Dates have been one of the most consumed foods for a long time as they are considered a sweet, healthy snack for people of all ages. They are full of nutrients like carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.
With the spread of knowledge and tips for healthy living, people have become more aware of what is good or bad for their bodies. They have been shifting towards healthy options that are both nutritious and delicious. For this purpose, dates are one of the most popular alternatives to refined sugar.
Will Dates raise your blood sugar?
To determine this, we use a measure known as the glycemic index. It reveals how fast the sugar in food is absorbed into the bloodstream. In other words, food with a high glycemic index is absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream than food with a low glycemic index, leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.
As for dates, studies have confirmed that common types of dates have a glycemic index of 44-53, which is considered almost an average rate. Thus, consuming dates in moderation typically has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
In fact, other studies have shown that consuming dates in moderate amounts even helps to control blood sugar among people with diabetes. Therefore, they can consume 2-3 dates per day. However, consuming more than this or consuming other sugary meals may cause an increase in blood sugar levels among diabetic patients.
Benefits of dates for people with diabetes
When consumed in moderation, dates may provide many benefits for diabetic patients, including the following:
- Contain antioxidants that boost immunity.
- Rich in fibers, which slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
- Promote a sense of satiety.
- Have an average glycemic index food, which makes dates a nutritious alternative sweetener.
To summarize, if you have diabetes, it is safe to add dates to your daily diet as long as you counsel your doctor first and you consume them in moderate amounts. Also, it should be noted that there are different types and sizes of dates, with different sugar and nutritional value.
