Foods that are high in sugar come with a big ol’ “do not eat” sign on them for people who suffer from diabetes. It can be extremely difficult to have to avoid so many different foods every day especially with all of the foodies out there these days sharing every single meal and milkshake.
What is diabetes? It’s a medical condition caused by the body’s inability to process sugar into energy and regulate blood sugar levels. This happens due to a lack of or inability to process insulin. Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin, while type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn’t know how to respond to it.
There is a long list of food that diabetics cannot eat. It’s relatively straightforward what that list consists of...things that are high in sugar. However, some foods are surprisingly said to be a-ok for a diabetic to enjoy (in moderation of course).
Dates, known as “nature’s power fruit”, are the anomaly of sweet treats and despite popular belief, can be an option for diabetics when they need to satisfy a craving for something sweet. They might taste similar to candy and have a high sugar content, but they have a low glycemic index and other nutritional benefits that make it possible for diabetics to enjoy them.
What is a date?
A date is a chewy delight that comes from a flowering plant species called Phoenix dactylifera, which is part of the palm family called Arecaceae. With origins in the Middle East, it’s a staple food item in that area’s cuisine, but has grown to be widely cultivated across parts of Asia and North America as well.Dates look a little bit like oversized raisins and they are chewy or sticky in texture. They have a high sugar content, and similar to bananas, the riper they get, the sweeter they taste. There are two types of dates that are more popular than others: medjool dates and deglet noor dates. Each of these varieties have a slightly different look and flavor.
Medjool Dates
Organic Medjool dates are larger, darker and much sweeter than Deglet noor. They are better suited for making mousse, puddings, syrups and great as a substitution for sweeteners. If you combined the flavors of cinnamon, honey and caramel, you’d have something similar to the delightful taste of a medjool date.Medjool dates are a great choice for diabetics when the craving for chocolate or caramel arises. They are perfect as is, but you can also blend them into a delicious smoothie, or dry them up and turn them into an alternative sweetener. Any way you enjoy the medjool date, it is delicious
