Which fruits can help with gestational diabetes? What fruits, because of their high sugar content, should be avoided during pregnancy? Learn more details on this topic in the following article.
Gestational diabetes, a form of high blood sugar that starts during pregnancy, is a common occurrence in some pregnant women. Gestational diabetes can frequently be managed by adopting a healthy, balanced lifestyle suitable for pregnancy, which includes exercising and consuming foods high in protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits.
What fruits are helpful for gestational diabetes, though there are some precautions that must be taken as some of them may raise blood sugar levels? What fruits should you stay away from? This is what we will present to you in the following article:
Good fruits for gestational diabetes
In the beginning, you should know that it is preferable to eat whole fruits instead of fruit juice, as they provide more fiber and do not lead to a rise in blood sugar like juice. Find out about fruits that are good for gestational diabetes in the following sentence:
- orange
Folic acid, which is crucial for preventing birth defects, is abundant in oranges. Not only that, but it is considered one of the citrus fruits that are safe for gestational diabetes, because it contains a high percentage of vitamin C.
- Lemon
In addition to being one of the citrus fruits that are suitable for consumption when suffering from gestational diabetes, lemon also helps to lessen bothersome pregnancy symptoms like nausea and constipation.
- berries
Berries are a great food option for gestational diabetes because they are low in sugar and high in fibre, and because they also contain flavonoids and anthocyanins, they can be safely added to the diet.
- mango
Mangoes are a suitable fruit to eat while pregnant and a great source of vitamin C. However, you should eat them in moderation and combine them with other fruits that are beneficial for gestational diabetes.
- avocado
Because of the amazing health benefits it offers, avocados are one of the fruits that can be consumed without risk during pregnancy. This is because they are very rich in many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium.
- the banana
Bananas are a healthy fruit for gestational diabetes because they lower constipation, nausea, and vomiting and are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and fibre.
- apple
Apples are among the fruits rich in fiber that can be eaten in moderation during gestational diabetes. They also contain potassium and vitamin A, both of which have numerous beneficial effects.
- other fruits
like:
- Grapefruit.
- strawberry.
- blueberries.
- pear.
- Stone fruits.
- apricot.
- cantaloupe
- Cherry.
- kiwi.
- papaya.
- peach.
- pineapple _
Fruits that should be avoided by pregnant women
The following list of fruits includes those that should be avoided to prevent the exacerbation of gestational diabetes after learning about those that are good for pregnant women:
1. Fruits contain a lot of sugar
The most notable examples of fruits with a high glycemic index, which causes blood sugar levels to rise, are watermelon and overripe bananas, are to be avoided.
2. High-carb fruits
Blood sugar levels are influenced by the amount of carbohydrates a person consumes, so it is best for pregnant women with gestational diabetes to select fruits that are low in carbohydrates.
3. Fruit juice
It is best to eat fruit whole because doing so slows down the absorption of sugar into the blood and fruit juice is known to quickly raise blood sugar levels.
4. Dried fruits
It is best for pregnant women with gestational diabetes to eat very small amounts of dried fruits to prevent blood sugar spikes because they are high in sugar.
Tips on useful fruits for gestational diabetes
The following are some suggestions about fruits that are advantageous for gestational diabetes that you might find interesting:
- Pregnant women should eat a balanced diet and read food labels to make sure they are not consuming any high-sugar foods.
- You should consult a doctor first before following a specific nutritional plan to determine which fruits are beneficial for gestational diabetes and which fruits are best avoided, and to maintain the health of the pregnant woman and the baby as well.
- In order to get all the nutrients from different sources, it is advised to add protein, good fats, and moderate amounts of carbohydrates to the diet in addition to fruits and vegetables.
- It is preferable to buy organic fruits that have not been treated with pesticides or industrial fertilizers, while making sure to wash them well and remove any bruised parts.
- Some doctors recommend eating a snack between meals to maintain the level of glucose in the blood, so one of the fruits can be eaten as a snack.
- In order to keep blood sugar levels stable, it is generally advised to select fruits and vegetables with a low glycemic index.