Lime and Diabetes - Are They Good For Diabetics
Introduction
Limes are packed full of Vitamin C, have intense flavors, and contain citric acid and potent antioxidants. We'll talk about how lime can affect your blood sugar levels and their benefits for those who have diabetes.
Glycemic Index and Carbohydrates
According to the International Tables of Glycemic Index, the glycemic index of lime differs depending on the country it was grown in. However, lime's glycemic index is calculated at 32, considered a low GI. To find glycemic index values of 350+ pages, you can visit the Glycemic index chart page.
The carbs content of lime is low; it contains 10.54g per 100g (of which 2.8g is fiber) and 7g per serving accordingly.
In addition, lime is high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and fiber which can benefit blood glucose levels.
Limes fall in the range of the top 28% of food as a source of fiber. Fiber can benefit people with diabetes since it is essential for keeping blood sugar under control. It also may slow digestion and give sugars much time to break down.
Lime consumption will not raise your blood glucose levels.
Type-2 Diabetes
Lime is high in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and flavonoids, which can prevent some harmful chemical reactions in your body.
The addition of lime juice to a meal significantly reduced the mean blood glucose concentration.
This effect is thought to be caused by the acidity of lime juice, which slows starch digestion [1]. Several other studies have found lime to be a source of a functional compound for diabetes mellitus control due to its hypoglycemic effects [2,3].
In one study [4], patients were kept on a lemons and limes diet for three days. The urine was collected, and the glucose was analyzed daily, the amount of glycemia being also determined. The study concluded that specific symptoms, such as glucose levels ascribable to diabetes, are relieved by this treatment.
Metformin is used to control high blood sugar. Lime is high in antioxidants, such as naringin which has similar beneficial effects as the medication metformin. Naringin also may help to facilitate diabetic kidney disease [1].
One study [5] indicates that pectin, another antioxidant found in limes, has anti-diabetic effects, including improved glucose tolerance and blood lipid levels and reduced insulin resistance.
In summary, limes might help prevent diabetes due to their potent antioxidants.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5668718/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5701400/
- https://www.proquest.com/openview/2531e79da482f53c342c6603efe88e4f/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/654086
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6401843/
