There are 7,000 different varieties of apples grown within the United States, according to Whats Cooking America.net. Apples are a healthy source of many vitamins and minerals. Apple juice provides all of the same nutrients inside a whole apple, but in a sweet drink. When you control your portion size, fruit juice is a good way to calm your sweet craving without harming your blood glucose level.
Apple Juice and Diabetes
Apple juice can be good for a diabetic. Apples are a healthy source of many vitamins and minerals. You must be aware, though, of the serving size of juice you are drinking, especially if you are counting carbohydrates. According to the American Diabetes Association, a typical serving of fruit juice varies between 1/3 cup and 1/2 cup.
Glycemic Index and Diabetes
A common way diabetics monitor food intake and blood glucose is through the glycemic index. This is a system of rating a food based on how it influences your blood glucose. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, ranking foods as low, medium or high. The higher the food is on the scale, the larger and quicker the affect on your blood sugar. Knowing how food scores on the glycemic index leads to better blood glucose control.
Glycemic Index of Apple Juice
Apple juice fits nicely into the glycemic index eating plan. In fact, apple juice scores just two points higher than a whole fruit apple and both are considered low. A whole apple gets a low ranking -- 38 on the glycemic index. A serving of apple juice scores a 40, also categorized in the low range.
Considerations
While apple juice is an appropriate drink for a diabetic, there are certain things to consider when choosing your snacks. The suggested serving size for fruit juice is small and may be less filling than eating the actual fruit itself. In addition, you should take care in choosing the right juice for you. Drink apple juice that contains no added sugars; read the labels, checking both the ingredients and the nutrition facts.
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