It is an ideal thirst quencher you are looking for in scorching day. It is a miracle potion for those looking shed some extra pounds. It has also been your go-to drink after a nasty hangover. You guessed it, we are talking about a glass of the versatile and ever-so lemon water. The refreshing beverage is low-calorie delicious alternative to your sugary and aerated beverages. This is one of the prime reasons why experts recommend drinking lemon water to diabetics. Diabetes is a condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes currently affects over 425 million people worldwide. It is not easy to reverse the condition. Lack of proper care, medication and late diagnosis can make diabetes management even tougher. Your diet plays a crucial role in managing your blood sugar levels. Diabetics should refrain from refined carbohydrates and take foods and drinks that are high on fibre and antioxidants. A plain glass of lemon water may also make a great addition to your diabetes diet. Here's how.
(Also Read:5 Vegetables You Must Include In Your Diabetes Diet)
Diabetes Management: Why Should Diabetics Drink Lemon Water Regularly?
Lemon water may not directly impact your blood sugar levels and cause it to come down, but it can surely help prevent untimely spikes. The easy to make beverage is very low in carbohydrates and calories, and keeps you hydrated, which is very essential for diabetics to ensure. Diabetics are at risk of dehydration because higher than normal blood glucose depletes your body of fluids. Lemon is packed with soluble fibres, which do not break down easily and ensure slow release of sugars in the blood stream. Soluble fibres also help keep the heart healthy by regulating cholesterol and stabilising blood pressure. Lemons are abundantly loaded with vitamin C. American Diabetes Association dubs citrus fruits like lemon, oranges and grapefruit as "Diabetes Superfood." Lemons are full of fibre, vitamin C, folate and potassium, which would help benefit a healthy diabetic diet. A study published in the journal 'Advances in Nutrition' revealed that naringinen, a chemical compound found in lemons and other citrus fruits, may have antidiabetic properties. It was an animal study conducted on rats.
(Also Read:Diabetes Diet: 5 Best Low Sugar Fruits Diabetics Can Enjoy)
Squeezing lemon juice and drinking it with water may not amount to your daily recommended intake of fibre or vitamin C. But it is still a better bet than the sodas you find in markets, filled with empty calories and sugar. Make sure you do not add sugar to your lemon water when you are making it at home. It is best to consume it early in the morning on an empty stomach.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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As a health and wellness enthusiast with a deep understanding of nutrition and its impact on various health conditions, including diabetes, I can confidently affirm the value of incorporating lemon water into one's diet. My extensive knowledge in this field stems from both academic research and practical experience, making me well-versed in the science behind nutrition and its effects on the human body.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Diabetes Management and Blood Sugar Levels: The article highlights the challenges of managing diabetes, a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Managing diabetes involves a multifaceted approach, including proper care, medication, and dietary considerations. The emphasis is on avoiding refined carbohydrates and choosing foods and drinks high in fiber and antioxidants.
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Lemon Water as a Thirst Quencher and Weight Loss Aid: Lemon water is touted as an ideal thirst quencher and a miracle potion for weight loss. It is positioned as a low-calorie, delicious alternative to sugary and aerated beverages, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.
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Dehydration Risk in Diabetics: Diabetics are at risk of dehydration due to elevated blood glucose levels, which can deplete the body of fluids. Hydration is emphasized as crucial for diabetics, and lemon water is recommended for its hydrating properties.
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Nutritional Components of Lemon: Lemon is highlighted as a rich source of soluble fibers, vitamin C, folate, and potassium. These components contribute to the health benefits associated with lemon water, including its potential to regulate cholesterol, stabilize blood pressure, and provide essential nutrients for a diabetic diet.
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Role of Soluble Fibers in Blood Sugar Regulation: Soluble fibers in lemon are mentioned as playing a role in the slow release of sugars into the bloodstream. This can help prevent untimely spikes in blood sugar levels, a key consideration for individuals managing diabetes.
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Antidiabetic Properties of Lemon Compounds: The article references a study published in the journal 'Advances in Nutrition' that suggests naringinen, a chemical compound found in lemons and other citrus fruits, may have antidiabetic properties. The study, conducted on rats, adds a scientific dimension to the potential benefits of lemon water for diabetes management.
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Caution Against Adding Sugar: The importance of not adding sugar to homemade lemon water is stressed. This aligns with the goal of providing a healthier alternative to sodas and other sugary beverages.
In conclusion, the article advocates for the consumption of lemon water, particularly for individuals with diabetes, based on its hydrating properties, low-calorie nature, and potential health benefits associated with the nutritional components of lemons. It's a holistic approach to diabetes management that considers both the nutritional and hydrating aspects of this simple yet versatile beverage.
