For all you mango lovers this is one good news for you all. As mangoes are the juicy and the best refreshment during summer, but people do wonder if it is safe for diabetics to have them. Now according to dietitians what matters is not how sweet the fruit is but what is its glycemic index (GI). GI is a number associated with the carbohydrates in a particular type of food that indicates the effect of these carbohydrates on a person's blood glucose (also called blood sugar) level. A value of 100 represents the standard, an equivalent amount of pure glucose.
Anshika Gupta diabetes educator said, “People with diabetes must keep their blood glucose levels under control. A diabetic diet is followed to keep these levels in check. For those with this condition, about 15g of carbohydrates should be sourced from a single fruit serving. As with anything else, what assumes importance here also is portion control? People living with diabetes can, therefore, eat mangoes but in limited portions and in moderation.”
Anshika Gupta also advised, “1 slice of mango or about half small cup of chopped mango is fine for consumption. However, avoid mango shakes, juice or mango smoothies.”
Nazim Saifi, a Delhi-based nutritionist said, “Mangoes help in keeping the digestive tract efficient as they contain enzymes which break down and digest proteins. They are also a rich source of fibre. Mangoes also contain about two-thirds of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C, and are, therefore, great for boosting immunity. Apart from this, they boost eye health, as they contain beta-carotene, which helps in the production of Vitamin A.”