People with high blood sugar may take medication to control their sugar levels, while others manage it with exercise and a healthy diet. While fruit is generally a healthy food choice, some fruits contain higher natural sugars, which are bad for your blood sugar.
It might make you wonder - Can I eat papaya if I have diabetes?
Well, yes, you'll be glad to know that papaya is safe to eat.
Nutrients in Papaya
The nutrients found in 100 gms of papaya are:
- 0.4 grams of Protein
- 6.9 grams of Carbohydrates
- 0.1 grams of Fat
Additionally, it is a rich source of dietary fibre, sodium, potassium, vitamin A and C. It has only 34 Calories for 100g.
Benefits of Papaya
Here are some of the benefits of papaya for people with diabetes-
1. Aids in weight loss
Due to its low-calorie count, papaya is excellent for weight loss. Furthermore, the fruit is packed with fibre, so it also helps you stay full longer. The result may be that you consume fewer calories throughout the day. Additionally, it promotes healthy digestion.
2. Has Powerful Antioxidant Effects
In papayas, antioxidant vitamins A, C and E are found in high amounts. Research suggests antioxidant-rich diets may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. These nutrients stop cholesterol from oxidising.
3. Boosts Your Immunity
As a fruit rich in vitamin C, papaya is beneficial for your immune system. Furthermore, this fruit is also rich in antioxidants, which can combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a leading cause of disease.
Also Read: Ayurvedic Immunity Booster Pros, Cons, Intake & More
4. Reduces inflammation
Papaya has several unique enzymes for digesting proteins, such as papain and chymopapain. These enzymes can reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process for burns. In addition, papaya contains antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, which effectively reduce inflammation.
Sugar Content in Papaya
One cup of fresh papaya has roughly 11 grams of sugar, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Therefore, it is recommended that diabetics limit their intake of added sugars to maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar levels.
Is Papaya Good for Diabetes?
Yes, Papaya is good for diabetes. In general, diabetics have strict restrictions regarding sweet and sugary items, so they need to follow a special diet. As we can see from papaya's nutritional composition, it is sucrose-free and high in fibre while low in sugar. Because of this, it is one of the healthiest snack options for diabetics. According to several studies, papaya consumption has been shown to reduce the progression of type 2 diabetes.
The medium GI of papaya makes it a healthy choice for people with diabetes as well. It might also reduce your blood sugar levels.
