Hi. I really like homemade Pico de Gallo (made with lime) and lime in tortilla soup (without the tortillas of course) but fear limes and such because fruits cause blood sugar to spike. However in reasearching this a little on the internet many claim that lemons and limes actually lower BG as they are acidic. These folks claim that citris works similar to vinagar (although I do believe they have a different type of acid). My BG always seems to raise some with the Pico de Gallo although it may be the tomato and onion instead of the lime.

I tried ACV in the past but it sometimes gave me IBS growlings although maybe I didn't take it right -- maybe better with a meal and not alone.

Anyway what are your experiences with fresh lime -- how does it affect your blood sugars?

Thanks

Dennis

I know squeezing some lemon and lime into a glass of water does nothing to my blood sugar.

But heck, test it. Eat some, test your blood sugar at one hour and two hours out and see.

Thanks Justin -- good to know it doesn't raise your blood sugar. I will try some tests but I have found it's kind of hard to get a clear correlation in my food testing. I throw too many other variables in the mix -- like excercing in the evening (might affect the rise or fall of BG) or other ingredients in the food. hard to just sit around for me and test without doing other stuff but I do know that's the only way to know for sure.

It is good to know however that maybe these fruits aren't as bad as I thought.

I read this...


Here...

Harvard.edu Health Website

If I understand this correctly, this 'feature' of lemon juice does not apply to me. I don't eat starch so there is no conversion from starch to sugar for the lemon juice to slow down. So I'd guess that this only applies when you are consuming starches with your meal.

I also read this at that Harvard website...


Like I said, I don't eat starch -- it is pretty much 0% of my daily caloric intake. But I do eat 3 or 4 small servings of fruit (5 to 7 carbs) each week and I don't seem to have a problem with it. No cravings at all. But I take advantage of the 'combination' effect by eating meats, fats, and other foods that slow down the absorption of sugar. I eat those foods first and then have a little fruit (such as berries, cantaloupe, grapefruit wedges, etc.). When I have fruit, I never eat it on an empty stomach and I do still avoid those fruits that are higher on the glycemic index (no bananas).

I agree with Justin Jor -- why not experiment with it. Start with a small serving and just see how you respond. If the food causes you problems - then at least you'll know that you can't included it in your 'on-plan' list.

BTW: I have a squeeze of lemon or lime juice in my water several times a week. I also put about 1/4 cup of lemon juice in my LC Coleslaw when I make it. Lemon and lime juices are the only fruit juices that I will consider 'on-plan', but I only have them in very small doses.

Both juices are less than a gram of carbs per tablespoon. I use them in recipes, especially salad dressings.

Another vote for freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in salad dressings, here. Also squeezed over fish and a slice of lemon in Earl Grey or English Breakfast teas. In Summer, citron presse is really good.