Antioxidants and insulin: how cherries can influence diabetes control

15 Feb 2024
15764

Cherries emerge as crucial allies in controlling diabetes. The safety of cherry consumption for diabetes patients is a proven fact, helping to maintain blood sugar levels in a balanced dietary plan. In order to maintain stable sugar levels, it is essential to make changes to the diet, paying particular attention to carbohydrates. Cherries, while containing sugar, rank among the safe fruits for diabetics, however, requiring moderation in portion sizes.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages cherry consumption in a low glycaemic index (GI) diet, where low-GI foods release glucose into the bloodstream more slowly, helping to keep sugar levels stable. The many benefits of cherries for diabetes sufferers are revealed in their low fat content, richness in fibre and vitamin C, recommended by both the ADA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Thanks to antioxidants called anthocyanins, cherries can positively influence glucose production, reducing the risk of blood sugar spikes. Studies also indicate a potential promotion of insulin production through cherry consumption.

The anthocyanins in cherries, with antioxidant properties, have been shown to manage blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance in diabetic patients, according to scientific evidence. Further research indicates that cherries may bring additional health benefits, including improved sleep, cognitive function, reduced arthritis symptoms and support recovery after strenuous exercise.

In conclusion, cherries, with their low glycaemic index and ideal nutritional intake, are a healthy and tasty choice for diabetic patients, contributing to the effective control of diabetes through a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.

Read the full article: Medical News Today
Image: Cleveland Clinic


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Pairwise: US start-up relies on CRISPR technology to create stone-free cherries

Press review

27 Feb 2024

The company is studying how to produce cherries without stone. We are therefore working on modifying the architecture of the plant,' says Tom Adams, CEO and co-founder of the company, 'so that it can be grown in a greenhouse like a blueberry, thus expanding the production area.

Cherries at €20/kg: frost and rain devastate Apulia’s fruit production

Markets

05 Jun 2025

Apulia's cherry season is collapsing: frost, rain and strong winds decimated yields, pushing prices up to €20/kg. Consumers pull back, exports fall, and local communities depending on cherry farming face an uncertain future. Urgent government support is now needed.

In evidenza

Chilean cherries: up to 30,000 hectares may be reduced to curb oversupply

Production

09 Mar 2026

Chile’s cherry industry may undergo major restructuring: with over 80,000 hectares planted and 114 million boxes exported, heavy reliance on the Chinese market is pushing a possible reduction of up to 30,000 hectares while focusing on quality, fruit size and stronger varieties.

Trained dogs detect cherry phytoplasmosis in nurseries

Crop protection

09 Mar 2026

Negli Stati Uniti cani addestrati stanno mostrando grande efficacia nell’individuare la little cherry disease nei ciliegi prima dei sintomi. Dopo i frutteti, la ricerca si sposta nei vivai di Washington per migliorare la diagnosi precoce e contenere la diffusione.

Tag Popolari