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There is a lot of debate about quality food and the benefits of diets. One of these important issues is a balanced diet for diabetics. The benefits and harms of most products are undeniable, but some may be of particular interest. For example, is it possible to eat sweet potatoes if you have diabetes and the specifics of its preparation.
Sweet potato is a root vegetable also called "sweet potato"
Is it possible to have sweet potatoes for type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
The sweet potato is a tuber plant that is somewhat similar in appearance to regular potatoes. It tastes sweeter, but despite this amount, it contains fewer carbohydrates.
The chemical composition of the sweet root vegetable is expanded, including a large list of vitamins, microelements and organic acids. Calorie content per 100 g is about 60 kcal. BZHU indicators are equal:
- proteins – 2 g;
- fats – 0.2 g;
- carbohydrates – 13.5 g.
Its main feature in diabetes mellitus is considered to be a lower insulin response of the pancreas, in which the absorption of nutrients is slower and a person feels full longer.In addition, for diabetes mellitus, the main therapy is a balanced diet, consisting largely of foods with a low glycemic index. And if you compare sweet potato (its GI ranges from 55-70) with the usual potatoes (GI - 65-95), you can see that its indicator is lower. And combined with its low calorie content, the sweet tuber is not only allowed for consumption in diabetes types 1 and 2, but is even recommended.
Benefits of sweet potato for diabetes
“Sweet potatoes” contain a relatively small amount of carbohydrates, which is important for diabetes, since the product does not affect glucose concentrations in the body. In addition, a large amount of dietary fiber slows down the digestion process, which also helps regulate blood sugar.
Eating sweet potatoes normalizes hormonal levels, gastrointestinal function and has a positive effect on blood pressure, stabilizing blood pressure at the required level. Also, the rich composition helps strengthen the immune system.
Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A (in some dessert varieties, its amount can reach up to 260% of the daily value). It is necessary for maintaining and improving vision, as well as for good skin condition. In combination with vitamin C, the root vegetable has a positive effect on the immune system.
Are sweet potatoes harmful for diabetes?
If you have diabetes, any product must be consumed with caution, this also applies to sweet potatoes. But the root vegetable does not pose a serious danger to the body if added to the diet in moderation. Nutritionists recommend eating “sweet potatoes” in small portions no more than five times a month.
Sweet potatoes have the following contraindications:
- individual intolerance;
- allergic reaction;
- acute gastrointestinal diseases;
- kidney pathologies;
- urinary tract diseases.
It is not advisable to consume a lot of sweet potatoes during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How to eat sweet potato for a diabetic and what to cook
Nutritionists and doctors recommend including sweet potatoes in the diet for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but this should be done in moderation. The ideal option would be to use it once a week in the morning. The permissible portion for diabetes is 200-250 g.
Sweet potatoes are healthy in their raw form, but if you have diabetes, it is better to eat them boiled or baked.
You can eat the tuber in the following form:
- raw, as a separate product, having previously been washed and cleaned;
- raw in salads;
- boiled (as a side dish, as part of dishes or in the form of puree);
- baked.
They even practice making flour from the sweet root vegetable, as well as jam, preserves, chips and healthy drinks.
You can cook sweet potatoes with cheese. To do this, peeled and sliced root vegetables are transferred to a baking dish, then lightly sprinkled with olive oil and sprinkled with cheese. Bake at 180°C for 35 minutes.
A good dish would be sweet potato puree. It is prepared identically to potatoes; the root vegetable is also peeled, cut into pieces and boiled for about 15-20 minutes, then pureed. Salt and butter are added for taste.
Conclusion
Nutritionists recommend consuming sweet potatoes in moderation for diabetes.But even an infrequent addition of this root vegetable to the diet will have positive effects on the body, since it contains more useful substances, unlike regular potatoes. In addition, it is low in calories and has a lower carbohydrate content.
