### Is Jackfruit Suitable for People with Diabetes? Jackfruit is a unique fruit that is gaining popularity as a meat substitute, especially among vegetarians and vegans. It's a large fruit with rough green skin and yellow flesh that has a mildly sweet taste and a texture similar to shredded meat. However, if you have diabetes, it's important to understand how jackfruit affects your blood sugar levels before adding it to your diet. Jackfruit is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin B6 and vitamin C, which are essential for energy production and immunity. These nutrients can help prevent chronic inflammation, a condition linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, jackfruit also contains a significant amount of natural sugars, which can raise your blood sugar levels. One cup (150 grams) of jackfruit pieces contains a moderate amount of carbs, primarily in the form of natural sugars. The glycemic index (GI) of jackfruit is about 50–60, which is considered medium. The GI measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels, with glucose having a GI of 100. For comparison, white bread has a GI of 75. Jackfruit also has a medium glycemic load (GL) of 13–18. The GL takes into account the number of carbs in a serving of food as well as its GI, providing a more accurate assessment of its effect on blood sugar. A GL of 0–10 is considered low, while a GL of 20 or more is high. In addition to natural sugars, jackfruit contains some protein and fiber, which help slow digestion and prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar. It is also rich in flavonoid antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases over the long term. Research on jackfruit's effect on blood sugar levels is still limited, especially in humans. Some animal studies have shown that jackfruit extracts can decrease blood sugar levels, but more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans. If you have diabetes, you can enjoy jackfruit in moderation. A suitable portion size would be about 1/2 cup (75 grams), providing 18 grams of carbs. While jackfruit has a moderate GI and GL, making it a better option than high-GI foods, beans and legumes may be an even better meat substitute for those with diabetes. Legumes like chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans have a lower GI (20–30) and contain more fiber and protein than jackfruit. In summary, people with diabetes can eat jackfruit in moderation. However, legumes are a better meat alternative due to their lower GI, higher protein, and fiber content. Nonetheless, jackfruit is a healthy choice that can be enjoyed in moderation.