Content Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health-specials/why-diabetics-should-have-the-green-instead-of-the-red-apple-8199908/

Although red apples taste sweeter, green apples contain less sugar, more fibre and antioxidants. They also lower blood sugar levels and have a low glycaemic index and glycaemic load, say nutritionists.

The juicy red apple from the hills is tempting on the shop shelf but this is one fruit you can safely sink your teeth into even if you are a diabetic. Eating apples on a regular basis has the potential to reduce insulin resistance, which should lead to lower blood sugar levels. “This is because the polyphenols in apples, which are found primarily in apple skin, stimulate your pancreas to release insulin and help your cells absorb sugar,” says Dr Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Nutritionist, Apollo Hospitals.

And if you are one of those who believes in micro-portioning their diet according to the nutrient quotient, then simply go for green apples. “Although red apples taste sweeter, green apples contain less sugar, more fibre and more antioxidants. They also lower blood sugar levels,” says she. The glycaemic index of apples is around 39, even lower than that of cornflakes.

Apples are full of several health benefits. Yet, the carbs in the fruit can have an effect on your blood sugar levels. However, the good news is the carbs found in apples affect your body differently than the sugars found in foods containing refined and processed sugars. And if you have diabetes, keeping a tab on your carbohydrate intake is important. “That being said, all carbs are not created equal. A medium apple has 27 grams of carbs, but 4.8 grams of those are fibres, which work to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbs which in turn do not cause your blood sugar levels to spike as quickly. Sugar enters the bloodstream slowly. Furthermore, much of the sugar found in apples is fructose which has little effect on blood sugar levels when consumed as a whole fruit.

Apples improve insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that plays a vital role in transporting sugar from your blood to your cells. In people with diabetes, either the hormone is not produced at all (type 1) or is not produced in enough amounts to meet your daily needs (type 2) in addition to cellular resistance produced to the insulin. “Regular intake of apples has the potential to reduce insulin resistance, which should lead to lower blood sugar levels,” she adds. Specific flavonoids, such as quercetin, present in apples help improve blood glucose levels by slowing down carb digestion. Chlorogenic acid may help your body use sugar more efficiently while Phlorizin may slow down sugar absorption into the bloodstream.

WHAT DO STUDIES SAY?

A 2019 meta-analysis of multiple studies, including 339,383 participants, found that apple consumption may significantly decrease the risk of Type 2 diabetes. A review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2017 found that replacing glucose or sucrose with fructose in foods or beverages led to lower post-meal blood sugar peaks and insulin levels. In addition, pairing fruits with a healthy fat or protein may lower the spike in blood sugar.

Some guidelines by the US-based National Library of Medicine suggest that people with diabetes consume eight to ten servings of different fruits and vegetables per day. A serving of fruit is equivalent to one small apple.