Figs for Diabetics (Are figs good for diabetics) – People with diabetes need to manage their blood sugar levels, including monitoring their intake of carbohydrates, such as fruits. Figs are a popular fruit that has many health benefits but it’s important to know if they are suitable for a diabetic patient and how to consume them safely in a diabetes-friendly diet.
Are figs good for diabetics |
Yes, Figs can be a part of a healthy diet for individuals with diabetes, but only if consumed in limited quantity. Figs are a good source of fiber and are relatively low in carbohydrates. They also contain antioxidants and minerals such as potassium, and chlorogenic acid, which help in lowering blood sugar levels.
Let’s dig in for more detail.
Can I eat figs in diabetes?
Yes, diabetics can eat figs. Elements like potassium and fiber present in figs make figs a beneficial fruit for diabetic patients, but at the same time keep in mind that they should be consumed in limited quantities.
In this article, we are going to explain in detail Can I eat figs in diabetes? Can a diabetic patient eat figs? Is it beneficial or harmful to eat figs for diabetes, how to eat figs?, fresh or dried which figs are good for diabetics?, How many figs should be eaten by a diabetic? Are dried figs beneficial for sugar patients or fresh figs? What are the benefits of eating figs?
Keep reading to know more about this:-
Are Figs Good for Diabetics | Figs for Diabetics
The glycemic index of figs is 61 which is quite high. However, still, figs are said to be beneficial for diabetic patients and this is because figs are rich in fiber, potassium, and chlorogenic acid, which helps in lowering blood sugar levels.
What is fig?
A fig is a type of fruit that comes from the fig tree, which is a member of the mulberry family. Fig, popular among Indians by the name of Anjeer. Fig, known as Ficus carica among scientists, is no less than a miraculous fruit.
The tree is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia but is now grown in many parts of the world. Figs come in a variety of colors, including green, purple, and black, and have a unique, sweet flavor. They have a soft, juicy texture and contain small seeds inside.
Figs are typically eaten fresh, but can also be dried, canned, or used in baking. They are a good source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, and are relatively low in calories. They are also a good source of minerals like magnesium and calcium, and vitamins such as Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.
Figs are a versatile food that can be eaten on their own, or as a topping for cereal, yogurt, or ice cream. They can also be used in baking, jams, jellies, and preserves.
Figs are used in Ayurveda as a medicine to cure many diseases and are a good source of nutrition and have a number of health benefits, including helping to lower blood sugar levels, improving digestion and bowel regularity, and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Not only this but many more health benefits are also found in figs, about which you will also be surprised to know. So let’s know the benefits of figs.
Glycemic Load and Glycemic Index Value of Figs
Do Figs Help Lower Blood Sugar
Yes, figs may help lower blood sugar levels. Figs are a good source of fiber, which can slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars in the digestive system, helping to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Additionally, figs contain compounds that may improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Benefits of Eating Figs in Diabetes
People suffering from diabetes get many health benefits from eating figs. About which further information has been given, then let us know 11 amazing health benefits of figs. Benefits of Figs:-
- Helps in Weight Loss – Figs are high in fiber content, and fiber makes a person feel satiated for longer. Due to this, the person does not desire to eat again and again and it helps him keep his weight under control.
- Strengthen Bones and Muscles – Figs also contain a good amount of calcium, which is very beneficial for bone strength and also strengthens your muscles.
- Beneficial for women – Research has proven that figs can be used as a potential remedy to prevent hormonal imbalance, menstrual anomalies in women, fertility issues, and breast cancer. This fruit enhances fertility.
- Helps relieve constipation – Fig water is a panacea for treating constipation and piles. People who often face this problem should make a habit of drinking fig water every morning.
- Beneficial for the heart – Antioxidants found in figs are helpful in keeping the heart healthy by removing toxins from the body. In addition, figs help in the proper functioning of the heart by reducing the level of triglycerides in the body.
- Helps in preventing Alzheimer’s disease – Nutrients like copper, potassium, zinc, and magnesium found in figs help in improving the condition of Alzheimer’s patients to a great extent.
- Helps in controlling blood pressure – Most diabetic patients also suffer from the problem of blood pressure. The potassium found in figs, by diluting the blood, helps smooth blood circulation in the body.
- Helpful in removing the disease of sleeplessness – One of the reasons for having diabetes is not getting enough sleep. Figs are helpful in removing the problem of sleeplessness. Figs contain tryptophan which is a sleeping agent. Experts recommend eating figs to those people who have to face the problem of sleeplessness at night.
- Beneficial for teeth – The flavonoids in figs have antibacterial properties that protect your teeth and gums.
- Beneficial for the skin – Figs are also a boon for your skin. Do you want glowing skin free from wrinkles, acne, and pigmentation? If yes, then make a paste of figs and apply it on your face, and after 15 minutes wash your face with lukewarm water.
- Beneficial in Diabetes – Figs are a good source of potassium. Potassium plays an important role in controlling the blood sugar level of the body by controlling the amount of glucose in the body. Apart from this, another substance called chlorogenic acid found in figs is also beneficial for people with diabetes. This acid causes a decrease in blood sugar.
How many Dried Figs can a Diabetic eat in a Day?
Foods with a low glycemic index are considered good for diabetic patients. The glycemic index of figs is 61, which is moderate, neither too high nor too low. This simply means that it releases glucose into the bloodstream at a moderate rate.
On this basis, we can say that no more than 5 figs should be consumed in a day. However, if you notice an increase in your blood sugar level after consuming this many figs, then you should reduce the number of figs further.
It is obvious that carbs are also present in figs and eating them in excess can cause problems. So avoid consuming too much of it. Keep checking your blood sugar level from time to time and be alert about it.
Fresh or Dried Which Figs are Good for Diabetics?
Sugar patients should give more priority to eating fresh figs than dried figs. Due to the low water content in dried figs, high amounts of sugar are present, which can be harmful to diabetic patients.
When should you eat figs?
The best time to eat figs is in the morning and that too when your stomach is empty. You have to put 4-5 figs in water and leave it to soak overnight.
Now, drink this miraculous drink immediately after waking up the next morning chew on figs, and eat them. Give yourself a healthy kickstart every day!
Precautions While Consuming Figs
Here is a list of precautions that you should know before consuming figs.
- Some people are allergic to eating figs, they should not consume them.
- Women during pregnancy and breastfeeding should consult a doctor before consuming figs.
- As with certain medications, consuming figs can cause harm. In such a situation, if you are taking any medicine, then definitely consult your doctor before consuming figs.
- Diabetic patients are advised to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.
Why Are Figs So High In Sugar
Figs are high in sugar because they contain a natural sugar called fructose, which is a type of simple carbohydrate. Fructose is also found in other fruits like apples, pears, and grapes. However, compared to other fruits, figs have a relatively high sugar content, with about 16 grams of sugar per medium-sized fig.
Additionally, dried figs are more concentrated in sugar than fresh figs. This is because the drying process removes much of the water content from the fruit, making it more calorie-dense and higher in sugar. Therefore, it is important to consume figs in moderation, particularly if you have diabetes or are trying to manage your blood sugar levels.
How much potassium is in figs?
How many dried figs to eat in a day?
Do Fresh Figs raise blood sugar?
Do Dried Figs raise blood sugar?
Can diabetics eat dried figs?
Do fresh figs raise blood sugar?
How many dried figs can a diabetic eat?
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This article explains detailed information about the Fresh or Dried Which Figs Are Good For Diabetics, Can I eat figs in diabetes, Are figs good for diabetics, What is fig, Glycemic Index Value of Figs, Benefits of Eating Figs in Diabetes, How many Dried Figs can a Diabetic eat in a Day, etc. We hope you’ll find everything you needed to know.
References
- http://www.ijrpb.org/papers/v6-i2/5.pdf
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10815622_Experimental_diabetes_treated_with_ficus_carica_extract_Effect_on_oxidative_stress_parameters
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6288147/
- https://www.ijmrhs.com/medical-research/dry-fruits-and-diabetes-mellitus.pdf
