Pomelo and Diabetes

The nutrients found in one cup of sectioned pomelo include 1.44 g of protein, 18.3 g of carbs, 1.9 g of dietary fiber, and 11.4 mg magnesium, which benefit diabetes. Namely, its decent fiber content ensures you stay full for more extended periods. It’s also a low-calorie fruit at just 72.2 cal per cup, aiding weight loss.

Although it has a high glycemic index (GI) of 72–78, its low glycemic load (GL) of 4.23 per 3.5 oz serving compensates for this. Pomelo also contains potassium (9.7–11.7% DV per cup), which aids with fluid balance and blood pressure regulation.

Promotes Weight Loss

According to a study, shedding a mere 5 kg (11 lb) of one's body weight can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 55% in high-risk populations.

One peeled pomelo has 231 calories, which is quite a low number for such a significant food portion. Eating a lot of low-calorie foods will help you stay satiated while consuming fewer calories.

Fiber-Rich food

Fiber, especially soluble fiber, can help persons with diabetes control their blood sugar levels by slowing sugar absorption. Also, insoluble fiber, along with a good diet, may help to lower the risk of diabetes.

Pomelo is high in insoluble fiber, which adds weight to your stool and helps avoid constipation. Furthermore, fruit fiber, such as that found in pomelo, has been linked to long-term weight stability and a lower risk of some chronic diseases (diabetes inclusive).

Antioxidant-Rich Food

Accumulation of free radicals in the body can cause health issues and chronic diseases. Thankfully, pomelo's strong antioxidant concentration is responsible for many of the fruit's benefits, including anti-aging and heart-healthy characteristics. Notably, its high antioxidant content can help prevent and counteract free radical damage.

One pomelo fruit contains about 412% DV of vitamin C and several other antioxidant components like lycopene — a potent anti-inflammatory antioxidant found in tomatoes.

It Improves Cardiovascular Health

Pomelos have been shown to improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, two blood lipids associated with heart disease. In a three week-study, supplementing with concentrated pomelo extract for 21 days lowered triglyceride levels by up to 21.44%, total cholesterol by 5.78%, and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by up to 40.74% in diabetic rats. Additionally, pomelo can lower blood lipids by preventing the complete absorption of food cholesterol in the body.

Pomelo has been shown in tests to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, among other benefits. It's high in naringin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits that gives it its characteristic bitter taste. Remarkably, the study proved the antioxidant- and cholesterol-lowering properties of naringin, amongst other benefits.

Supplementing with naringin may also help with obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, according to a 2014 study. However, some of these features require further research for verification. 

Another study showed that pomelo-infused bread had higher quantities of resistant starch and a lower GI than control bread. Once again, these features were attributed to its naringin content. As such, the pomelo-infused bread presents a slower and more progressive release of glucose than control bread.

Yes, you can. However, it’s important to point out that its naringin content might inhibit the breakdown of carbs. While this may be somehow beneficial, carbohydrates can cause fat deposition and weight gain when ingested in large amounts. High body fat also raises the chance of developing a variety of ailments, including diabetes. As a result, it's critical to consume it in moderation.

Pomelo is a fruit that is easy to peel and can be eaten raw or cooked. You can consume it alone as a snack or substitute it for other citrus fruits in dishes. It's also a fantastic complement to salads. However, pomelo that has been dried has more sugar and calories than the fresh variant.