Diabetes is a rising health concern which is primarily caused by a high blood glucose level found in the human body. This is either because the body isn’t able to produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to the insulin produced. So the question arises,do bananas play an important role in treating diabetes? The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has listed bananas as fruits safe for diabetics to include in their diets.
Some people hold a general misconception that certain fruits have sugars in them, which is why they avoid eating fruits. What they don’t realize is that fruits contain healthy sugars which are beneficial for an individual’s health and thus, they do not encourage diabetes, as stated by the American Diabetes Association.
Some dietitians will suggest diabetic individuals to not consume bananas in abundance. You should also keep in mind that foods with a high glycemic index should be avoided because this has the ability to have an impact on the blood sugar levels. Since bananas have a low glycemic index, they can be eaten, but be careful because ripe bananas have a higher glycemic index. Research conducted in October 1992 found that participants who ate over-ripe bananas had high blood sugar levels, which demanded the use of more insulin. Those participants who ate bananas which were not fully ripe had lower glycemic levels.
The research conducted showed that up to 90 percent of the carbs in an under-ripe banana came from starch, but when it ripened, the carbs were mostly free sugars. Therefore, they advised having under-ripe bananas which have lower carbohydrate levels and are an acceptable alternative of snacks for individuals who are suffering from Type 2 diabetes.
Over ripe bananas are considered unhealthy for a diabetic’s patient because of the high glycemic index. As mentioned in the research above, over ripe bananas can cause the blood sugar levels to rise and this demands the use of more insulin. Hence, diabetics should avoid over ripe bananas.
Under ripe bananas have been termed a better option for people suffering from diabetes. They have low glycemic levels and do not cause sudden spikes in the blood sugar level. Hence, diabetics can consume these in moderation.
Before changing your diet, individuals should always consult their doctor or nutritionist first. For example, if you prefer eating bananas, you can add them to a proper diet which helps in treating diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends fruits and vegetables with your meals; for your breakfast, you can have fresh fruit. Other than this, you can add some starchy foods and non-starchy vegetables to your diet.
