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There is a lot of controversy about quality food and the benefits of dieting. One such important issue 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 use sweet potato with diabetes and the features of its preparation.
Sweet Potato is a root vegetable that is also referred to as “sweet potato”
Is it possible to sweet potato with diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2
Sweet potato is a tuber-bearing plant, which in appearance is somewhat reminiscent of an ordinary potato. It tastes sweeter, but despite this amount, there are fewer carbohydrates in it.
The chemical composition of the sweet root crop is extended, including a large list of vitamins, trace elements and organic acids. Calorie content per 100 g is about 60 kcal. BJU indicators are equal:
- proteins – 2 g;
- fats – 0,2 g;
- carbohydrates – 13,5
Its main feature in diabetes is considered to be a lower insulin response of the pancreas, in which the absorption of nutrients is slower, and the person feels full longer. In addition, in diabetes mellitus, the main therapy is a balanced diet, consisting mostly of foods with a low glycemic index. And if we compare sweet potato (in it, the GI ranges from 55-70) with the usual potato (GI – 65-95), then it can be seen that its indicator is lower. And in combination with a low calorie content, the sweet tuber is not only allowed for use in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but is even recommended.
Benefits of sweet potato for diabetes
“Sweet potato” in the composition contains a relatively small amount of carbohydrates, which is important for diabetes, since the product does not affect the concentration of glucose in the body. In addition, a large amount of dietary fiber slows down the digestion process, which also helps regulate blood sugar.
The use of sweet potato normalizes the hormonal background, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and has a positive effect on blood pressure indicators, stabilizing blood pressure at the required level. Also, the rich composition helps to strengthen the immune system.
Sweet potato contains vitamin A (in some dessert varieties, its amount can reach up to 260% of the daily requirement). 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.
Is there any harm from sweet potato in diabetes
With diabetes, any product must be used with caution, this also applies to sweet potatoes. But the root crop does not pose a serious danger to the body if it is added to the diet in moderation. Nutritionists recommend eating “sweet potatoes” in small portions no more than five times a month.
Contraindications “sweet potato” has the following:
- idiosyncrasy;
- allergic reaction;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of an acute form;
- kidney disease;
- urinary tract diseases.
It is undesirable to consume a lot of sweet potatoes during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
How to eat a diabetic sweet potato 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 once a week in the morning. The allowable portion for diabetes is 200-250 g.
Sweet potato is healthy raw, but for diabetics it is better to eat it boiled or baked.
You can use the tuber in the following form:
- raw, as a separate product, previously washed and cleaned;
- raw in salads;
- boiled (as a side dish, as part of dishes or in the form of mashed potatoes);
- baked.
They even practice making flour from a sweet root crop, as well as jam, preserves, chips and healthy drinks.
You can cook sweet potato with cheese. To do this, peeled and cut into slices of root crops 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 potato, the root crop is also peeled, cut into pieces and boiled for about 15-20 minutes, then pureed. Salt and butter are added for taste.
Conclusion
Sweet potatoes in diabetes mellitus nutritionists recommend eating in moderation. But even the infrequent addition of this root crop to the diet will have positive effects on the body, since it contains more useful substances, unlike ordinary potatoes. In addition, it is low-calorie, and the indicator of carbohydrates in it is lower.
