Type 2 diabetes: what effect does dragon fruit have on blood sugar levels?

According to the online newspaper please ONE, In September 2017, dragon fruit could be an effective way to prevent and possibly control blood sugar levels in people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Scientists at Silpakorn and Mahidol universities in Thailand reviewed four reports on dragon fruit and blood sugar control and analyzed them as if they were one big study…

• 36 volunteers diagnosed with prediabetics, and

• 109 people who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

were included in all four studies. In prediabetic participants, there was a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar among those who ate dragon fruit. Among the type 2 diabetic participants, the reduction in blood sugar occurred only at high doses.

From these results, the researchers concluded that dragon fruit was linked to the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

So will dragon fruit help control type 2 diabetes? One thing we do know is that it is nutritionally healthy in measured amounts. The fruit provides vitamin C and several B vitamins, as well as omega-3, omega-6, protein, and fiber. However, be careful with portion sizes, because fruit also contains fructose. One hundred grams, or 3.5 ounces, has 60 calories. Isn’t it great that a food that contains healthy nutrients can also be helpful in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes?

The commonly eaten pitaya has dark pink or white flowers and dark pink fruit with a white or pink center. The center is filled with tiny black seeds, turning the fruit into a berry. The plant is believed to come from Central America and was brought to Asia by missionaries. It is popular in Vietnam, Mexico and California.

To eat the fruit…

• cut it lengthwise and remove the white center.

• Cut in pieces.

The skin is not edible. The flavor of the fruit has been compared to that of kiwi, but with a crunchy texture.

Dragon fruit can be used…

• in fruit salads. It goes well with bananas, nuts, seeds, kiwi, pineapple, strawberries, and oranges.

• another way to eat it is to skewer it together with pineapple to make a kebab.

It’s popular for making smoothies, but be careful to only use small portions. The sugar contained in the liquid is quickly absorbed and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.

Like a cactus, the plant is easy to grow from cuttings. Plant a cutting about a foot long in a warm, sunny location with organic fertilizer. Water it often but don’t let the plant stay in the water. Use a sturdy trellis or tree and tie the plant to the support with string to help it grow upwards.