Eating Sweet Potatoes for Diabetics – Healthy or Unhealthy?
08-09-2017 | Posted By: Chhavi | 3354 View(s)
Do you feel depressed because you can’t eat your favourite foods because you have diabetes? A diabetic patient understands the pain of giving up foods they love to eat. Following a strict diet plan and depriving yourself of so many exquisite foods can be really hard for those who are suffering from diabetes. Well, good news for you! There are some foods that are yummy and good for diabetes, and one such food is sweet potatoes! Yes, eating sweet potatoes for diabetics can be a real good thing. Let’s know why!
Benefits of Eating Sweet Potatoes for Patients with Diabetes
1. They are Rich in Fiber
Sweet potatoes contain tons of fibre, particularly when the skins are left on. If you eat fibre rich foods, then it will help your body slow down the rate of digestion of the starches. This, in turn, lowers the Glycemic index of the sweet potatoes and helps in keeping blood sugar levels in a normal range. So, if you include sweet potatoes to your diet, it will not only provide you with fibre but also keep your blood sugar level in control.
2.Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
A diabetic patient is more at risk of developing heart diseases. But, eating sweet potatoes for diabetics is healthy because they are packed with potassium which helps to balance the electrolyte and also regulate the blood pressure. This improves your heart health and also lowers the risk of having a heart disease. So, eat sweet potatoes with their skin on and keep your heart in good health.
3. They Have a Low Glycemic Index
The Glycemic Index is a tool used by some diabetics to see a food’s impact on their blood glucose. This tool is used to see which food is the best to be included in the diabetic meal plan. This measures how carbohydrates affect blood sugar and the index also keeps track of the rate at which the carbohydrates are absorbed into the blood after the food is digested. Experts say that if food has a lower glycemic index, it means that it is good for diabetes; because lower glycemic index means that the food can avoid high blood sugar levels. And, sweet potatoes have a glycemic index of 44, which makes it one of the best foods for diabetes. It is because glycemic index of 55 or lower is considered low, and hence, eating sweet potatoes for diabetics is very healthy.
4. They Strengthen the Body’s Immune System
It is important for a diabetic patient, in fact, everybody, to have a strong and a healthy immune system. It is because having a healthy immune system helps you keep many health diseases at bay. What can be the easiest way for a diabetic patient to boost their immunity? Well, the answer is simple! You just need to eat sweet potatoes to get a healthy immune system. Sweet potatoes are full of vitamin D and this particular vitamin is known to strengthen the immune system, bones, skin, thyroid gland and heart health. So, you must add sweet potatoes to your daily diet and say goodbye to weak immunity.
5. They Keep your Muscles Healthy
One of the major problems that diabetic patients go through is muscle pain. But, eating sweet potatoes on a regular basis can help diabetic patients get relief from muscle pain. And how is that possible? Well, sweet potatoes are loaded with essential nutrients which help to regulate the nerve signals which are sent to the brain and heart. This helps in relieving the discomfort due to cramps and swelling and also eases the muscle pain.
6. They Help in Relieving Stress
What is one of the primary reasons behind Diabetes? It is none other than STRESS! Almost everyone is dealing with stress these days, and this seven letter problem has opened the gate to so many health problems, including Diabetes. But what if I tell you that eating sweet potatoes can help you combat stress? Surprised, isn’t it? Don’t be so perplexed; sweet potatoes are full of potassium and magnesium; both of which helps in regulating the body’s water balance and the body’s reaction to stress factors. Also, it regulates the heart beat and the flow of oxygen to the body. Hence, it is one of the best foods for diabetic patients. Make sure to add this food to your diet plan.
7. They Help in Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
Sweet potatoes for diabetics can be a real healthy choice as they contain a natural sugar that helps in the regulating the blood sugar levels, which in turn keeps diabetes in control.
8. They are Rich in Antioxidants
Diabetic patients should eat a diet rich in antioxidants. Various studies have shown that eating a diet rich in plant antioxidants (also called polyphenols) help in lowering blood sugar. And sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants which help in keeping the blood sugar level at its normal rate. Also, it helps in keeping many other health problems at bay such as asthma, arthritis, gout, breast cancer and stress. Hence, eating sweet potatoes for diabetics is a healthy thing to do as it will provide them with antioxidants that will keep them healthy.
9. It Keeps Your Hair Healthy
One of the many side effects of Diabetes is hair fall. Many people who have diabetes complain of dealing with hair thinning problems. So, eating sweet potatoes can help you get healthier and thicker hair. Sweet potatoes are full of beta-carotene which helps in keeping the hair healthy and also prevents hair fall problems.
10. They are Full of Minerals
Is eating sweet potatoes for diabetics healthy? Yes, it is healthy for sure! It is important for a Diabetic patient to eat a diet rich in minerals. And, sweet potatoes can provide you with minerals such as iron, manganese, potassium and calcium and even other nutrients like protein and carbohydrates. So, what is the bottom line? The bottom line is that if you eat sweet potatoes on a regular basis, you will get nutrients and minerals your body needs to function properly.
There are indeed many reasons why people should include sweet potatoes to their diet. So, what are you waiting for? Incorporate this healthy food in your diet plan and keep your blood sugar level in control.
