Cantaloupe and Diabetes. Cantaloupe, a melon-like fruit with high fiber content and low sugar, makes it a popular pick for diabetics.
What are the benefits of cantaloupe for people with diabetes? Should you include cantaloupe in your diet? Continue reading to learn more about cantaloupe and diabetes.
What is a Cantaloupe?
The cantaloupe is a summer fruit related to watermelon and honeydew melon. It is a luscious, orange-colored fruit that belongs to the same plant family as gourds, pumpkins, cucumbers, and squash.
Most people believe that cantaloupe is native to Persia (modern Iran). During his second voyage in the late 1400s, Christopher Columbus brought this fruit to the New World, where it became famous for its refreshing, low-sugar taste.
Cantaloupe is 89% water and has a GI score of 4. It also offers 6% of your daily fiber requirement. Another good thing about this fruit is it has no fat or cholesterol.
Other nutritional benefits you can get from cantaloupes are:
- 100% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant against cell damage.
- 100% vitamin A you need each day to maintain healthy bones, skin, eyes, and immune system
- 12% of the daily potassium recommendation, which is crucial for heart health, muscular function, and blood pressure
Are Diabetics Allowed to Eat Cantaloupes?
Cantaloupes are low in carbohydrates. The considerable water content in cantaloupes contributes to their low glycemic load score of 4. As a result, your body digests it slowly, and your blood sugar will not increase dramatically.
While eating cantaloupes, it’s crucial to routinely check your blood sugar levels because any rapid fluctuations in your blood sugar might pose a greater risk for diabetics.
What is The Best Way to Eat Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe is mostly consumed fresh. Before serving, you can sprinkle some lemon juice on your sliced cantaloupe for added flavor and nutrition. You may also use cantaloupe in dishes like fruit soups and salads