Are Mangoes Good for Diabetics?

Mangoes for Diabetics

Mango which is referred to as “the king of fruits” is said to be one of the most loved tropical fruits in the world. It is known for its unique and sweet flavor. This fruit has been primarily cultivated in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Central America, but now it is grown across the globe.

As mangoes carry natural sugar, it is natural for people to think if they are appropriate for people who have diabetes. We are here to discuss if people with diabetes can include mangoes in their diet.

Mangoes are said to be loaded with essential minerals and vitamins which makes them a nutritious addition to any diet. This applies to those focusing on improving their blood sugar control.

One cup of sliced mango (165gms) has the following nutrients:

Calories: 99
Fat: 0.6 gms
Protein: 1.4 gms
Fiber: 2.6 gms
Copper: 20 of the Daily value (DV)
Vitamin C: 67% of the DV
Folate: 18% of the DV
Vitamin A: 10% of the DV
Potassium: 6% of the DV
Vitamin E: 10% of the DV

So how much sugar is in a sweet mango? One cup of mango has 22.5 gms of sugar. This fruit also carries small quantities of other important minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorous. It has key nutrients that can improve the nutritional quality of your diet.

Low Impact on Blood Sugar

Does mango reduce sugar level? More than 90% of calories come from the sugar carried by mango and that is why it may contribute to increased blood sugar for those suffering from diabetes. But mango is also rich in fiber and various antioxidants which helps in minimizing the overall blood sugar impact. Fiber helps in slowing down the rate at which the sugar is being absorbed into your bloodstream in your body.

The antioxidant content also helps to reduce the stress response which is associated with rising blood sugar levels. This makes your body easily manage the influx of carbs & stabilize blood sugar levels.

Glycemic Index of Mango

The glycemic index is said to be a tool that is used to rank food items according to their effects on blood sugar levels. On a scale of 0 – 100, 0 represents the nil effect while 100 denotes the anticipated effect of consuming pure sugar. If a food ranks below 55 then it is considered to be low on the scale and is probably a better choice for those with diabetes.

The glycemic index of Mango is 51 which is actually classified as a low GI food.

But still, it is important to consider the physiological responses to each food. Though Mango is said to be a healthy carb choice, you should personally evaluate your body’s response towards it so that you will know how much you can include it in your diet.

Mangoes – How to Make it Diabetic-Friendly?

If you have diabetes and have the desire to include mangoes in your diet then you can follow some strategies to minimize the likelihood that it will affect your blood sugar levels.

Potion Control

The best way to lower its blood sugar level is to avoid eating it too much. Remember, carbs in any food, including mangoes, tend to increase your blood sugar levels. But that does not mean that it should be removed from your diet.

Around 15 gms of carbs is considered in every single serving of carbs from any food. ½ cup of mangoes carries about 12.5gms of carbs which is just one serving of carbs. So probably, if you are concerned about blood sugar level then you can consider taking ½ cup of mangoes and then see how your blood sugar responds. You can then adjust the portion size and also frequency based on how your body responds.

Add Protein to Your Diet

Protein can actually help in minimizing the blood sugar spikes when eating along with carb-rich foods like mango. Though mangoes contain fiber they are not rich in protein. So you add a protein source to your diet which may help in a lower rise of blood sugar levels.

For a balanced meal, you can pair a mango with a boiled egg, handful of nuts, or a piece of cheese.

Other than mangoes, there are other fruits that are diabetic-friendly. If you are diabetic, you can explore which fruits are good for diabetics & fruits for diabetics to avoid. They will help to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

FAQs

1. Can a diabetic patient eat mango fruit?

The majority of calories comes from mango’s sugar content which may be a concern for diabetics. But mango has benefits that can be a healthy choice for diabetics who are trying to control their blood sugar levels.