Are Tangerines Good for Diabetics?

By: The Hale Groves Team | On: May 6, 2021 | Category: Healthy Eating

We know fruit is good for us. The USDA recommends that the average adult eat two servings of fruit per day. The American Heart Association takes it further, recommending four to five servings of fruit per day for optimum heart health. And in recent years, health care professionals have espoused the benefits of eating a “colorful” diet – fruits and vegetables high in natural bioactive compounds that make them nutrient-rich as well as brightly colored.

But what about people who are diabetic or pre-diabetic? Knowing that fruits are high in natural sugars, are they safe for someone with Type 2 Diabetes to eat? What about citrus fruits, like tangerines?

Fruits are Good Diet Choices for Diabetics

Guess what? If you have Type 2 Diabetes, fruit is not off-limits – which is great news, because, apart from its great taste and natural sweetness, it has so much going for it in terms of fiber and nutrients. You do need to be mindful of how much fruit you eat just as you would with any other high-carbohydrate food, but fruit is definitely doable. Pairing fruit with some protein, such as nonfat or low-fat yogurt or a few nuts, can help. And some fruits (like tangerines) may even help lower your risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes in the first place.

Tangerine Fruit as Part of a Diabetes-Friendly Diet

When you’re looking for a diabetes-friendly treat that can help keep your blood sugar within a healthy range, look no farther than the fruit drawer in your fridge.

The American Diabetes Association has listed citrus fruits among Diabetes super foods. According to the Association, citrus fruits like tangerines, oranges and grapefruits are full of fiber, vitamin C, folate and potassium, which help benefit a healthy diabetic eating plan.

Honey Tangerines: A Healthy Snack for Anyone

Tangerines and tangerine types of citrus fruits are high in both vitamin C and fiber, and have actually been shown to improve blood sugar in people with Type 2 Diabetes. This may be because of the presence of Nobiletin in the fruit, a flavonoid that helps protect against the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Studies have shown that the Nobiletin in tangerines is more than ten times as effective as similar flavonoids found in grapefruit.

Even better, a Honey Tangerine or two can serve as a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth! Instead of heading to the vending machine at work or school when you feel fuzzy, plan ahead and pack a couple of tangerines in your briefcase or backpack. Unlike most oranges, tangerines have loose, easy-to-peel skins that make them easier and cleaner to eat on the go.

Where to Buy Tangerines

Tangerines of all types are in season from November through the spring, and you can find the best ones (along with other amazing citrus) at Hale Groves. If you want to taste the perfect tangerine, online from Hale Groves is best because your fruit is still on the tree when you place your order, than rushed to you so you get the best, freshest fruit available. So, if you’re looking to improve your diet or give your kids a healthy lunchbox treat they’ll love, go to Hale Groves and choose “shop tangerine!” They’re guaranteed to be the tastiest you’ve ever tried.

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