Is Guava Good For Diabetes?

Guava is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium and more. The glycemic load of guava is between 12 and 24, which makes it ideal for diabetes patients. Here is the complete breakdown of 100 grams of guava nutrients:

Also Read: What are the benefits of Guava fruit and leaves?

Guava, with its low glycemic index of 12 to 24, is a safe and slow-releasing source of energy for individuals with diabetes. This characteristic ensures that it does not cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.

Apart from this, the sugar content in 100 grams of guava is only 8.92 grams, which is comparatively less than that of other fruits like bananas. This makes guava a good source of energy without impacting blood glucose levels.

Guava can be a valuable addition to diabetic people's diet because of its various health benefits. Some of the popular benefits of guava for diabetes are listed below:

Guava Helps in Weight Management

One reason to consume guava for sugar patients is that it helps with weight management. The calorie count of guava is low, around 68 Kcal per 100 grams. Hence, it helps control the body weight.

Weight management is crucial in diabetes, as it can lead to various other health problems. By incorporating guava into your diet, you can create a healthy balance of nutrients that assist in weight loss.

Guava Assist in Insulin Secretion

Another benefit of guava for diabetes is that it helps in insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone in the body that regulates the blood glucose level. Guava contains protein and fibre, which are essential nutrients that help produce more insulin and regulate blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, guava is packed with dietary fibre, which takes time to digest and is absorbed slowly in the bloodstream.

Guava Repairs Body Cells

Another reason to incorporate guava for diabetes patients is that it helps repair body cells. Guava is a tropical fruit packed with phytonutrients like polyphenols, vitamin C and carotenoids.

All these nutrients act as antioxidants, reducing the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Due to this, it helps repair cells and prevents stress induced by toxins.

Guava Helps in Digestion

As mentioned, guava contains a high amount of dietary fibre, which helps improve bowel movement and reduce stomach problems like constipation.

Furthermore, the high fibre content helps slow down digestion in the stomach, which causes the slow release of sugar into the bloodstream. It helps you feel fuller for a longer time, curbing hunger pangs.

Guava Boost Heart Health

Guava also helps improve heart health. The guava fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help protect the heart from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Furthermore, it contains a high amount of soluble fibre and potassium, which also helps improve heart health. Additionally, the guava leaf extract assists in lowering blood pressure, which is the main cause of various heart ailments.

There are various ways to incorporate guava into a diet, such as in salads, fruit chaat, drinks or other dishes. These guava recipes are easy to prepare and can be made at home without trouble.

Guava Chutney

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups of chopped guavas

• ½ teaspoon of chopped ginger

• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon of sugar

• ¼ cup of chopped mint leaves

• 1 teaspoon of green chillies

• Salt (as required)

How to Prepare

Step 1: To prepare chutney, add guava, ginger, mint leaves, green chillies, and sugar to a blender jar.

Step 2: Add lemon juice and sugar and blend it.

Step 3: To make a smooth and consistent paste, add water.

Step 4: Store the chutney in an airtight container and use it when it is required.

Guava Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cup of guava juice

• 5 tablespoons of coconut milk

• 1 ½ cup of vanilla ice cream

How to Prepare

Step 1: In a blender jar, add guava juice, vanilla ice cream and coconut milk.

Step 2: Blend the mixture until you get a frothy and smooth consistency.

Step 3: Pour a smoothie into a glass and serve it.

While guava is a beneficial addition to a diabetic diet, it should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake may lead to potential side effects, underscoring the importance of responsible consumption.

Guava May Cause Allergic Reaction

Guava allergic reactions are rare, but some people who have specific food allergies may experience itching, rashes, etc., after consuming guava. This type of allergic reaction is most common with guava leaves or extract.

Guava May Cause Hypoglycemia Risk

Guava's lower glycemic index makes it a suitable addition to a diabetic diet. However, excessive consumption may lead to low blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, which can further enhance the risk of other health problems.

Guava May Cause Digestive Issues

Another guava side effect is that if consumed in excessive amounts, it may cause stomach discomfort, such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, etc. This generally happens to people who have sensitive stomachs.

• It is best to opt for whole guava instead of juices, as the fibre in the fruit helps regulate blood sugar.

• It is best to choose slightly ripe guavas as overly ripe ones may have higher sugar content.

• It should be consumed in moderation to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels, as it contains natural sugars.

• Regularly check blood glucose levels to ensure guava consumption does not cause unwanted blood sugar fluctuations.

Guava is a great addition to a diabetic-friendly diet, offering numerous health benefits. However, managing diabetes often requires long-term treatment, which can become financially burdensome. That is why it is essential to consider a reliable health insurance policy.

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Guava is definitely a delicious fruit that is packed with various nutrients. Due to its low glycemic index, it is a good addition to diabetic people's diets. It does not cause a sudden spike in blood glucose level.

Apart from this, it also offers various added benefits, such as assisting in weight management, promoting heart health and more.

However, it should be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption of guava may cause certain health complications, such as hypoglycemia risk, allergic reaction and more.

Is guava good for sugar patients?

Yes, guava is good for people with diabetes. It has a low glycemic index and is rich in dietary fibre, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Can I drink boiled guava leaves every day?

Yes, you can drink boiled guava leaf tea daily in moderation, as it offers several health benefits. Guava leaves are known to help lower blood sugar levels, support digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Why not eat guava at night?

Eating guava at night may cause indigestion or bloating for some people due to its high fibre content.

Additionally, its natural sugars might increase energy levels, potentially disrupting sleep. It is best to enjoy guava during the day when your metabolism is more active.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Is Guava Good For Diabetes?. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.