Thanks to its high vitamin C content, abundant fiber and antioxidant compounds, kumquat can help control blood sugar, promote heart health and improve metabolic function. Here are 3 main effects of kumquat for people with diabetes:
Support blood sugar control
Kumquats have a low glycemic index (GI), which helps limit blood sugar spikes after eating.
According to research from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), foods rich in fiber can slow the absorption of sugar into the blood, thereby helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
In 100g of kumquat there are about 6.5g of fiber, accounting for nearly 25% of the body's daily fiber needs.
Soluble fiber in kumquats, especially pectin, helps slow down the rate of carbohydrate digestion, preventing blood sugar from rising suddenly after meals.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) also showed that a high-fiber diet can help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.
Improve cardiovascular health
People with diabetes are at high risk of cardiovascular disease due to lipid metabolism disorders and blood vessel damage.
Kumquats are rich in flavonoids and vitamin C, which help protect the heart by reducing inflammation and preventing plaque buildup in the arteries.
According to research from the American Heart Association (AHA), vitamin C in kumquats helps improve blood vessel health and lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Flavonoids such as hesperidin and naringenin in kumquat help reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels and increase HDL (good cholesterol), helping to better control blood lipids.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism (JNM) in 2018 found that supplementing with flavonoids from citrus fruits, including kumquats, improved vascular inflammation and helped regulate blood pressure in diabetic patients.
Reduce oxidative stress and protect cells
Diabetes increases oxidative stress in the body, causing cell damage and increasing the risk of complications.
Kumquats contain high levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids, which help protect cells from the effects of free radicals.
According to the Joslin Diabetes Research Center (USA), antioxidant compounds can help reduce chronic inflammation and improve insulin function in type 2 diabetes patients.
Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, may reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy.
The limonene compound in kumquat peel also protects the liver, supports glucose metabolism and helps control blood sugar more effectively.
