Strawberries, Raw: A Low-Glycemic Fruit Option

Strawberries are not only delicious but also a smart choice for those monitoring their blood sugar levels. These vibrant red berries offer a perfect balance of sweetness while maintaining a relatively low impact on blood glucose.

Glycemic Index and Load

With a Glycemic Index (GI) of 40, strawberries fall into the low-glycemic category, making them an excellent fruit choice for individuals with diabetes or those following a low-GI diet. Even better, their Glycemic Load is only 2.46 per 100g serving, indicating minimal impact on blood sugar levels despite their sweet taste.

Nutritional Profile

A 100g serving of raw strawberries provides:

• Calories: 36
• Protein: 0.64g
• Fat: 0.22g
• Carbohydrates: 7.96g
• Fiber: 1.8g
• Sugar: 4.86g
• Net Carbs: 6.16g

Health Benefits

The nutritional profile of strawberries makes them an excellent addition to a balanced diet. They’re incredibly low in calories while providing a good amount of dietary fiber, which helps slow down sugar absorption and contributes to their low glycemic impact.

Despite their sweet taste, strawberries contain only 4.86g of sugar per 100g serving, making them a better option than many other fruits for those watching their sugar intake. Their net carb count of 6.16g is also relatively low, especially considering their satisfying sweet flavor.

Ways to Enjoy Strawberries

• Add to Greek yogurt for a protein-rich breakfast
• Blend into smoothies
• Top salads for a sweet contrast
• Enjoy plain as a naturally sweet snack
• Pair with a small amount of dark chocolate for a decadent treat

Bottom Line

Strawberries represent an ideal choice for anyone following a low-glycemic diet. Their minimal impact on blood sugar levels combined with their nutritional benefits and delicious taste make them a versatile addition to your meal plan. At just 36 calories per 100g serving, they provide sweetness without the guilt, along with beneficial fiber and relatively low sugar content.