Can a diabetic eat Pumpkin?
Yes, a diabetic can eat pumpkin in moderate portion. Pumpkin has positive impact on a diabetic’s health. Though pumpkin contains carbohydrates, eating single portion of pumpkin per meal can help regulate blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates present in pumpkin help regulate blood sugar levels. Pumpkin has a glycaemic index (GI) of 75, which is high. However, with low glycaemic load (GL), a single portion of pumpkin per meal can actually help lower blood sugar levels. Experts say pumpkin shows insulin like effect on a diabetic’s blood sugar levels.
What are the benefits of eating pumpkin?
Pumpkin is one of the best vegetables for diabetics. Being rich in nutrients that help regulate blood sugar, pumpkin can be included in daily diabetic meal plan. Many studies proved that a diabetic can eat pumpkin in moderate portions to reduce blood sugar levels and slow down disease progression. Including pumpkin regularly in your meals will prevent high blood sugar levels.
Weight loss experts say a smart way to lose weight is to include pumpkin regularly in weight loss meal plans. It is a good idea to substitute high calorie foods with pumpkin to lose weight fast. Losing weight is a great way a diabetic can improve overall health and well-being. Pumpkin is thus the key to lose weight and slow down diabetes complications. Hence, a diabetic can eat pumpkin regularly as part of balanced diabetic meals.
Experts say pumpkin can help people with fatty liver disease. Other vegetables that help with fatty liver disease include broccoli, cauliflower, beetroot, celery etc. Most of these vegetables not only help you lose weight but also help with fatty liver disease.
Pumpkin is high in soluble fibre and low in sugar, carbohydrates or starch. Being easy to digest pumpkin gives a soothing and calming effect for a troubled tummy. Eating pumpkin especially in puree form when you have an upset tummy can help you feel better.
Pumpkin is high in potassium. This makes pumpkin great for people with hypertension. Hypertension or high blood pressure is common in diabetics. Due to high potassium content, pumpkin can help regulate blood pressure. This makes pumpkin a great natural way to reduce the risk of cardiac health issues or even a reduce the risk of a stroke.
