Content Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health-specials/why-diabetics-should-have-the-green-instead-of-the-red-apple-8199908/
Although red apples taste sweeter, green apples contain less sugar, more fibre and antioxidants. They also lower blood sugar levels and have a low glycaemic index and glycaemic load, say nutritionists.
The juicy red apple from the hills is tempting on the shop shelf but this is one fruit you can safely sink your teeth into even if you are a diabetic. Eating apples on a regular basis has the potential to reduce insulin resistance, which should lead to lower blood sugar levels. “This is because the polyphenols in apples, which are found primarily in apple skin, stimulate your pancreas to release insulin and help your cells absorb sugar,” says Dr Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Nutritionist, Apollo Hospitals.
And if you are one of those who believes in micro-portioning their diet according to the nutrient quotient, then simply go for green apples. “Although red apples taste sweeter, green apples contain less sugar, more fibre and more antioxidants. They also lower blood sugar levels,” says she. The glycaemic index of apples is around 39, even lower than that of cornflakes.
Apples are full of several health benefits. Yet, the carbs in the fruit can have an effect on your blood sugar levels. However, the good news is the carbs found in apples affect your body differently than the sugars found in foods containing refined and processed sugars. And if you have diabetes, keeping a tab on your carbohydrate intake is important. “That being said, all carbs are not created equal. A medium apple has 27 grams of carbs, but 4.8 grams of those are fibres, which work to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbs which in turn do not cause your blood sugar levels to spike as quickly. Sugar enters the bloodstream slowly. Furthermore, much of the sugar found in apples is fructose which has little effect on blood sugar levels when consumed as a whole fruit,” says Dr Swatee Sandhan, Senior Dietitian, Jupiter Hospital, Pune.