Everything You Need Know About Maize and Diabetes

Keeping a healthy diet is important, especially for diabetics -- since you need to manage your blood sugar level. 

When it comes to diet, diabetic patients don't just have to pick the right food but how it can manage their blood sugar level.

One of the myths of persons with diabetes is to avoid starchy food as much as possible, like corn. On the contrary, corn is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 

If you are wondering what relationship maize and diabetes have, corn is a great source of carb. However, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, adults with diabetes should go for nothing more than 200g of carbs daily. 

As a person with diabetes, understanding different types of food and how much of each you consume is essential for keeping the condition under control. Like many other sugar-rich foods, sugarcane is considered a poor choice for persons with diabetes. But can you combine the intake of sugarcane and diabetes management? 

This article provides an outlook on the possible benefits associated with the intake of sugarcane and its derivatives, as well as potential health risks that could arise when diabetics consume it.

Nutritional Content of Sugarcane

Sugarcane offers a variety of nutrients. You get the following nutrients from a 3.5-oz serving of sugarcane juice:

• 375 calories
• 100 g of carbohydrate
• 100 g of sugar
• 0 g of protein
• 0 g of fat
• 0 g of fiber

Although high in carbs and calories, sugar cane juice lacks protein, fiber, and fat. However, some brands pack as high as 13 g of fiber per cup. More worrisome is its high sugar content of 100 g per 3.5 oz serving — 20 teaspoons. This is significantly higher than the American Heart Association's daily recommendations of six and nine teaspoons for women and men, respectively.

Sugarcane's “Potential” Health Benefits for Diabetes

Sugar cane and its derivatives are very high in sugar and are not advised for consumption by people with diabetes where possible. However, when consumed in small amounts, research on sugarcane and diabetes has proven this plant to possess several tentative health benefits, as we would see below. One of such is in managing hypertension—a prevalent diabetes complication—when taken as a purgative.

• Packs Antioxidants
  Sugarcane is high in antioxidants, which are necessary to form and sustain a healthy immune system. Specifically, antioxidants aid in the fight against free radicals that can exacerbate several medical conditions, including diabetes.
   
• Regulates Blood Sugar
  To better manage their blood glucose concentration, people with diabetes should consume direct sugarcane derivatives rather than refined sugars. Sugarcane molasses concentrate has been proven to reduce blood sugar levels and limit insulin production.
   
• Boosts Body Metabolism
  Although sugar is frequently associated with weight gain, sugarcane consumption can enhance your metabolism and help pregnant women maintain a healthy weight gain — essential if they have diabetes. Sugarcane juice combined with ginger has been shown to help pregnant women avoid morning sickness while strengthening their immune systems.
   
• High in Carbohydrates and Other Minerals
  Another key health benefit of sugarcane is that it is high in healthy carbs, iron, potassium, calcium, and other essential elements, which are critical for people with diabetes. Moreover, it aids the replenishment of plasma and bodily fluids, as well as the alleviation of dryness and weariness.
   
• Low Glycemic Index
  Sugarcane has a low glycemic index (GI) of 30–40. However, the GI has a drawback in that it only estimates the ‘pace’ at which the food in question raises the blood sugar content. The glycemic load (GL), on the other hand, is a better indication of the total blood sugar increase that accompanies the intake of the said food.
  Since sugarcane has a high GL, it would considerably impact the body’s sugar levels. However, it’s still a better option compared to refined sugar. Nonetheless, you should seek your doctor’s advice before taking it.
   
• Contains Polyphenols
  Polyphenols, including anthocyanins, catechins, and flavins, are commonly found in sugarcane polyphenol extract (SPE). These compounds can restore insulin synthesis in impaired beta cells while inhibiting intestinal uptake of glucose and fructose.

The Downsides of Consuming Sugarcane if You Have Diabetes

If you have diabetes, sugarcane, like other high-sugar foods, is a poor choice. Even though sugarcane contains more nutrients than refined sugar, too much of it might have negative consequences. A high-sugar diet is associated with several problems, including the following:

• Weight gain: Sugarcane has a high-calorie content, leading to weight gain if consumed excessively; thus, it should be taken in moderation, especially by people with diabetes.
• High blood pressure: Even though sugarcane packs more nutrients than refined sugar, excessive consumption can cause high blood pressure.
• Heart disease: The risk of heart disease rises as a result of high-sugar diets.
• Sugarcane contains policosanol, which can cause dizziness, stomach trouble, sleeplessness, and migraines when ingested in high quantities.

Lima Beans and Diabetes - How Healthy is Lima Beans?

Diabetic people indeed need food like beans because they are high in insoluble fiber. Lima beans are one of those meals that are healthy and would cause any spike in blood sugar.

Lima beans also known as butter beans have a buttery texture and a great flavor that compliments most meals. They come in a variety of colors such as green, white, purples, etc. 

In this article, we will be sharing the relationship between lima beans and diabetes.

What Legumes are Best for Diabetes?

The relationship between legumes and diabetes is a positive one. Research links consumption of legumes to a beneficial effect on glycemic control and weight control, both of which are important if you have diabetes. Your diet is a big part of your diabetes management plan and that means you need to be conscious of what makes a good choice and what doesn’t. In general, legumes should be a staple in your diet. Here’s why.

What are Legumes?

Legumes are a category of food that includes beans, peas and lentils. They are an inexpensive kitchen staple that offers a lot in the way of nutrition. Their nutritional panel is part of what makes legumes so great for a diabetic meal plan. They also taste great and are versatile so you can use them in many ways in your kitchen.

Why Legumes?

Legumes contain a lot of fiber. Fiber is imperative for a diabetic diet because it digests slowly, helping regulate blood sugar levels, keeping them stable and preventing spikes. 

Legumes also promote a healthy heart, which is important since diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. 

Eating legumes has been linked to lower blood pressure levels and inflammation. 

When legumes are eaten as a substitute for meat or eggs, studies have found that it can help manage or prevent type 2 diabetes. 

Legumes are also a good source of protein and antioxidants, which are important for overall health. 

Best Legumes for Diabetes

The great thing about legumes is that most of them are a great choice for a diabetic meal plan. With so many to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the ones you like best. Some options include: 

• Pinto beans
• Black beans
• Peas
• Black-eyed peas
• Fava beans
• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Soy nuts
• Peanuts
• Lima beans
• Navy beans

This is by no means an exhaustive list but gives you a good starting point when you make your next grocery list. Be sure to read labels so you can choose options that are low in salt. In general, fresh or dried legumes are a better choice than canned versions. 

How to Eat Legumes

Legumes are incredibly versatile. You can use them in a variety of ways to create many different tasty dishes, Try them in soup or salad. Use lentils or beans as the base for veggie burgers or vegetarian dinner bowls with vegetables. You can use them to make diabetes-friendly tacos and burritos. They can also be enjoyed as a side dish with your favorite meals. 

When it comes to legumes and diabetes, you’ll be happy to know that they are a great option and can be used in a huge number of meals. In addition to their great taste, they have a certain amount of power when it comes to controlling your blood sugar and staying healthy. Add legumes to your shopping list and get ready to enjoy everything they have to offer. 

It’s common for people to associate the benefits of hemp seed with those of the cannabis plant. However, these seeds obtained from the hemp plant have little to none of the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana — tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Instead, they are a rich source of essential nutrients needed for the total well-being of the body, e.g., omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

For centuries, these seeds have been utilized as oral and topical medications to treat and prevent several diseases and infections of the heart and skin. However, despite its numerous uses, does it have beneficial implications in the treatment of diabetes?

Stick with us as we unravel loads of scientific research on hemp seeds and type 2 diabetes.

Granola and Diabetes - How Does It Affect a Diabetic?

Breakfast is one of the most important meals. After spending over six hours in bed, fasting. You need to break from that fast to keep your body well, and functioning right, for the remainder of the day.

As a diabetic, you can't just wake up and eat any meal that comes to mind, but a nutritious meal that wouldn’t affect your blood sugar level. Taking processed meals or sugary food is a no-no. 

People living with diabetes need meals filled with lots of protein and fiber to keep them healthy. Will granola do that? 

Let's find out in this granola and diabetes article.