Is Orange Juice Good for Diabetes

Our body needs vitamin C: orange juice is very rich in vitamin C with one cup containing over 140% of the daily value of vitamin C needed by the body. And, that’s not all; you also get 10% of DA for foliate and 20% for the thiamine additional vital nutrients. Impressive, right! As much as orange juice provides our body with these essential nutrients, we have also to be on the lookout for diabetes. Consuming a lot of orange juice can lead to an increase in the blood sugar levels and hence cause diabetes.

Glycemic Index

So as to determine how certain food substances affect the blood sugar level, the glycemic index is used as a measuring index. Food substances with high glycemic index are likely to cause an increase in blood sugar levels in the body. On a scale of 1-100 orange juice has a glycemic index rated between 66 and 76, the rating varies depending on whether the orange juice is fresh and there are times that even the concentration has an effect on the rating scale.

Use during Hypoglycemia

Diabetic people with low blood sugar levels are highly recommended to take orange juice. Drinking orange juice increases the blood sugar level, as a result, treating hypoglycemia. Take 4 ounces and if there is no significant improvement increase your intake. You may ask can diabetics eat orange?

Recommended Intake

Although orange juice contains carbohydrates that may cause an increase in blood sugar level, diabetic people should ensure that they take at least two fruits in a day. With Folate, fiber and Vitamin C orange juice provide essential nutrients to the body.

Considerations

So as to reduce the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed in the body causing a rise in the blood sugar level: you should ensure you don’t take food rich on the glycemic index on their own. On the contrary, try to supplement your diet by including proteins, fats or even fiber this will slow down the absorption rate.

Is it safe to take orange juice?

Typically speaking, orange juice is healthy and safe to take. In fact, given its richness in vitamin C and ability to boost the immunity, orange juice should be what you wake up to every morning! However, if you are issues regulating your blood sugar levels or diabetic you should control the amount of orange juice you take. Too much orange juice can cause a sharp rise in your blood sugar levels and this is something you don’t want while diabetic.

Health Benefits of Orange Juice

Boosts the immune system

Orange juice is the major source of vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid. One glass of orange juice may contain as much as 200% of this vital Vitamin. To begin with, Vitamin C helps in the formation of collagen; the main function being to help the body in repairing cells. Also, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in the body which in turn helps boost the immune system.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation on various parts of the body is the major cause of the body cells becoming insulin resistant. This may lead to two life threatening health problems that are: type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis! Orange juice, on the other hand, is a citrus fruit and has over the years has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Research has it that orange juice reduces cells insulin resistance and as a result reducing chances of suffering from type 2 diabetes. Also, as a bonus, by reducing inflammation orange juice has been found to reduce chances of getting a heart attack.

Efficient blood circulation

Orange juice is famously known for its Vitamin C; very few people connect orange juice to an efficient blood circulation. Well, orange juice also contains folate which is basically Vitamin B9. Folate component is vital in the DNA creation and facilitates the growth of new cells. During mutation, most cells die, however, the presence of folate in the body helps protect the mutating cells and the same time plays a very crucial role in the creation of new red blood cells. With more blood cells this means there will be a smooth and efficient flow of oxygenated blood all over the body.

Balancing Cholesterol Level

Cardiovascular is a disease caused by high cholesterol levels in the body. Just to set things straight, not all cholesterol in the body is harmful, studies have shown orange juice to have the ability to reduce bad cholesterol in the body while at the same time boosting the increase of good cholesterol. Though scientifically there has been no solid proof to support this on taking orange juice you have very minimal chances of suffering from stroke, atherosclerosis or even heart attack