The American Diabetes Association considers citrus fruits like lemons to be a “diabetes superfood” that can be added to your daily diet. Lemons also provide your daily dose of fiber, vitamin C, folate, and potassium, according to Verywellhealth.
Lemons also have a low glycemic index (GI), meaning they are less likely to spike blood sugar levels.
Here are the health benefits of lemon water for diabetics and studies on the effects of lemon in controlling diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association considers citrus fruits like lemons to be "diabetes superfoods."
Health Benefits of Lemon for Diabetics
The nutritional profile of lemon makes it a great choice for everyone, including diabetics.
Lemons are especially useful for diabetics:
Fiber helps control blood sugar and cholesterol: Lemons are rich in soluble fiber, which slows down digestion and thus helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Vitamin C helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol: Lemons are rich in vitamin C, one of the most powerful antioxidants. Studies show that vitamin C can help lower both fasting blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides.
Reduces diabetes complications: Vitamin C is also involved in collagen production and may help maintain arterial integrity, reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications like heart and kidney disease, according to Verywellhealth .
Lemons also have a low glycemic index (GI).
Drinking lemon water reduces 30% of post-meal blood sugar spikes
Research on lemons and diabetes
Studies show that lemon can help stabilize blood sugar levels. It can also reverse insulin resistance, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
A 2021 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that lemon juice slows down the conversion of starch in foods like bread into sugar. The results showed that drinking lemon juice reduced the postprandial spike in blood sugar levels (after eating 2 slices of bread) by 30% compared to not drinking lemon juice. Lemon juice also slowed the spike in blood sugar for 35 minutes, according to Verywellhealth .
Regarding insulin resistance, some experts believe that the polyphenols in lemons can increase insulin sensitivity. These are plant nutrients with antioxidant properties, which can fight free radicals that damage cells. Including glucose-producing cells in the liver that respond to insulin.
However, several studies have found no evidence that citrus fruits reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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