Should Senior Citizens Eat Pumpkins If They Are Diabetic?

Type 2 of this condition is more common in aged individuals. This is why if you are a senior citizen, then you have to be very choosy about what you eat.

Pumpkin is a fruit and a vegetable and is consumed by people around the globe. You can prepare different types of dishes with pumpkin. Is pumpkin good for diabetics? Yes, it can be the best diet and you can consume it if you are diabetic as well. Senior citizens must maintain perfect portion size when consuming pumpkins.

Why Maintain the Right Portion Size?

Pumpkin is not like any other fruit or vegetable available. It is a rich source of carbohydrates. This means that over-eating pumpkin can be damaging if you are diabetic. There are also many benefits you get if you consume this vegetable in calculated proportion.

Nutrient Benefits of Pumpkin

It is safe to consume pumpkin even if you are diabetic. Senior citizens who like pumpkins need to take precautions to avoid overeating.

1. The GI Index

You are already aware of the Glycemic Index count. This factor makes a difference as it alters your blood sugar level. You still have to keep in mind that GI may only have a very low impact. This means that foods that are good sources of GI may not have much negative impact on your blood sugar level.

This is one of the reasons seniors should include pumpkin in their regular diet. This food is a rich source of GI so it may not elevate your blood sugar level. It is still advisable to seek expert advice before consuming pumpkins.

2. Fiber Content

Fiber is essential if you are a senior citizen and diabetic. Fiber will help provide energy to your body cells that they cannot derive from sugar. If you are diabetic then you have to keep consuming rich fiber food items.

Fiber is also helpful as it will act on your body's digestive system. Pumpkin is the best source of good fiber. This will help lower the carbohydrate absorption rate in your body as well. In simple terms eating pumpkin will keep the blood sugar in control.

3. Rich Nutrient Profile

You can check the nutrient profile of pumpkins on other websites as well. People like consuming pumpkin because it has a good percentage of essential nutrients your body needs. If you are diabetic then your body may demand a well-balanced nutritional diet.

Pumpkin is one fruit that has well-balanced nutrients. This means that if you are consuming pumpkin then you may not have to consume any other balanced diet. For diabetic patients this fruit is a blessing.

4. High Carbohydrate Content

If you feel that pumpkin has a very high carbohydrate content, then you are wrong. Yes, this fruit only looks full of carbohydrates. You hardly find any glucose percentage in this fruit. As compared to any other starchy fruit or vegetables, pumpkin is much lower in carbohydrate content.

Seniors who have diabetes can start eating pumpkins regularly. This can be consumed as a vegetable or as fruit.

If you want to consume pumpkin, then it is certain that you have to follow the perfect preparation method. If you prepare pumpkin in the right method then your blood sugar level can be regulated. You may not have to worry about increased blood sugar levels for your lifetime. Always keep in mind that you should not add sugar syrup when preparing pumpkin.

You can also consume this fruit raw. In any case, pumpkin will only prove helpful for your body. You should also not add any toppings to the pumpkin when consuming. Be sure you only consult your physician before you start consuming pumpkin.