Against what most people think, dates, and diabetes are not against each other. Diabetics can consume this fruit if their sugar levels are in control. In fact, it is fine for diabetics to eat 1-2 dates a week as long as they have dates and diabetes under control, exercise regularly, and maintain healthy eating habits. Eating this fruit in moderation is unlikely to raise a person’s blood sugar excessively, even if they have diabetes.
According to one study, dates are a low glycemic index food that does not result in significant increases in blood sugar in people with or without diabetes. Dates have the ability to help with blood sugar regulation due to their low glycemic index, high fiber, and antioxidant contents. Therefore eating them may benefit diabetes control.
Dates are a great food substance loaded with nutrients like iron and anti-oxidants.
But, they are somehow higher in calories, as compared to other dried fruits, and one is not usually proper for consuming too many in one meal.
According to Dr. Mukta Vasistha, H.O.D, Nutrition and Dietetics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, all types of people can eat dates! Not one, but at least two to three, depending on how great your blood sugar level is. But what about Diabetics? The doubts about dates and diabetes are because of the consumption of this fruit that may shoot up blood sugar levels. Insulin can regulate blood sugar levels. In fact, Insulin is a hormone that diabetics’ body produces low.
In the absence of adequate amounts of Insulin, the glucose in the body is not used up and levels of the same shoot up in the bloodstream of Diabetics. Let’s get to know more about dates, then your concerns about the relation between dates and diabetes will disappear.
Phoenix Dactyliferous, commonly called date, comes from the family of flowering plants of the palm family. The fruit grows on Date Palm trees in groups under the palm tree’s fronds. These trees are usually in the Middle East where dates have been popular for centuries. They are tricky to harvest and to ensure an abundant harvest, they are hand pollinated also.
Besides, the nutrients present in date fruit are easily digestible. Each date consists of dietary fiber, iron, potassium, vitamin B, B6, A and K, tannins, copper, magnesium, manganese, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin. All of them help in improving your body’s metabolism.
So, as can be seen, dates and diabetes are not opposite to each other. The point is that diabetics should consume maximum 2-3 dates in a day. That will have no harm for them.