Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a major health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a complex metabolic disorder with complications resulting in morbidity and mortality. It leads to increased blood sugar levels and if left untreated, may progress to damage other body organs including the heart, eyes and kidneys.
Diet composition and quality of the diet both are important in the management of blood sugar to treat diabetes mellitus. Eating diet quality is important in managing at least five daily servings of fruits is recommended to maintain normal blood glucose.1
The best way to consume a fruit in any disease or condition is in its raw form. It may be fresh, frozen or canned but without any added sugars.
When choosing canned fruit, it is recommended to see the label which mentions "packed in its juices," "unsweetened" or "no added sugar." This way one can eat the fruit in the correct way.
Pineapple is the common name of Ananas comosus (syns. A. sativus, Ananassa sativa, Bromelia ananas, B. comosa). It has been widely used as a therapeutic plant in diverse cultures.It is known to possess fibrinolytic, antiedematous, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory properties.2
Nutritional profile of Pineapple
Serving size: 1 cup chunks (165 g)
Amount per serving:
- Calories 74
- Total Fat 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 2 mg
- Potassium 206 mg
- Total Carbohydrate 19.5 g
- Sugars 13.7 g
- Protein 1g
- Vitamin C 28 mg
- Calcium 21 mg3
Benefits of Pineapple consumption
Glycemic index
Pineapples have a moderate glycemic index between 51 to 73. As they have a medium glycemic index, it is advisable that the pineapple intake should be in moderate amounts. They can be eaten by diabetic patients, provided they are within the carbohydrate allowance, or they can be combined with other foods with lower glycemic indices as well. It is recommended that the maximum quantity of pineapple is 100 gm per day as increased consumption may further increase blood sugar levels.3,4,5
Property of Bromelain
The therapeutic properties of pineapple are attributed to bromelain. It is a phytomedical compound and its concentration is high in pineapple stem. Bromelain supplements are found to reduce the risk factors contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases.6
Bromelain improves glucose metabolism and reduces insulin resistance. This property helps in maintaining blood sugar levels.7
Fiber content
Fruits, in general, are an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients, including dietary fibre. However, people who are diabetic need to consume fruits with moderate or low glycemic index.
Pineapple is a healthy, tropical fruit that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes that help boost immunity and suppress inflammation. However, it is said that pineapple can affect blood sugar more than some other fruits. Thus, it must be consumed in moderate quantities.4
Antioxidant properties
This fruit is a house of antioxidants and thereby, suppresses inflammation and keeps free radicals at bay.
- It is a rich source of vitamin C and acts as an immunity booster
- It may reduce the risk of cancer
- Fibers present in pineapple help lower blood sugar, regulate bowel movements, reduce cholesterol, and also manage weight4
FAQ’s
How can I eat pineapple without spiking my blood sugar?
If you have diabetes, eat pineapple in moderate quantities and opt for fresh pineapple rather than the canned ones because they normally contain added sugar.
How much pineapple can a diabetic eat in a day?
Not more than 100 g per day.
Who should not eat pineapple?
People who are experiencing acidity, heartburn or reflux symptoms.
What are the negative effects of consuming pineapple?
Drinking large quantities of pineapple juice can cause soreness in the throat due to the presence of acid content and also spike blood sugar levels if eaten in large quantities.
Is pineapple very high in sugar?
One cup of pineapple pieces contains 16.3 g of sugar, which is lower than the sugar content of several other fruits.
Summary
In general, managing blood sugar is a daunting task. It becomes important for diabetic patients particularly to keep their blood sugar levels in control. Pineapple is a wonderful fruit containing nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It can be used to manage blood sugar when consumed in moderate quantities. Pineapple has a moderate glycemic index and contains bromelain which has antidiabetic properties. Furthermore, it also possesses antioxidant properties and dietary fibre. It is recommended that pineapple should not be eaten more than 100 g per day in order to maintain the required blood sugar.
References
- Zin CAJCM, Mohamed WMIW, Khan NAK, Ishak WRW. Effects of Fruit and Vegetable Polyphenols on the Glycemic Control and Metabolic Parameters in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review. Prev Nutr Food Sci [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 May 3]; 27(3):257–64. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9585403/.
- Best Fruit Choices for Diabetes | ADA [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 3]. Available from: https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/reading-food-labels/fruit.
- Biggs B, published JS. Pineapple: Nutrition facts and health benefits. livescience.com [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 May 3]. Available from: https://www.livescience.com/45487-pineapple-nutrition.html.
- The Indian Express [Internet]. 2022. Things diabetics must know before having pineapples; [cited 2024 May 3]. Available from: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/diabetics-pineapples-gi-moderate-8037111/.
- Guevarra MT, Panlasigui LN. Blood glucose responses of diabetes mellitus type II patients to some local fruits. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2000; 9(4):303–8.
- Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, Kumar A. Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review. Biotechnol Res Int [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2024 May 3]; 2012:976203. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529416/.
- Kumar V, Mangla B, Javed S, Ahsan W, Kumar P, Garg V, et al. Bromelain: a review of its mechanisms, pharmacological effects and potential applications. Food Funct [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 May 3]; 14(18):8101–28. Available from: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2023/fo/d3fo01060k.
