Walnut Tree Gifts – A Diabetic’s Friend?
What is Diabetic and Diabetes?
Diabetic and Diabetes is a condition effecting blood sugar levels. A hormone called insulin, is produced in the pancreas. It works in our bodies to keep our blood sugar levels at a constant, healthy level. When someone has diabetes, their body either does not produce insulin or the insulin it does produce does not work properly.
Eating with Diabetes
Due to there being no insulin or no effective insulin, the diabetic must be very careful about what they eat. If their blood sugar levels get too high, it can be very dangerous for their health. Therefore, many diabetic people follow a diet that restricts the amount of sugar they can consume and also are careful about eating carbohydrates.
Dried fruit for Diabetic and Diabetes
Fruit contains sugar, they are classed as carbohydrates. Dried fruit has a higher concentration of sugar because it has been dehydrated. It has the same amount of sugar as fresh fruit. Fruit is still better for a diabetic than other carbs due to its high levels of fibre.
Generally diabetics are encouraged to eat whatever they want, but the portion sizes should be controlled. The portion size depends on a lot of things. First of all, the glycaemic index (GI) is a scale from 1-100 of how quickly food causes blood sugar to spike. A lower number means the food is digested more slowly, releasing sugar at a slower rate. A low glycaemic index is considered to be a value lower than 55.
Dried fruits with a GI value include dried apricots (GI 30), dried apples (GI 29) and prunes (GI 38). Be aware when you are eating dried fruits that some contain added sugar. Our dried apricots and prunes do not contain any added sugar.
Nuts and Diabetic and Diabetes
Nuts provide a number of health benefits. They are good for cardiovascular health, lowering cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats, they make the perfect snack for anyone, but particularly for diabetics.
Nuts are high in calories however, and often come salted or coated in sugar or chocolate, so it is important if you are diabetic to check the ingredients on the products you buy. Our Natural Nut boxes are all raw, untouched nut – no salt or sugar whatsoever!
Nuts in general are low GI foods, and as with all foods, the impact of them on the body depends on the portion size. As nuts are mostly protein though, they will not cause blood sugar levels to spike like carbs do, making them great for snacking when low on energy.
The nuts recommended for diabetics are: almonds (for reducing bad cholesterol and as a source of vitamins), walnuts (for healthy omega-3 fatty acids) and peanuts (for helping with weight loss and reducing the risk of heart disease).
Walnut Tree for Diabetics
Many of our products are suitable for those with diabetes. Here are some of our favourites:
Natural Nut Star Gift Box
Dried Fruit Gift Tray
Walnuts
Apricots
Almonds
Read about Walnut Tree
Great Taste Awards
With Great Taste Awards for marron glacé, glacé fruit, dark chocolate ginger and pate de fruit. You will always be purchasing quality products from Walnut Tree.
Who we supply
Supplied under own brand or white label to prestigious stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops.
Why buy from us?
You’re buying directly from the source, so will get excellent value for money. If you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it. The website is open 24/7, orders despatched within 48 hours.
Our charitable contributions
Walnut Tree supports Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit for their care packages. www.futuredreams.org.uk
Local areas to our factory.
AL1 | AL2 | AL3 | AL9 | AL10 | EN6 | EN5 | EN4 | NW4 | NW7 | NW9 | WD6 | WD7 | WD17 | | WD19 | WD23 | WD24 | WD25 | Aldenham | Barnet | Borehamwood | Brent X | Bushey | Colney Street | Edgware | Elstree | Finchley | Frogmore | Hatfield | Hendon | Hertfordshire | Hertsmere | Leavesden | London Colney | Mill Hill | New Barnet | North London | Potters Bar | Radlett | Shenley | South Mimms | Stanmore | St. Albans | Southgate | Watford | Welham Green | Whetstone | Woodside Park