Mangoes are one of the most delicious fruits, which are sold
in many countries and consumed with great eagerness. However, when it comes to
the consumption of mangoes, diabetics face challenges and ask themselves
whether they are allowed to take them.
Diabetes is a medical condition that restrict the intake of
certain food items so as to help regulate the blood sugar levels and since
mangoes are known to be highly sugary fruits, they therefore become a point of
concern for diabetics. In this article, we will investigate the nutrition facts
of mangoes, discuss their diabetic effect on blood glucose and give some tips
on the ways a diabetic patient could include mangoes into his or her diet.
The Nutritional Profile of Mangoes
Mangoes are conÂsidered to be one of the most popÂuÂlar tropical fruits, which conÂtain nuÂmerous viÂtaÂmins and minÂerÂals that help to interÂact with body chemÂistry and physÂiÂolÂogy posÂiÂtively. From a nutritive perspective, mangoes contain carotenoids and are rich in a variety of other vitamins and minerals. One cup of sliced mango contains:
- Calories: 99
- Carbohydrates: 24 grams
- Fiber: 2.6 grams
- Vitamin C: 67% of the recommended daily intake
- Vitamin A: 10% of the recommended daily intake
- Vitamin B6: 8% of the recommended daily intake
- Folate: 6% of the recommended daily intake
- Potassium: 6% of the recommended daily intake
The high carbohydrate content in mangoes, primarily in the
form of natural sugars, is what raises concerns for diabetics. Mangoes are
considered a high-glycemic index fruit, meaning they can cause a rapid spike in
blood sugar levels.
Understanding the Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
Hypoglycemia is a predominant issue affecting most of the people with diabetes and its management entails delicate control of blood sugar levels. The major drawback of using mangoes in human diets is that mangoes are also very rich in sugars, and this can spike the levels of glucose in the blood. However, the impact of mangoes on blood sugar levels can vary depending on several factors, including:
Portion Size:
As mentioned earlier, mango consumed influences how much it
may spike blood sugar levels. That is why, having eaten a large quantity of
mango, the blood sugar level will be higher than having eaten just some mango.
Timing of Consumption:
The mango fruit itself contains some carbohydrates as well
as fat, but how it relates to other meals and medications that are consumed may
influence how it affects blood sugar levels. It might be useful to consider
that mangoes that are taken in the course of a normal meal could be far much
better on the empty stomach or eating mangos alone.
Individual Metabolism:
Some people might be able to eat mangoes without any
problems while others might experience gastrointestinal problems, high blood
sugar, or other symptoms based on their level of insulin sensitivity and
metabolism.
Preparation Method:
Since mango can be eaten raw or cooked or blended to make a
smoothie or ripe mango juice, the manner in which mango is consumed also
determines it effect to the blood sugar level.
Expert Advice for Diabetics Consuming Mangoes
Mangoes contain undesirable elements for diabetics and the
following are some of the tips to avoid them.
Portion Control:
Mangoes should be eaten in small portions to at least cut
half of its amount, so for diabetics, they should take half a cup of mango
slices. This could assist in preventing a drastic surge on blood sugar
levels.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels:
Individuals with diabetes should pay much attention to their
blood sugar levels, before and after eating mangoes. This will assist them in
identifying the correct-size portion, and how often, they are supposed to take
the mango for effective energy regeneration.
Incorporate Other Nutrients:
It is very wise to bring along other nutrients dense foods
when taking mangoes, especially proteins, fats and high carbohydrate foods.
This can help decrease the impact that the food has on blood sugar and also
reduce all or some of the nutrients in the food.
Consult with a Healthcare Provider:
Consumption of mangoes must always be undertaken following
the guidelines given by an endocrinologist or a registered dietitian who should
know more about the other conditions or other medications that have been taken
that might be dangerous when taken alongside mangoes.
Incorporating Mangoes into a Diabetic-Friendly Diet
In any case, mangoes should not be off limits for diabetics
since they are equally good and healthy just as any other fruit out there. Here
are some tips for incorporating mangoes in a diabetic-friendly manner:
Mango Smoothies:
Mix mango with Greek yogurt, milk or any type of milk that
you prefer, and a cup of greens and this drink is quite filling, low-GI and
loaded with nutrition.
Mango Salad:
Is still appropriate to toss mango spinal with mixed greens,
and dress up with light dressing.
Mango Chutney:
Prepare a simplistic mango chutney consisting of diced
mango, vinegar, and spices with little amounts of sweetness as a complement to
grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Mango Desserts:
Try fruit-based mango dessert that has little added sugar, for instance a mango sorbet, mango chia pudding or a sugar-free mango tart using flour to prepare the crust. Finding the perfect porridge portion and consistency is vital for each person differently. Diabetic individuals should regarding their blood sugar quantity and frequency of mangoes as a diabetes-friendly food, recommended for its nutritional qualities.
Wrapping Up!
Based on information from the expert the question as to whether or not a diabetic should eat mangoes the answer is that yes, they can as long as they take necessary precautions. Mangoes are indeed a rich source of vitamins and minerals but their glycemic index is relatively high and may be even dangerous to diabetics. Because of this, one can limit the quantity of mango consumed, eat the mango when he is eating a meal, and eat other foods that have nutrients that will counter the bad nutrients in a mango then one can comfortably eat a mango.
However, one should always seek professional advice from an
appropriate practitioner, a pharmacist or a registered nutritionist in order to
understand one more’s eating plan, based on individual characteristics and
requirements.
Fortunately, mangoes do not have to be off limits to those
who have diabetes, if they adopt the right strategies in the right proportions.
Thus, diabetics should ensure that they understand the common nutrients present
in this fruit with the aim of making good use of this great fruit.
Please book an appointment with the best Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.