a plant species are cultivated worldwide. It is a sweet, commonly consumed fruit in the summers. It can be eaten by making slices, blended to make juice, or also used in the wine.
It gives us the energy of about 30 kilo calorie.
Watermelon has a sugar content of about 6.2g. And it’s very low in fat. The only vitamin present is vitamin C appreciable quantity.
Watermelon for diabetes people can be harmful at a point. If you use anything in the excess amount it will show some side effects.
Yes, watermelon has some side effects for a healthy person also. And when it comes to a diabetic person, it is necessary that you consume watermelon in a limited amount.
As diabetes is a concern, watermelon if consumed in a limited amount won’t commit any harm.
Can A Diabetic Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon has a high glycemic index which results in high blood sugar levels. But a diabetic patient can eat watermelon.
GI- glycemic index of watermelon (which is favorable between 1-100) is 76. The higher the glycemic index the faster the rise in blood sugar.
How much amount of watermelon a diabetic can eat? People with diabetes should consume around 150-200g of watermelon at one time so that the high GI won’t affect the blood sugar level.
Watermelon does not contain natural sugars, so the regulation of the blood sugar level should be always kept in mind.
Consuming watermelon reduces the curb for eating sugar and it is healthy as it contains around 90% water.
This fruit contains a non-essential amino acid (citrulline) which can regulate Blood pressure and metabolism.
It contains a low concentration of carbohydrates and calories which regulates the bodyweight improving the quality of life of people with diabetes.
Consuming a low amount of watermelon will help to benefit those people with Type 2 diabetes as the glycemic load is low (2 per 100g)
Side Effects Of Watermelon:
- May cause diarrhea and other digestive problems- Watermelon is a great source of water and fiber. If excess amount is consumed may cause diarrhea bloating and other digestive problem etc.
- May level up the glucose level- Because the glycemic load is large (glycemic index- 76), it may up the glucose level in blood.
- May increase the risk of liver inflammation- Watermelon contains lycopene which may react with alcohol. So, people who drink alcohol should not eat too much watermelon.
- May cause overhydration or water intoxication- If the water could not be removed out then it may cause level up the blood volume.
- It also may cause cardiovascular problems because of too much potassium content.
Conclusion:
So, we get the answer to “can a diabetic eat watermelon?”. A diabetic can eat watermelon. The consumption of watermelon for the diabetics should be in a moderate amount.
Also, watermelon should be consumed alongside food that is abundant in beneficial fats, fibers, and proteins.
This combination will benefit people to feel full for longer and reduce the effect of watermelons on blood glucose levels.
She is a research enthusiast, doing her master’s degree in biotechnology. Associated with the research program and planning to opt for a doctoral program in drug delivery & designing in a reputed organization.
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