Pineapple is good for people with diabetes because it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Pineapple (and other fruits) naturally contains sugar and carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid it.

Picture of Pineapple

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Avoiding fruit can deprive your body of much-needed antioxidants, folate,flavonoids, and potassium.

If you have diabetes, you’re free to eat fruit.

However, since fruit containscarbohydrates, you better limit your intake.

Carbohydrates are the macronutrients that affect your blood sugar the most.

The amount of carbohydrates varies from one fruit to another.

It might be surprising, but some “less sweet” fruits have more carbs than sweeter ones.

Carbohydrate values are measured using theglycemic index (GI).

The GI of carbohydrate foods ranks how fast it will raise your blood sugar level.

A one-cup serving of fresh pineapple has 2.2 grams of fiber and only 78 calories.

It is an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, and vitamin B6.

Pineapple also contains:

However, pineapple also has a somewhat higher GI ranking compared to other fruits.

Fresh pineapple has a GI ranking of 59, which falls on the low end of the moderate range.

There is some evidence that eating in this order may slow the rise in your blood sugar.

Summary

People with diabetes do not have to avoid fruit, including pineapple.

Youll get the many health benefits it offers and still be able to keep yourblood sugar levels in range.

Your healthcare provider or registered dietitian can help you work out how to incorporate fruit into your eating plan.

American Diabetes Association.What are the best fruit choices for people with diabetes?.

American Diabetes Association.Get smart on carbs.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Manage blood sugar.

U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central.Pineapple, raw.

University of Sydney.Glycemic index research and GI news.

USDA.Pineapple juice, 100%.