Tamarind for type 2 diabetes: Here is how the high-fibre fruit can help manage blood sugar levels
Type 2 diabetes has become a common condition among people, especially in a country like India, where obesity is already a huge health concern. Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle condition, the risk of which increases due to poor lifestyle and obesity, especially around the belly. A healthy diet and exercise are not just important for overall health, but play a major role in both the prevention, and management of conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
People who have type 2 diabetes are often recommended to keep a tab on their carbohydrate content, because it is ultimately a form of sugar. At the same time, they are recommended to consume foods that have a low Glycemic Index, also abbreviated as GI, which is a unit that measures how quickly does a food cause blood sugar to rise.
Tamarind for type 2 diabetes – Is it safe?
Among the many fruits and foods that people consume widely, especially in India, is tamarind. When people develop a condition such as type 2 diabetes, they have to make certain changes in their diet as diet plays a major role in the management of blood sugar. This often leaves them wondering if eating the foods they ate once is safe or not, and how will it affect their blood sugar levels.
However, diabetics can rest assured that their favourite tangy fruit, tamarind, is safe for consumption even after they have developed the chronic condition, and they can safely consume it. Tamarind has a glycemic index of 23, which is considered in the low category. At the same time, tamarind is also rich in fibre, among other nutrients. These properties do not only make the fruit healthy overall, but also ensure that the sugar in the blood is released slowly and does not lead to a spike in blood sugar suddenly.
Nutrients in Tamarind
Tamarind is a fibre-rich fruit, rich in various nutrients. Tamarind fruit is especially rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin B1, B2, and B3. It also contains small amounts of vitamin C, K, B6, B5, folate, copper, and selenium.
Other health benefits of Tamarind
All the above nutrients make tamarind a great addition to your diet. The anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antioxidant-rich properties of Tamarind can help in keeping the heart healthy. The anti-viral and anti-fungal properties help in treating diseases such as malaria. Tamarind is also a great cleaning agent and can help as a home solution for cleaning metals such as brass.