Is Sapota good for Diabetes?

For diabetics, fruits are a powerhouse of nutrition. Your diet plan is pretty much incomplete without fruits. But can diabetics eat Sapota? People with diabetes can eat sapota as it helps control various types of bacterial infections and bolster their overall immunity. Sapota, also known as Chikoo, is a delicious tropical fruit and doesn’t cause a drastic spike in your blood glucose levels when consumed in moderation. It has a mild and sweet flavour which makes it a great snack. People with diabetes can consume sapota in balanced quantities to derive optimum benefits.

Can diabetics eat sapota? Sapota is good for people with diabetes as it comprises a wide range of nutrients and antioxidants. But people with diabetes should exercise restraint while consuming sapota. Overeating sapota can be harmful to person with diabetes. A balanced diet plan comprising sapota can be beneficial for diabetics. The pulp of sapota acts as a natural laxative and helps relieve symptoms associated with constipation. Also know about pp blood sugar

Is Chikoo Good for Diabetes?

Tropical fruit called chikoo, also called sapodilla, is rich in natural sugars and carbs. Consequently, chikoo should only be used in moderation by those who have diabetes.

Chikoo is also a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A, among other important components. The dietary fibre in chikoo can support digestive health and help control blood sugar levels.

Is Sapota Good for Diabetes?

Tropical fruit sapota, commonly referred to as chikoo, is naturally abundant in sugar and carbs. As a result, sapota should only be consumed occasionally by those with diabetes.

Sapota is also a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A, among other important components. Sapota's fibre helps support digestive health and assist control blood sugar levels.

Does Sapota Raise Blood Sugar?

When consumed in large quantities, sapota can raise your blood sugar levels. It contains different carbohydrates, like sucrose and fructose, in larger quantities, which can increase the blood sugar level. Sapota also contains a higher amount of calories. It delivers 80 calories per 100 grams, which can also add to the blood sugar level. 

But at the same time, you cannot deny that sapota is good for diabetes. Sapota contains vitamins -A and C in ample quantities, and both these vitamins play a crucial role in eliminating inflammation.

Hence, people with diabetes should show restraint while consuming this fruit. When eaten moderately, people with diabetes can see gradual improvements in their digestion. This fruit also contains a large number of dietary fibres that relieve constipation.

What Is the Glycemic Index of Sapota?

Our body requires carbohydrates as they energise cells. But our body needs insulin to process carbohydrates to energise the cells. The Glycemic Index (GI) tells you how quickly foods rich in carbs affect your blood glucose level. 

Sapota fruit for diabetics has a low glycemic index between 0 and 55 and a low glycemic load between 0 and 10. In spite of that, diabetics should not have a lot of sapota due to its sweetness. As long as you consume sapota in small quantities, it won’t affect your blood glucose levels.

What Are the Nutritional Components of Sapota?

Here are the essential nutrients in 100 grams of sapota. 

• Calories- 83
• Fibre- 5 grams 
• Total Carbs- 20 grams 
• Protein- 0.4 gram 
• Potassium- 190 mg 
• Calcium- 20 mg 
• Iron- 0.8 mg 
• Phosphorus- 12 mg 
• Folate- 14 mcg 
• Vitamin C- 15 mcg 
• Vitamin- 60 mcg 
• Vitamin B3- 0.2 mcg 

So, is sapota good for diabetes? Yes, as it is a powerhouse of vital nutrients. These nutrients are helpful for people with diabetes to stay healthy. 

Sapota Benefits for Diabetes

Sapota fruit is good for diabetics as it offers a plethora of health benefits. 

1. ‍Anti-Inflammatory : Sapota contains a high amount of tannin, which works as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. 
2. ‍Rich in Antioxidants : Sapota contains antioxidants in ample quantities, which decreases the adverse effects of the free radicals. 
3. ‍Promoting bone health : Sapota is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Hence, consuming sapota in moderate quantities will help you promote bone health. Proper bone health is necessary to facilitate movement. It is also a good source of minerals, which fortifies your body’s immune system. 
4. ‍Controls Weight in Diabetes : Obesity in people with diabetes can have severe repercussions. It regularizes your metabolism and helps you to shed extra kilos.
5.  Anti-Ageing Benefits : Including sapota in your daily diet will help in eliminating toxins. It helps boost the production of collagen and prevents the occurrence of wrinkles. 

Bottomline

Undoubtedly, sapota is a nutritious food that has many benefits for people with diabetes. Also, both its glycemic index and glycemic load are low. But its sweetness can add to the glucose levels, and that’s why people with diabetes should consume Sapota in smaller quantities. 

FAQs

Who Should Not Eat Sapota/Chikoo?

If consumed in excess, sapota can cause minor side effects. For instance, raw sapota comprises tannins, which may irritate your tongue and mouth. In some cases, it can cause inflammation of the throat. If children eat sapotas in excess, they can experience allergies or breathing problems. Ingesting the sapota seeds can create digestive issues in adults. Furthermore, people with diabetes shouldn’t consume sapota in excess as it can increase their blood sugar levels. 

Does Sapota / Chikoo have Sugar? 

Sapota, or Chiku, is high in sugar and a rich source of sugars like fructose and sucrose. And because of its high sugar content, sapota has a large number of calories. Furthermore, it has a high glycemic index, and people with diabetes should avoid consuming it.  

Can we eat Sapota/Chikoo Daily?

Eating sapota daily can keep your eyes healthy as it contains vitamin A in abundance. Moreover, sapota has a higher concentration of vitamin C. Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory and reduces the negative effects of free radicals. However, people with diabetes should show restraint when consuming sapota because of its high glycemic index. Sapota also contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which safeguard your body from harmful microbes. 

Does Sapota/Chikoo Reduce Cholesterol?

Both the leaf and fruit extract is good for people suffering from high blood cholesterol and diabetes. Research indicates that sapota may lower insulin and LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Sapota also helps control weight, which has a positive impact on the increasing cholesterol levels in the human body. 

How many Sapota/Chikoos can I consume in a day?

Since sapota is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and iron, it is good for bones. If you don’t have high blood glucose levels, eat two medium-sized sapotas daily. On the other hand, if you have diabetes, try to eat a small-sized sapota a day. Eating too many sapotas can affect your weight loss plan if you are on a diet.