Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way blood sugar is controlled. Some people with diabetes need to take blood sugar pills to keep their blood sugar levels in check, while others manage it through diet. There are many different types of diets for people with diabetes, but one that’s often recommended is a low-starch diet.
What is a low-starch vegetable?
A low-starch vegetable is one that has a low level of starch. This means that it contains few or no glucose molecules. When eaten, these vegetables help to control blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Types of low-starch vegetables
If you have diabetes, it’s important to eat a variety of vegetables, as most of them are low in starch and contain little or no sugar. That’s why you should try adding more low-starch vegetables to your diet. Here are some of the best ones:
• Broccoli: One cup of broccoli contains just 6 grams of carbohydrate, which is almost all the fiber and water it has. That’s why it helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
• Carrots: One cup of boiled carrots has just 3 grams of carbohydrate, which is mostly fiber and water. So they’re a good choice if you want to keep your blood sugar under control.
• Celery: One cup of celery contains just 2 grams of carbohydrate. That’s mostly fiber and water, so it won’t raise your blood sugar levels.
Effects of Low-Starch Vegetables on Blood Sugar
Green vegetables are low in starch and best help to control blood sugar in people with diabetes. Studies have shown that people with diabetes who ate more green vegetables had lower blood sugar levels than those who didn’t. This is likely because the green vegetables contain few or no carbohydrates and so they don’t raise blood sugar levels as quickly as foods that are high in starch.
Best way to eat low-starch vegetables
Anyone with diabetes should be eating plenty of low-starch vegetables to help control their blood sugar levels. A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating a moderate amount of low-starch vegetables can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels better than those who don’t eat any vegetables at all. In fact, people with diabetes who ate the most low-starch vegetables had lower blood sugar levels than those who ate the least.
In addition, eating low-starch vegetables can help you lose weight and improve your overall health. They are high in fiber and other nutrients, which can help you feel full after eating fewer calories. And unlike many other types of food, low-starch vegetables are not high in sugar. This means they won’t raise your blood sugar levels after you eat them, which is a big benefit if you have diabetes.