Bananas For Diabetics: Can Diabetics Eat Banana? Know How It Affects Blood Sugar Levels (2024)

Bananas For Diabetics: Can Diabetics Eat Banana? Know How It Affects Blood Sugar Levels (1)

Banana is rich in sugar and carbs which can fluctuate blood sugar levels

Highlights

  • You should check the glycemic index of different fruits
  • Diabetes diet should include foods that can lower blood sugar levels
  • Bananas are rich in fibre and are low in glycemic index

Bananas for diabetes: Diabetes diet should include foods that do not contribute to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Managing blood sugar is an important part of diabetes management. Diabetics are usually of the opinion that they should not eat fruits as they contain fructose, the natural sugar available in fruits. However, this is anything but true.Most fruits have low glycemic index which donot contribute to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. When consumed in controlled proportions, they can benefit the body in many ways, and this stands true even for diabetics. In this article, we are going to talk about bananas, the one fruit which is available in all seasons, and if it is healthy fruit for people with diabetes.

Banana is afruit which is commonly eaten as part of breakfast. It has a sweet taste and contains both carbs and sugar. So does it mean that the banana can increaseyour blood sugar levels? It is healthy for diabetics to consume banana? Keep reading to know the answer.

Also read:Can Diabetics Eat Fruits? Know Tips To Choose The Right Fruits

Diabetes diet: Can banana affect your blood sugar levels?

Bananas are high in carbs. Foods rich in carbs are known to result in a rapid increase inblood sugar levels. A medium-sized banana contains 14gm of sugar and 6 gm of starch.But bananas are also rich in fibre. Bananas have a low GI score, and this the fruit to be an appropriate choicefor diabetics.

Bananas For Diabetics: Can Diabetics Eat Banana? Know How It Affects Blood Sugar Levels (2)

Bananas are rich in fiber
Photo Credit: iStock

Dietitian Upasana Sharma, Head Nutritionist at Max Hospital says, "Banana containssugar and carbs. But it is rich in fibre and has a low glycemic index. Diabetics can eat banana, but in moderation."

On being asked in which quantities should people with diabetes eat bananas, she says, "A small banana twice or thrice a week is safe diabetics. But, a diabetic should not consume banana daily."

Also read:What Is Glycemic Index? Top Foods With Low- Glycemic Index That Every Diabetic Must Know

(Upasana Sharma is Head Nutritionist, Max Hospital, Gurgaon)

Also read:Turmeric Can Help You Control Blood Sugar Levels; Here's Is The Right Method To Use It

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Bananas For Diabetics: Can Diabetics Eat Banana? Know How It Affects Blood Sugar Levels (2024)

FAQs

Do bananas raise your blood sugar level? ›

Green (unripe) bananas contain resistant starch, which doesn't raise blood sugar levels and may improve long-term blood sugar management. Yellow (ripe) bananas contain more sugar, so they may cause a bigger rise in blood sugar.

How many bananas should a diabetic eat in one day? ›

People with diabetes can eat 1-2 medium-sized bananas a day. You can also follow the given tips to minimize their effect on your blood sugar levels: Eat a smaller banana to reduce your sugar intake. Try eating less ripened bananas, so the sugar is slightly on the lower side.

What happens if you eat a banana every day? ›

Bananas are a great way to contribute to your daily potassium needs. Getting enough potassium in your diet may also help lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease, so eating foods containing potassium each day is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

What fruit is good for lowering blood sugar? ›

Berries. Don't make your trip to the store fruitless. Dad jokes aside, foods like blueberries provide fiber and antioxidants known to lower blood sugar and inflammation. Similarly, one study found strawberries reduced diabetes complications like kidney disease and nerve damage.

Is a banana a day too much sugar? ›

True or False: Bananas have too much sugar- False!

An average medium sized banana contains about 14 grams of sugar, which is about 53% of its total 105 calories. When you see that a banana is half sugar, it's easy to understand why some might think they need to steer clear of them.

What are the 5 worst foods for blood sugar? ›

You limit dairy products, red meat, sweets, added sugars, sodium (salt), and highly processed foods. Some additional guidelines include focusing on seasonal produce and reading food labels to help you avoid added sodium and sugar.

Is peanut butter good for diabetics? ›

Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

What fruit does not spike blood sugar? ›

Strawberries and raspberries.

As sweet as they taste, strawberries contain the lowest amount of sugar per serving. Research shows they help the body better use insulin, lowering the amount needed to manage your blood sugar after a meal. Raspberries are also loaded with fiber and low in sugar.

Can I eat bananas while taking metformin? ›

It's okay to eat fruits and vegetables with a higher sugar content in moderation (i.e., bananas and sweet potatoes) because natural sugars don't affect your blood sugar levels the same way as added sugars do.

When is the best time to eat a banana? ›

But our body's metabolism is at its lowest in the night. So one should ideally consume bananas in the morning or evening, but eating bananas at night can regulate the sleep cycle. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates sleep,” Dr.

What is the best fruit to eat every day? ›

Good choices include oranges, blueberries, apples, avocados, and bananas, but there are many more to choose from. Fruits are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, and they are high in fiber. Fruits also provide a wide range of health-boosting antioxidants, including flavonoids.

Do bananas help you sleep? ›

Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium which help relax overstressed muscles and make them an ideal go-to snack before bed. They also contain all-important tryptophan to stimulate production of those key brain calming hormones. Eat whole or whizz into a sleep-inducing smoothie.

What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning? ›

Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

What is the one food that lowers blood sugar? ›

1. Legumes. Studies have shown that protein-rich legumes can help reduce your blood sugar response to meals you eat later in the day. There's also evidence that following a low-GI diet rich in legumes may reduce blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes and improve blood sugar control.

How can I flush sugar out of my system fast? ›

Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.

What foods spike blood sugar the most? ›

Many people think that all high-calorie foods raise blood sugar level, but this is not always the case. In general, foods that cause blood sugar level to rise the most are those that are high in carbohydrates, which are quickly converted into energy, such as rice, bread, fruits and sugar.

What fruit is the highest in sugar? ›

Which Fruits Have the Most Sugar?
  • Mangoes. 1/13. Fruit's good for you! ...
  • Grapes. 2/13. A cup of these has about 23 grams sugar. ...
  • Cherries. 3/13. They're sweet, and they have the sugar to show for it: A cup of them has 18 grams. ...
  • Pears. 4/13. ...
  • Watermelon. 5/13. ...
  • Figs. 6/13. ...
  • Bananas. 7/13. ...
  • Less Sugar: Avocados. 8/13.
Sep 25, 2023

What foods don't increase blood sugar? ›

Anyone with diabetes might be surprised to learn certain foods minimally impact sugar levels, including:
  • Carrots. ...
  • High-fiber grains. ...
  • Bran cereal. ...
  • Potatoes. ...
  • Cottage cheese. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Strawberries and raspberries.
May 3, 2023

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