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You can eat peas if you have diabetes. Legumes are useful because they have a low glycemic index (in most cases within 35) and low calorie content (boiled 60 kcal per 100 g). Peas provide quite a lot of benefits, but you must remember about the restrictions on their use.
Can you eat peas if you have diabetes?
Numerous data allow us to unambiguously answer the question of whether diabetics of type 1 and 2 can eat peas. Consuming this product is very beneficial. Its glycemic index is small – it ranges from 25-50, depending on the type:
- fresh (green) – 35;
- dried (yellow) – 25;
- chickpeas – 30.
Canned and pickled peas pose a certain danger for diabetes. Its glycemic index is close to 50 (for comparison: buckwheat has 45). Therefore, green peas can also be consumed if you have diabetes, but with caution. If in doubt, you should first consult your doctor.
Bread units can be ignored when eating legumes. So, 100 g of peas, beans, chickpeas contains only 1 XE, which is negligible.The insulin index, showing the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas, is 25-50. This is not dangerous in either type of diabetes.
Benefits of peas for diabetics
The product is very beneficial for the body, including diabetes. In addition, it is low-calorie - when cooked, only 60 kcal per 100 g. Nutritional value for the same weight:
- proteins – 8.3 g;
- fats – 0.4 g;
- carbohydrates – 21.1 g.
The composition also includes dietary fiber - about 4 g per 100 g, which is almost 15% of the daily value. Peas also contain other valuable compounds that are beneficial for diabetes:
- vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B9), E, H, PP;
- potassium;
- magnesium;
- calcium;
- chlorine;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- cobalt;
- iodine;
- copper;
- selenium;
- molybdenum;
- chromium;
- zinc;
- manganese.
Glycemic index of dried peas – 25 units
For diabetes, the product is recommended to be included in the diet, since it practically does not raise blood glucose levels. Its glycemic index is within 35 (with the exception of canned green peas). This means that the rate of sugar entering the blood vessels is small, only 25-35% of pure sucrose (it has a glycemic index of 100). This is due to the fact that legumes contain a lot of fiber, which slows down the absorption of carbohydrates to an acceptable speed.
For diabetes, eating boiled peas is especially beneficial. Its glycemic index is minimal and is only 25 units. This is a record among most side dishes (cereals and pasta correspond to 40-50 and above). Due to its diverse chemical composition, peas play an important role in the functioning of different body systems:
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
- stimulating digestion;
- activation of intestinal immunity and normalization of microflora;
- reducing the risk of cancer pathologies;
- prevention of hypertension, stroke and heart attack;
- reduction of bad cholesterol levels;
- assistance in losing weight, reducing obesity;
- diuretic and choleretic effect;
- mild laxative effect;
- removing excess fluid, reducing swelling;
- an additional means of treating pathologies of the kidneys, liver, heart;
- prevention of premature skin aging;
- antioxidant effect, protecting cells from free radicals;
- saturating the body with vitamins and minerals;
- heartburn prevention;
- enrichment with valuable plant protein (vegetarians are recommended to eat peas for diabetes as an alternative to meat products).
Therefore, diabetics of type 1 and 2 can eat peas both in “pure” form and in combination with other dishes.
In what form and in what quantity can you eat?
For type 1 and type 2 diabetics, it is important to understand in what form to consume legumes, for example, pea porridge or soup. In different forms, the product has different properties. Thus, it is recommended to include fresh peas in the diet in limited quantities. Recommendations for use are described below.
For diabetes, it is better to use boiled peas
Can diabetics have pea soup?
Pea soup is quite healthy for diabetics of both types (1 and 2). It saturates and enriches the body well with proteins of plant origin, dietary fiber, as well as minerals and vitamins. You can cook the soup using water, vegetable or mushroom broth.Cooking with meat is also allowed, but only with low-fat varieties.
There are several foods that can be used to make pea soup. They provide great benefits for diabetes;
- poultry meat;
- rabbit meat;
- bulb onions;
- leek;
- Bulgarian pepper;
- garlic;
- broccoli;
- parsley, dill and other greens.
However, this combination is often not recommended. Excessive consumption can provoke the development of cancerous tumors.
Can diabetics eat pea porridge and puree?
Pea porridge and puree can also be consumed for both types of diabetes. Along with legumes, you can add a little salt and butter, or even better, vegetable oil (olive, sunflower). To improve the taste, you can use fried vegetables with onions and carrots (limited due to the relatively high glycemic index of 35-40).
Daily consumption rate
To get the maximum benefit of peas for diabetes, it is recommended to consume no more than 100 g per day. When boiled, this corresponds to 250-300 g. Along with legumes, the diet should be diversified with other types of side dishes, for example, buckwheat, durum pasta, and stewed cabbage.
As for green peas, you should consume no more than 50 g per day. Moreover, it is better to do this not every day, but 2-3 times a week. In salads, canned peas are often combined with carrots. These products have a fairly high glycemic index (40-50 units). Therefore, they should be consumed in limited quantities.
You can take no more than 200-250 g of prepared peas per day
Possible harm of peas for diabetics
If the daily norm is regularly violated, as well as with a long monotonous diet, the product can bring not so much benefit as harm. The most common negative consequences:
- An increase in uric acid concentration leads to salt deposition. Over time, this can cause joint diseases, such as arthritis and arthrosis.
- Legumes stimulate gas formation. To a greater extent this applies to fresh products, but is partly true for boiled peas.
- Peas contain a lot of dietary fiber; they increase intestinal motility, which can lead to indigestion.
- Finally, green peas are especially high in simple carbohydrates, which is especially dangerous if you have diabetes.
It is important to remember that in some cases the consumption of legumes is contraindicated:
- gout;
- jades;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases (ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis);
- thrombophlebitis;
- tendency to increased blood clotting.
In rare cases, a person may have an individual intolerance to certain components that make up legumes. This leads to itching, rash, swelling, redness and other allergic reactions. If side effects occur, you should immediately discard such food. You will need to consult a doctor to adjust your diet.
Conclusion
Peas for diabetes can be consumed in almost any form. Boiled legumes can be included in the diet on a daily basis. Fresh and canned peas are best consumed in limited quantities. It is important to monitor your health and if side effects occur, consult a specialist.
