Dietitians frequently recommend that we eat a rainbow since these foods are thought to be very nutrient-dense. However, some are off limits to diabetics. Do carrots fall under the category of forbidden rainbow vegetables? In this in-depth post on is carrot good for diabetes, lets find out.
Carrot: Nutritional Profile
The fact that carrots have a GI score of less than 55, which is regarded as low, supports their beneficial effects on diabetes.
Since carrots are a non-starchy vegetable, they play a significant role in our diet. They are rich in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Carrots 2.8 grammes of dietary fibre and 4 grammes of sugar have no negative effects. Because it helps with digestion and keeps you fuller longer, fibre is a crucial ingredient in a diabetic diet.
Carrots contain 10% carbohydrates, of which half are sugar, making them a low-calorie snack that is perfect for diabetics.
Carrots are a vibrant orange colour thanks to beta-carotene. It is converted into vitamin A, which regulates blood sugar. Carrots antioxidants combat free radicals.
However, carrots are not a very good source of calcium or iron, but the beta-carotene in carrots helps absorb iron very well.
Advantages Of Carrots For Diabetes
Carrots high fibre content aids in the gradual absorption of carbohydrates. This aids in reducing blood sugar increases following meals.
By lowering food cravings, their high fibre content also aids in weight loss.
Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop eye conditions including diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, carrots are beneficial for eye health due to their high vitamin A content.
Ways To Consume Carrots
Carrot Salad
A beautiful and wholesome salad is created by combining grated, raw carrots with moong sprouts, sliced tomatoes, and seasonings like black salt and green chilies.
Carrot Sabzi
Slice up an onion and two carrots. To make a vibrant sabzi, cook these with half a cup of green peas and your preferred seasonings.
Carrot Soup
Slice up an onion and two carrots. To make a vibrant sabzi, cook these with half a cup of green peas and your preferred seasonings.
How Much and How Frequently To Consume Carrots?
Since they are so adaptable, carrots can be consumed at any hour of the day. To get your recommended daily intake of fiber and vitamin A, simply add one or two carrots to any of the following meals:
You can start your day with the ABC juice, which is a mixture of apple, beetroot, and carrot.
For lunch, include a shredded carrot with your salad.
Have a bowl of carrot-beet soup for dinner.
Other Health Benefits Of Carrots
Here are some more reasons to consume carrots:
- Antioxidants in carrots reduce the risk of cancer.
- Vitamin A in carrots keeps your eyes healthy.
- The fiber in carrots maintains gut health by supplying roughage to the diet.
- High fiber and potassium content in carrots manages blood pressure and maintains cardiovascular health.