The food we eat is very important for our health. But, when someone is suffering from diabetes, this practice becomes even more important. Some foods can improve the condition of diabetes patients, but some foods can make them feel worse.
One of the best options for those suffering from diabetes is fruits. Fruits contain vitamins, carbs, fiber, and minerals. Almost all of them are low in sodium and fat. However, it is worth mentioning that the majority of fruits come with more carbohydrates compared to vegetables. That’s why we have created a list of the top 10 low-carb fruits for the diabetic diet.
1. Starfruit
This exotic fruit can be found in China, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia. A couple of decades ago, it was cultivated in Hawaii and Florida in the USA. One cup of star fruit contains 7.3 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber, and only 33 calories. According to some studies, it provides about 90% of Vitamin C and Vitamin A needed per day by most people.
2. Watermelon
If you are looking for a tasty and low-carb fruit for your diabetic diet, then you should consider watermelon. This is a great choice, but you must be careful. It is not unusual to overeat this fruit because it is light and tasty. One cup of watermelon contains 45 calories, 1 gram of protein, and 11 grams of carbs.
3. Strawberries
This fruit is used worldwide and it is known for its sweet taste. The United States is the largest producer of strawberries in the world. Both fresh and frozen strawberries are good for people suffering from diabetes. One cup of sliced strawberries contains 3.3 grams of fiber, 1.1 grams of protein, and 12 grams of carbohydrates.
4. Tart cherries
It is perfectly safe to use tart cherries in your diabetic diet as long as you consume them responsibly. A scientific study conducted not a while ago has confirmed that tart cherries come with many different anti-inflammatory agents. They are also rich in antioxidants. You can find them fresh, frozen, dried, or canned. If you choose their dried or canned version make sure that they don’t contain added sugar.
5. Apricots
This is another sweet fruit that individuals dealing with diabetes can include in their diabetic diet. This summer fruit contains only 17 calories and four grams of carbs (one apricot). You should eat four apricots per day to meet about 70% of your daily vitamin A requirements. They are also packed with fiber.
6. Peaches
Peaches are a real hit during the summer period. They are tasty and refreshing. Peaches are rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Of course, they are low on carbs. You can prepare smoothies and fresh juice from this fruit and make it part of your diabetic diet.
7. Apples
Apples are excellent fruits for those who are always on the move. They can be stored in a bag or purse and consumed anywhere. One apple contains 14 grams of carbs and 54 calories. They are a great source of fiber and vitamin C too.
8. Pears
Now here’s another fruit that you can add to your diabetic diet. These fruits are known for their rich fiber and potassium content.
9. Oranges
One regular orange contains the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. This is a great low-carb option for people dealing with diabetes because it contains only 62 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates. You can eat them raw or juice them. In addition, you can also try grapefruit – a fruit that has similar properties to orange.
10. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a fruit that many people consider to be a vegetable. No matter what you think about this, the fact is that rhubarb is a great addition to any diabetic diet. One cup of raw rhubarb comes with only 26 calories and just 5.5 grams of carbs.