Is Kiwi Good for Gestational Diabetes?
Yes, kiwi is good for gestational diabetes. It is one of the fruits that you can consume without a doubt during pregnancy. Let me explain how. Kiwi has low glucose levels that even if you consume more of it you will get only negligible levels of sugar out of kiwi fruits. Secondly, Kiwi has a low glycemic index(GI). This means that the sugar in kiwi fruit gets digested, absorbed and metabolized by the body at a very slow pace causing a very low increase of sugar in the blood. Hence, without a doubt, Kiwi is good for gestational diabetes No wonder Kiwi is the most sought after fruit by people with diabetes.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
During pregnancy, the hormones cause elevated sugar levels in the blood. The pancreas synthesizes more insulin to control increasing blood sugar. But in some cases, pancreas is unable to secrete more insulin. This causes a steep rise in blood glucose levels leading to gestational diabetes. Only recently it has been found out that kiwi is good for gestational diabetes.
Why It Is Important to Control Gestational Diabetes?
If you have developed gestational diabetes it is important to keep blood sugar level under control to avoid further complications to yourself and your baby. There is a higher chance of c section and high blood pressure for mothers who have gestational diabetes. Also, the child may have low blood sugar level, respiratory issues and has more chances of developing type2 diabetes later in life. Hence, it is important to keep a check on your gestational diabetes. Among all fruits, kiwi is good for gestational diabetes which is able to regulate blood sugar levels without disturbing the hormones.
How Can You Control Gestational Diabetes by Choosing the Right Food?
Choose foods that have a low glycemic index.
Take whole grains like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, pulses, and legumes. Broccoli, asparagus, courgettes, carrots, brussels sprouts, and mushrooms are not only rich in fiber but also have essential vitamins and minerals. You can have low glycemic fruits such as Kiwi, Cherries, Grapefruit, Dried apricots, pears, apples, oranges, Plums and grapes instead of mud apple, mango, pomegranate which contains simple sugar in higher concentrations. We will see why Kiwi is good for gestational diabetes.
Why You Should Take Kiwi during Gestational Diabetes?
Kiwi is good for gestational diabetes because it is rich in vitamin C. In Fact, it has more Vitamin C when compared to oranges. Apart from that, it has a higher amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Folate, Potassium, Copper and Fiber. Kiwi is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber which are essential during pregnancy.
It has a low glycemic index which helps in regulating blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes. The soluble fiber in kiwi not only controls blood sugar but also protects heart and colon health.
There is also new research that states that eating kiwi helps to slow the absorption of sugar from other foods also. Hence kiwi can be taken with other foods to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. The fiber in kiwi can absorb water and become a gel. Hence, it takes more time to get processed in the digestive system resulting in a slow release of sugar in the bloodstream.
Kiwi Recipe for Breakfast during Pregnancy
Oatmeal Bowl with Kiwi and Lemon
Usually lemon is not a great thing to add with oatmeal. But when pregnant the mouth always welcomes sour and tangy tastes. So here is the mouth-watering recipe for the mommy and baby to punch on the face of sugar right away.
What You Will Need
200 gm of rolled oats
350ml of water or milk
3 strawberries
1 kiwi peeled and sliced
2 tbsp of lemon juice
Salt as per need
Preparation
- Bring water to boil.
- Add oats and mix well.
- Simmer the flame and continue to stir.
- After 5 minutes add lemon juice and mix well.
- Switch off the flame and let it cool off a bit.
- Add the sliced strawberries and kiwi on top.
- Your delicious breakfast meal is ready in no time.