Sweet potato: a superfood for diabetes
Vitamin A, fibre, and protein — these are three amazing health benefits of sweet potatoes that help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, and lose weight.
White potatoes may be very appetizing, but when consumed in excess, they can be dangerous for blood sugar levels because of their nutritional profile.
Consider exploring the white potato’s more healthy 'relative': the sweet potato! It can really help regulate glucose, while providing your diet with important antioxidants to ward off chronic diseases.
- The sweet potato is popular among people diagnosed with diabetes, thanks to its low glycemic index (GI). Foods that are high on the GI cause your blood sugar to increase faster, which is dangerous for diabetics. Because sweet potatoes are ranked low on the GI, they help people with diabetes better manage their blood sugar levels.
- Sweet potatoes are more nutrient dense than white potatoes. Packed with important vitamins like A, C and B6, sweet potatoes have wonderful antioxidant properties.
- One cup of sweet potato baked in its skin provides 950 mg of potassium that lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart. Potassium also helps regulate heart rhythm and muscle contractions.
- One cup of baked sweet potato provides about 6 grams of fiber, which is a quarter of the daily recommended intake. This helps people with diabetes lose weight in a healthy way.
- These veggies are a great source of protein, which helps keep you full longer and promotes weight loss, increasing insulin sensitivity.
While sweet potatoes are a smart diet choice for people with diabetes, it’s crucial to remember that these veggies still contain carbs. Portion control is the key to balancing the great effects that sweet potatoes have on a diabetes-friendly diet.
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