Peanuts are a common snack in the diet of an average American. It is consumed in various ways, such as in the form of candy bars, peanut butter, or simply by roasting it. But if you have diabetes, you might be wondering if peanuts are safe for you to eat. As you know, people with diabetes should carefully choose the food that they eat.
Unsalted Peanuts
Unsalted peanuts can be a safe snack for those with diabetes. There have been a lot of studies that suggest nuts, as a whole, are good for one’s health. According to experts, peanuts are filled with so much nutrients and are rich in healthy substances, like the following:
• Healthful fats
• Vegetable protein
• Fiber
• Minerals
• Antioxidants
Several studies have linked eating peanuts to lowering the risk of heart diseases, including gallstones. Nuts can even help in lowering cholesterol, high blood pressure, as well as inflammation.
Glycemic Index of Peanuts
As you may already know, foods that have lower GI scale are converted to sugar steadily and slowly. On the other hand, foods that have high GI could release glucose fast into the bloodstream.
According to medical studies, peanuts have a GI of 13. Such number is so low and this means that peanuts will only trigger a less spike in your blood sugar level, when compared to other foods.
Peanuts are also said to only have a glycemic load of 1 and this means that after they are digested fully, they will not add too much sugar in your blood. This also means that peanuts can be considered a great snack even if you have diabetes.
Are Peanuts Healthy for Diabetics?
According to medical studies, peanuts are a nutrient enrich food and are rich in fats and proteins. Furthermore, they are a great source of magnesium, vitamin C, phosphorous and B-vitamins.
Since peanuts have a little effect on one’s blood sugar level, it will seem that people who have diabetes should only eat peanuts in moderation.
Peanut Butter and Diabetes
Peanuts may come with some benefits for those with diabetes, however this is not the same as saying that peanut butter is safe for diabetes.
Most peanut butters in grocery stores are loaded with sugars and fats. The added fats are usually saturated or trans fats and are more inflammatory and less healthy. The added sugar is also not great for those who have diabetes.
If someone with diabetes will eat peanut butter, it must be a natural or organic peanut butter, which should only contain peanuts and with only a little bit of salt.
Other Precautions of Peanuts for Diabetes
Although peanuts is a great addition to a diabetic diet, it is very important that you take necessary precautions before you add them into your regular diet. Peanuts can also lead to allergies and may lead to some life threatening allergic reactions. So talk to your doctor before you decide to include peanut in your diet.
