Can people with diabetes have cherry? Or will it lead to blood glucose fluctuations. The good news is that they can have cherry as it doesn’t trigger sudden spikes in your blood sugar. Cherry has one of the lowest glycemic indexes when compared to other popular fruits like apples and mangoes. It is also high in fibre content, making it a good option to be included in the diabetes friendly fruit bowl.
According to Bengaluru based Dr Anusha Nadig, Associate Consultant Endocrinologist, Fortis Hospital, “when it comes to cherries for diabetes, their carb content is not too high and the fibre content is more, plus they have natural sugars which makes them a safe pick,” says Dr Nadig.
Cherry is considered as a good snacking option for people with diabetes since it is high in antioxidants. Also, it has a low glycemic index of 22 and doesn’t lead to sudden blood sugar spikes.
“The antioxidants in cherries can help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress,” explains Kaul. She also adds that the high fibre content in cherries keeps a person full and satiated and aids digestion.
Cherry is packed with anthocyanins, along with good levels of vitamin C and potassium. Anthocyanin is a naturally occurring pigment responsible for the red and blue shade in plants. According to a review article published in the journal Nutrients, dietary intake of antioxidant anthocyanins is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.
Go for fresh cherry minus icing or sugar
The best way to eat cherry would be to consume it fresh without any added sugar or preservatives.
“If you consume canned cherries, unnecessary glucose enters the body that spikes the sugar level,” says Banerjee.
The fibre content and nutritional value in canned cherries will be less than the fresh ones.
How much is too much?
Kaul says the specific number of cherries a diabetes affected person can include in their daily snacking can vary depending on individual factors and their overall dietary plan. She says a general guideline is to aim for a serving size of around 1/2 to 1 cup of cherries, which is roughly 77-154 grams.
Monitoring blood sugar levels after consuming cherries is recommended. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian is advisable to determine the appropriate serving size and how cherries can fit into an individual’s overall diabetic meal plan.
“It’s essential to consider the carbohydrate content of cherries and how they fit into the overall carbohydrate intake for the day,” advises Kaul.
Eat with caution
People who have kidney issues are also advised to avoid cherries or have them in moderation only after consulting their health care expert. That’s because cherries are rich in oxalates (natural compounds that tend to bind to calcium) and it may contribute to the formation of kidney stones, says Kaul.
People on blood thinners like warfarin are also advised to consult a healthcare professional if taking such medications.
Kaul also adds that people who have severe blood sugar sensitivity or certain dietary restrictions should monitor their intake of cherries and consult their specialist or nutritionist before including cherries in the diet.
Takeaway
When it comes to fruits, people with diabetes can opt for fresh or frozen cherries because the low GI and flavonoids in cherries can help diabetics manage sugar levels if eaten in moderation.
One Response
I remember we had a cheery tree in my hometown. We used to feast on it. Very useful article, sweet and crisp as always!!