When you have diabetes, the questions about what is safe to eat or not may seem almost endless. The fact is, nothing is off limits to a diabetic provided that it is consumed in moderation and accounted for in your structured meal plan. Cranberries pack a health punch that makes them a good selection provided you account for the carbohydrates.
Carbohydrate Content
An 8 oz. serving of cranberry juice contains 30 g of carbohydrates, contributed entirely from sugar. The fiber content is negligible, offering no reduction to the overall carbohydrates. The sugar content in cranberry juice leaves little carbohydrates to break down before your blood sugar is impacted, resulting in a rapid rise in blood glucose readings.
Fat, Calories and Nutritents
Cranberry juice is nearly fat-free and contains 116 calories per 8 oz serving. Cranberry juice contains a large volume of water as well, providing hydration as well as the natural vitamins from the fruit. Each serving contributes 20 g of vitamin C, vitamin A, beta carotene and vitamin K.
Cranberry Benefits
Cranberries contain antioxidants, which protect your body's cells from free radicals. Early research shows that cranberry juice can help ward off bladder and urinary infections in women. Adding cranberry juice to your daily menu can increase your HDL, which is the good cholesterol levels. Preliminary research shows that cranberry extract can prevent breast cancer cell multiplication in a lab environment. Conclusive research has not yet been performed on women. The added health benefits of cranberries makes cranberry juice a smart health decision in your meal plan.
Integration
Test your blood sugar before you consume cranberry juice, as the sugars will cause a blood sugar increase and an already high reading may be pushed to dangerous levels without proper care and attention. If you take insulin, dose your insulin according to the amount of juice you are drinking. Add a serving of cranberry juice to your breakfast menu to start your day with a significant dose of vitamins.
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