Is Dragon Fruit Good for Diabetes?

Is Dragon Fruit Good for Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that impairs the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin, resulting in high blood glucose levels. That is why it is critical for diabetics to adhere to a balanced diet plan.

A healthy diet plan aids in effectively balancing blood glucose levels. Though there are many fruits that are diabetic-friendly, this article will focus on Dragon fruit, also known as Pitya.

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that has grown in popularity in recent years. Though people enjoy it primarily for its distinct appearance and flavor, evidence suggests it may also have health benefits.

Want to Reverse Diabetes?

Call Us on080694 50746

Dragon Fruit benefits for Diabetes

According to some studies, dragon fruit has an anti-diabetic effect by regenerating pancreatic beta cells. But in general fruit consumption is beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels. It protects against insulin resistance.

Dragon fruit is a low-calorie (only 60 calories per serving) fruit that is high in fiber and provides a good amount of several vitamins and minerals. It is a decent source of magnesium which can help to improve insulin sensitivity in Type 2 diabetes. 

What is the Glycemic Index of Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit has a low GI between 48-52, but even so, if you have Type 2 diabetes you cannot eat too much of it. It is best to eat 1 fruit in a day. Don’t combine it with a meal.

It is best to eat your fruits as a snack to reduce the possibility of a rapid sugar spike and subsequent crash. Which can lead to hunger pangs. 

Does Dragon Fruit Affect Blood Sugar?

Any food you have will affect your blood sugar level. As does dragon fruit, however, there have been a lot of small sample studies conducted about its anti-diabetic properties and its ability to control blood sugar levels.

However, they are inconsistent. So, while it can be added to your diet it should be used as a natural remedy to manage or control blood sugar levels. 

Though there is not much data on the human population, dragon fruit can definitely be taken once per day in the mid-morning or in an evening snack.

Are there any Side Effects of Eating Dragon Fruit?

Although it is believed that dragon fruit can lower blood sugar levels, there is no evidence of the same. But to be on the safe side, it is best to check your blood sugar levels before and after adding something new to your diet to measure your personalized glycemic response to a particular food item.

Fitterfly’s Diabetes Care Programs provide CGM which allows you to see how your body responds to food items in real-time. If this is your first time eating dragon fruit please watch out for signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, vomiting, rash, or swelling of your tongue. 

Ways to Consume Dragon Fruit for Diabetes?

When you have type 2 diabetes or when you are trying to lose weight, the best way to eat any fruit is to eat it in it’s natural form. So, just peel it, slice it up and dig in.

However, if you don’t find that option appealing you can put in your smoothies or even salads to add a fruity citrusy note. 

How Much Dragon Fruit Should You Eat in a Day?

The daily recommendation for dragon fruit serving for an adult is a single cup that packs in a punch of micronutrients and about 7 grams of fiber. Which is almost ¼ th of the fiber requirements for a day. 

Is Dragon Fruit Good for Type 2 Diabetes?

As we have established earlier in this blog. Being a low GI and high fiber fruit, dragon fruit is definitely a good choice for people who have type 2 diabetes.

But when it comes to diet for diabetes it is always best to pick one which you know for sure will not spike your blood sugar. And it is only possible to do this by measuring your PGR.

Is Yellow Dragon Fruit Good for Diabetes?

There are 3 different types of dragon fruit – red skin with white flesh, red skin with red flesh, and yellow skin with white flesh.

All three share similar nutritional profiles are thus yellow dragon fruit is the same for people with diabetes as the most popular version red skin with white flesh. 

What is the Nutritional Value of Dragon Fruit?

The nutritional profile of dragon fruit in 100 grams: 

In addition to this, it also contains – calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium, and vitamin C. Making it a great source of micronutrients which are very important for people with Type 2 diabetes. 

FitterTake

However, before you start eating dragon fruit in diabetes, make sure that you do speak to your diabetes care team and dietician/nutritionist to understand how much Dragon fruit is safe for you to eat, and follow medical advice as given.

Controlling blood sugar with diet is only one aspect of diabetes management or reversal. It is important to take a comprehensive approach that includes exercise, stress, and sleep management.

Reduced HbA1c by HALF in 6 months

12.6% 6.6%

Vandana Jha

39 years

25000+
Happy members

No Cost
EMI

Moneyback
Guarantee

4.8/5

You too can with

Fitterfly's
Diabetes Prime Program

Required

Required

Call me

* Diabetes Remission is the clinical term for Diabtes Reversal

At Fitterfly, our expert team of nutritionists, physiotherapists and psychologists are focused on transforming your health through their expertise. This happens through personalized one-on-one sessions, tailor-made diet & exercise plans and an in-depth analysis of your overall lifestyle, health and medical history.

Have a look at our Fitterfly’s programs like Fitterfly Weight Loss Program and Fitterfly Diabetes Management Program. They might just be the program you have been looking for!

Sign up for our programs and see how we can make it possible for you. To speak with us, just give us a missed call at 08069450746, and we will definitely get back to you.