Can Diabetics Eat Persimmons?

Persimmons are very sweet by nature and almost every diabetic wonders whether they can take them or not.

This is usually a result of the thought that sweet things are sugary in nature and hence may end up increasing the blood sugar of whoever takes them. But is this really true?

Can diabetics not take persimmons? Or are they just restricted on the number of persimmons that they can take?

More importantly, does the sweet nature of persimmons really imply that they have a lot of sugar in them?

Continue reading this article to find out answers to all these questions and many more mind-boggling questions that diabetics ask daily about the intake of persimmons.

Glycemic Index of Persimmons

Persimmons have a glycemic index of 50. Thus classified as a low glycemic index food. Foods are rated on a range of 0 to 100 in accordance with the glycemic index measurements.

Based on their rankings, they are then divided into three groups: high, moderate and low.

The table below shows how the glycemic index of persimmons is ranked.

Glycemic index classification	Glycemic index ranges
Low	55 or below
Moderate	56 to 75
High	76 or above

Consuming low-glycemic foods may help prevent an excessive increase in blood sugar and help you control your blood sugar very well. This makes persimmons a good fruit for diabetes and hence diabetics can eat them.

Glycemic Load of Persimmons

The glycemic load of persimmons is 7.7 which is usually classified as a low glycemic load fruit. The glycemic loads are ranked, high, moderate and low as well.

Glycemic load classification	Glycemic load ranges
Low	0 to 10
Medium	11 to 19
High	20 and above

With their low glycemic load, persimmons do not have a high amount of carbohydrates per serving.

As such, they do not cause much of an increase in your blood sugar levels when taken or any increase in blood sugar will not be sustained.

Persimmons have a low glycemic load as well as a low glycemic index hence making them good fruits for diabetics to eat.

It, therefore, means that persimmons will not cause a drastic increase in blood sugar levels and any increase observed will not be sustained.

This implies that despite their sweet nature, diabetics can still take them without worrying so much about it excessively affecting their blood sugar levels.

However, as you already know, too much of everything is bad and hence should be consumed in moderation.

You can also personalise the amount you take by measuring the impact of the fruit on your blood sugar levels through measurement of postprandial blood glucose levels.

Persimmons Nutritional Components

Persimmons are high in dietary fibre, manganese, copper, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, as well as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B especially B6, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database.

Persimmons also contain additional chemical substances such as carotenoids, catechins, and other substances, many of which support their further health advantages.

According to healthline, the table below shows the nutrient present in persimmons

Nutritional Components	Value
Calories	118
Carbohydrates	31 g
Protein	1 g
Fat	0. 3 g
Fibre	6 g
Vitamin A	55% of RDI
Vitamin C	22% of RDI
Vitamin E	6% of RDI
Vitamin K	5% of RDI
Vitamin B6	8% of RDI
Potassium	8% of RDI
Copper	9% of RDI
Manganese	30% of RDI

Can Diabetics Eat Persimmons

Yes, persimmons are a healthy food for diabetics and they can eat them. They are rich in dietary fibre and have a low glycemic index and a low glycemic load. Due to that, they stop the rise in blood sugar.

Additionally, the antioxidants in persimmons prevent oxidative stress, which results in chronic diseases like diabetes.

How Many Persimmons Can I Eat in a Day

It is not recommended to consume more than one persimmon in a day. Because the excessive intake of persimmons in a day may lead to intestinal blockages. Nausea, vomiting or constipation.

Is Persimmons High In Sugar

Research shows that persimmons do not contain a lot of sugar even though they are very sweet in nature. Per every 100g of persimmons eaten, you get about 31g of carbohydrates.

However, to measure if a fruit will contribute to a drastic and sustained increase in blood sugar levels, you use its glycemic index and glycemic load respectively.

Persimmons are known to have a low glycemic index and low glycemic load. This means that even though you get about 30% carbohydrates from eating it, it doesn’t cause a drastic and sustained increase in your blood sugar levels.

However, you would have to count the number of carbohydrates it gives when planning your diet as a diabetic.

Health Benefits of Eating Persimmons

Persimmons may provide a range of health advantages, including defence against various diseases, according to recent research.

Here are some health benefits of persimmons.

1. Persimmons contain important vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B, C, potassium, and magnesium in abundance.
2. Strong antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids are a great source of nutrition in persimmons. These substances are found in high concentrations in certain diets, and they have been linked to lower risks of diabetes and heart diseases.
3. Persimmons are rich in the powerful antioxidant vitamin C which helps lower inflammation.
4. Consuming foods high in fibre, such as persimmons can help lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, and maintain a healthy digestive system.

Side Effects of Eating Persimmons

The health advantages of persimmon fruit are well-established. Many individuals do not realise that it has restrictions on intakes, which if not adhered to can have negative side effects.

Persimmon contains a good amount of tannins. Hence, if this fruit is taken on an empty stomach, it results in diarrhea and must be consumed in moderation.

People who already have low blood pressure should avoid eating this fruit since it can make their condition worse by lowering their blood pressure even more.

Key Takeaway

Persimmons have advantages beyond just their delicious sweetness. It is bursting with vitamins, lipids, minerals, and other components that support general health.

Diabetics can eat persimmons and not suffer spikes in their blood sugar levels.

Persimmons may support gastrointestinal, heart, and visual health. It benefits your skin as well because it may prevent the onset of early indications of ageing.

However, consuming too many persimmons might be harmful. It could set off allergies, reduce blood pressure, or result in digestive problems.

Limit your intake if you have any negative effects, and get medical help.