Diabetics should limit their consumption of watermelon to not more than 150 grams per day
People suffering from diabetes need to limit their intake of certain Foods to avoid the risk of diabetes complications.
Can diabetes sufferers eat watermelon?
It turns out that diabetes sufferers can eat watermelon within reasonable limits. The reason is, watermelon contains natural sugar which might increase blood sugar levels in diabetes sufferers if consumed in excess.
For more details, find out the nutritional content of watermelon and its effects on blood sugar below. Also read: Nutritional content of watermelon.
Watermelon is a fruit that contains nutrients and vitamins that are good for health. Report from Healthline, shows that the nutritional content of watermelon per 100 grams is as follows:
- Calories: 30
- Water: 91 percent
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 7.6 grams
- Sugar: 6.2 grams
- Fiber: 0.4 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
Apart from that, watermelon also contains vitamins and minerals that can support body health, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, iron and calcium.
The water content in watermelon is also high so it can increase fluid levels in the body and prevent dehydration.
It turns out that people with diabetes can eat watermelon in reasonable amounts. The reason is, watermelon has a glycemic index of 72 which is relatively high so it might increase blood sugar levels.
Report from Medical News Today, shows that watermelon’s high glycemic index makes the sugar content in it enters the bloodstream more quickly. As a result, blood sugar levels will increase and may cause the risk of complications in diabetes sufferers.
However, diabetes sufferers do not need to avoid consuming watermelon completely because it can provide additional nutrition for the body.
Diabetics are advised to limit their consumption of watermelon to no more than 150 grams per day, or according to doctor’s guidance. The reason is, each diabetes sufferer has a different condition so the type of diet that needs to be followed will also be different.
Those of you who have diabetes are also advised to eat watermelon along with foods rich in healthy fats, fiber and protein, such as nuts or seeds. This combination will make you feel full longer and help the body to absorb sugar slowly. Understanding whether diabetes sufferers can eat watermelon is very important because this fruit can increase blood sugar levels and the risk of diabetes complications if consumed in excess. Even though it is nutritious, watermelon consumption needs to be limited according to doctor’s recommendations.
