Medjoul dates are very rich in nutrition value and are very good for health. Even people with diabetics can have them, view this info for more on Medjoul.
1. Can diabetics enjoy Medjoul dates too?
If you have a sweet tooth but are also immensely health-conscious, avoiding calories at every
opportunity, chances are you have already befriended the date fruit. The little brown fruit
explodes into sweetness the moment you pop it into your mouth, and has a high satiety value.
Medjoul dates are particularly large and slightly sticky, with unbelievable sweetness in every
bite.
But can diabetics also enjoy the taste and health benefits of this gift of nature?
The answer is Yes. However, portion control of dates is essential as they are high on sweetness
and carbohydrates.
High in fiber
Dates are known to be very high in fiber which is particularly important for diabetes patients.
This is because high fiber slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. 100 grams of
pitted Medjoul dates, which is about 4 pieces, provide 7 grams of dietary fibre. This content is
much higher than other dates, owing to its size and texture. The high fiber content in dates is
known to improve digestive function.
2. High mineral content
Minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and copper are
necessary in small amounts for proper body functions. Medjoul dates have high content of
these essential minerals. For diabetics especially, the zinc content in dates helps in the
production of insulin in the body. Also, magnesium takes care of regulating the presence of
sugar in the body.
Low Glycemic Index
Whether it is the weight-watchers or diabetes patients, most people are advised to check the
glycemic index (GI) of the food they eat. The GI checks how soon consumption of certain foods
causes a spike in blood sugar levels. Although dates are high on sugar and carbohydrates, their
high-fiber content give them a lower glycemic index. According to various studies published,
consumption of dates in moderation did not significantly increase the blood sugar levels of
diabetes patients.
Glucose, Fructose and Sucrose
Medjoul dates contain fructose, sucrose and glucose in the form of carbohydrates which give it
the naturally sweet flavor. Due to the carbohydrates present, it gives people an instant burst of
energy, which diabetics might often lack due to their low or zero sugar intake. As these are
natural sugars, studies have shown that diabetics can safely consume dates containing them in
moderate amounts from time to time to replenish energy.
Thus diabetics need not completely eliminate sugars and carbohydrates from their diet. Dates
can prove to be the perfect healthy substitute for desserts and high-carbohydrate food.