Is Lemon Good for Diabetes?

Lemons (Citrus limon) are among the most widely consumed citrus fruits in the world. They grow on lemon trees and are a cross between the classic citron and the lime in taste and flavor. Lemons may be enjoyed in a variety of ways, but since they have a strong sour flavor, they are seldom eaten alone or as a whole fruit. Instead, they're often used as a garnish with meals, and their juice is frequently used to provide a sour taste to dishes. They are an essential component in lemonade. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, and they also contain a variety of plant compounds, minerals, and essential oils, among other things. Despite having so many good qualities, wondering ‘is lemon good for diabetes?’ is valid. These yellow fruits possibly have a number of health advantages that show up in the long run. Intake of lemons may lessen your chances of developing coronary artery disease, cancer and kidney stones. Continue reading to know are lemons good for diabetics.

Nutritional Profile of Lemon

1/2 cup (100 grams) raw, peeled lemon contains the following nutrients (Source) :

• Calories: 29
• Water: 89%
• Protein: 1.1 grams
• Carbs: 9.3 grams
• Sugar: 2.5 grams
• Fiber: 2.8 grams
• Fat: 0.3 grams

Lemons And Diabetes

This fruit can be consumed in so many ways as all portions of the lemon may be used to assist maintain healthy blood sugar levels. According to research, lemons, particularly lemon peels, may help prevent type 2 diabetes by inhibiting enzymes that are connected with the disease.

Lemons are healthy, and many alternative healthcare professionals believe that they can help regulate blood sugar. Some believe lemons have the power to treat insulin resistance, which is the body's inability to react to insulin, the hormone the pancreas produces to control blood sugar.

A 2021 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition discovered that lemon juice slows the conversion of starch in foods like bread to glucose (sugar). Those who drank lemon juice had a 30% lower blood sugar spike after eating two slices of bread compared to those who did not. Lemon juice also delayed blood sugar spikes for 35 minutes.

Is lemon good for diabetics?

Yes, lemon is good for diabetes. In fact, lemons are listed as a diabetes superfood by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Lemons are an excellent choice for diabetics because they contain high levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. They are also low in calories and have no fat or cholesterol, making them an excellent addition to a weight-loss plan. They also contain pectin, a type of fibre that can slow sugar absorption into the bloodstream.

Glycemic Index of Lemon

Lemon has a glycemic index (GI) of 20, classifying it as a low GI food.

The glycemic index (GI) of a food is a measure of how much a food impacts blood glucose levels. The glycemic index is a measure of how rapidly glucose is absorbed by your body. It is calculated as follows: It's measured on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 representing pure glucose and 0 representing no glucose. The greater the glycemic index (GI) of a meal, the greater the blood sugar increases. Foods that have a low glycemic index are much better for people living with diabetes to consume. Lemon water for diabetes is miraculous as when ingested with a meal that has a high GI, lemon juice may help to inhibit the conversion of starch to sugar, hence decreasing the GI of the item. Lemon has a very very low glycemic index which makes it great to consume for just about everyone.

Citrus And Blood Sugar

Although it is simpler to do so with grapefruit and oranges than it is with lemons and limes, it is preferable to consume the entire fruit rather than simply sipping the juice. When you consume the fruit, you get the nutritional advantages of the fruit's fiber content. It has been shown that soluble fiber may reduce the absorption of sugar into your circulation, which can aid in the stabilization of blood sugar levels. Citrus fruits are high in bioactive (poly)phenolic flavonoids and vitamin C, making them a healthy snack option. Citrus consumption over a longer period of time has been shown to positively regulate the indicators of type 2 diabetes. The majority of epidemiological investigations have produced equivocal results. The direct acute impact of citrus on postprandial glycemic response is rather minimal in comparison to other foods. The gut microbe composition and flavanone bioavailability are both important factors in individual responses. 

Citrus And Obesity

Citrus fruits are widely eaten around the globe, both in their raw and processed forms, and are particularly popular in juices. However, whereas fruit eating is generally considered to be advantageous to long-term health, the effects of fruit juices are more contentious, and are tied to the high intrinsic sugar content of the liquids themselves. Citrus juices, on the other hand, are rich in numerous nutrients, including vitamin C, and also include a variety of bioactive components, such as (poly)phenols, which are found in the fruits themselves. According to a research conducted in 2013, the bioactive components found in citrus fruits may prove to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of obesity. People who are overweight or obese are more prone to acquiring diabetes because the body's capacity to appropriately utilise insulin to manage blood sugar levels is put under additional strain. Incorporating citrus in one's daily diet is a must as despite all these benefits, citrus has even more good long term health impacts. 

Vitamin C And Diabetes

Despite the fact that additional study is required, there is sufficient evidence to indicate that vitamin C may have a beneficial effect on diabetes. According to the findings of the research :

• Trusted Source discovered that consuming 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C for six weeks may help minimize the risk of type 2 diabetes complications by lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, according to the journal Diabetes Care.
• According to the findings of a 2014 research, people with diabetes may have a larger requirement for vitamin C supplementation.
• According to a research published in 2016 by Trusted Source, dietary vitamin C consumption may have a preventive effect against the development of diabetes type 2.

Benefits of lemon for diabetes

‍

The following are the benefits of lemon for diabetes:

‍

1. Filled with vitamin C content - Lemons are substantial sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the bidet from the adversities of free radicals. Diabetic people benefit significantly from consuming lemons because they are susceptible and predisposed to the dangers and developing communications from free radicals. 

2. Little Glycemic Index - Being low in glycemic content, lemons do not cause immediate blood sugar rises. Thus, it is safe for diabetic people for its embalming regulation of blood sugar levels.

3. Rich in Potassium content - Lemons have considerable potassium content. It is a mineral that is responsible and effective in regulating blood pressure. High blood pressure, which is common adversity in diabetes, is thus under control and prevention with the consumption of lemons. 

4. Low sugar content - Lemon sugar content is commendable low, which is the most imperative criterion for any diabetic patient for their food intake. Thus, lemons pose no threat to them being low on sugar content. 

5. High Pectin content - Pectin is a fibre that is functional in reducing cholesterol levels. And high cholesterol is a potential risk factor for diabetic patients. It must remain under control and at optimal levels, which is possible with the help of the consumption of lemons, as they are high in Pectin content. 

6. Rich in antioxidants - Lemons and diabetes go hand-in-hand because lemons are rich sources of antioxidants that effectively lower inflammation in the body. Thus, people who suffer from complications because of diabetes can greatly benefit from lemon and its high antioxidant content. 

7. Enhances sensitivity to insulin - It is needless to say that insulin is an incomparably essential element for all diabetic patients. And lemon in diabetes helps increase one’s sensitivity towards insulin, thereby helping the body regulate blood sugar levels more optimally. 

8. High oxalate content - The lemon peels are high in oxalate content which is plant-based coping. They help rescue the risks of kidney stones, which is a relief for diabetic patients. Lemon, being an easy-to-have fruit, thus proves to be a great tool in preventing and controlling diabetes. 

9. Diuretic role of the lemons - Lemons perform their diuretic role, which helps in optimal urinal regulation, thereby benefiting people with diabetes and its complications. They help in removing extra salt from the body.
10. Improves digestion - Thus, it is evident how beneficial lemons are for diabetic patients. And its innumerable benefits help alleviate the adversities of diabetes and sustain better health.

Side Effects of Lemon in Diabetes

Everything in moderation is beneficial, and anything in excess is harmful. This holds true for everything and every food item, no matter how nutritious. Despite the fact that lemons offer several health advantages, there are a few things to bear in mind while consuming them:

• Lemon juice is acidic, and it has the potential to destroy tooth enamel.
• Heartburn may be triggered by the citrus fruit lemon.
• Lemon is a diuretic that is found in nature.
• Lemon peel contains oxalates, which when consumed in large quantities might result in calcium oxalate kidney stones.

In the event that you are experiencing any moderate unfavorable side effects, you should minimize or avoid the use of citrus fruits and lemon juice. If you have any serious adverse effects, such as kidney stones, see your doctor.

Is lemon water good for diabetes?

Lemon water may not directly affect your blood sugar levels and make them drop, but it can certainly help prevent untimely spikes. The simple beverage is low in carbohydrates and calories, and it keeps you hydrated, which is critical for diabetics.

Bottomline

Lemons, which contain high levels of vitamin C and soluble fiber, as well as a low glycemic index, may be included in your diet regardless of whether or not you have diabetes. In the event that you have diabetes and are contemplating increasing your intake of lemon, consult with your doctor or a dietitian first even though it has been noted that consuming lemon is good for people with diabetes, to ensure that it is a wise option given your present health situation. 

FAQs

Is lemonade good for diabetes?

Yes, lemonade good for diabetics. Lemon juice has a low calorie count, making it ideal for people with diabetes to consume. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which regulates insulin levels. Lemon is high in easy fibers, which aid digestion and keep blood sugar levels stable.

Do lemons have sugar?

Yes, sugar content in lemon is very low. 1/2 cup (100 grams) raw, peeled lemon contains around 2.5 grams of sugar.

Is lemon juice good for diabetes?

Yes, it is and it can be consumed with water. With regard to diabetes, lemons are regarded as a superfood to consume. Lemons have a minimal amount of sugar, making them a superior choice when compared to other citrus fruits. Oranges are also another superfood when it comes to diabetes. If you are living with diabetes and are wondering how to consume lemon the fact remains that lemon juice is good for diabetes.