Posted on 21 November 2011 - 01:55pm
KNOWN as a "silent killer" among diseases, diabetes can cause a wide range of health complications, affecting almost every part of the body.
Most of these diabetic complications are brought on by the long-term effects of high blood sugar, and can be prevented, minimised or at least delayed by proper control of the patient's blood glucose levels.
Those who have diabetes often steer away from fruits with high natural sugars. However, there are some fruits that are safe to consume for diabetics. These include kiwifruit.
Kiwifruit is an ideal fruit for diabetics as it has a naturally low glycaemic index (GI) and it does not cause the blood sugar level to rise rapidly.
GI is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high GI, while carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI.
The fibre contained in kiwifruit is beneficial in moderating blood glucose levels, as well as assisting the digestive process and provide bulk in the diet.
Research has shown that the fibre in kiwifruit has a significant effect on the viscosity of stomach contents and slows glucose diffusion and absorption from the gut.
This may explain the low GI score of kiwifruit.
Most fruits have a good source of antioxidants, and kiwifruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant.
Diabetes is strongly associated with an increase in health risks related to oxidative stress.
Oxidation of LDL cholesterol and protein glycation is a well-known risk factor for chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes. So diets rich in antioxidants can help prevent oxidative damage
Most of these diabetic complications are brought on by the long-term effects of high blood sugar, and can be prevented, minimised or at least delayed by proper control of the patient's blood glucose levels.
Those who have diabetes often steer away from fruits with high natural sugars. However, there are some fruits that are safe to consume for diabetics. These include kiwifruit.
Kiwifruit is an ideal fruit for diabetics as it has a naturally low glycaemic index (GI) and it does not cause the blood sugar level to rise rapidly.
GI is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high GI, while carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI.
The fibre contained in kiwifruit is beneficial in moderating blood glucose levels, as well as assisting the digestive process and provide bulk in the diet.
Research has shown that the fibre in kiwifruit has a significant effect on the viscosity of stomach contents and slows glucose diffusion and absorption from the gut.
This may explain the low GI score of kiwifruit.
Most fruits have a good source of antioxidants, and kiwifruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant.
Diabetes is strongly associated with an increase in health risks related to oxidative stress.
Oxidation of LDL cholesterol and protein glycation is a well-known risk factor for chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes. So diets rich in antioxidants can help prevent oxidative damage
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/214733
