Type 2 Diabetes: What Effect Does Dragon Fruit Have On Blood Sugar Levels?

According to the online magazine PLOS ONE, In September 2017, dragon fruit could be an effective way to prevent and possibly control blood sugar levels in people who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Scientists from 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 as prediabetic and

• 109 people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

they 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 participants with type 2 diabetes, the drop in blood sugar occurred only in 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 sound 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 about serving sizes, because the fruit also contains fructose. One hundred grams, or 3.5 ounces, have 60 calories. Isn’t it great that a food that contains healthy nutrients can also be helpful in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes?

Commonly eaten dragon fruit, or pitaya, has dark pink or white flowers and a deep pink fruit with a white or pink center. The center is filled with tiny black seeds, which makes the fruit a berry. The plant is believed to have 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 scoop out the white center.

• Cut in pieces.

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

Dragon fruit can be used …

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

• Another way to eat it is to prick it together with pineapple to make a kebab.

It’s popular for making smoothies, but be careful to only use small servings. The sugar in the liquid is absorbed quickly 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 frequently, but don’t let the plant sit in the water. Use a sturdy trellis or tree and tie the plant to the support with string to help it grow upward.