If you're diabetic, it's always a dilemma to decide which foods are good and bad for your blood sugar. Jicama is one of those vegetables that many people enjoy but aren't sure if it's suitable for diabetics. In this article, we will explore all the things you need to know about jicamas' impact on a diabetic diet.
What exactly is jicama?
Before we get started with talking about whether jicama is good or bad for diabetes let us first understand what this vegetable is? Jicama (pronounced HEE-kah-ma) goes by many names, including Mexican turnip or yam bean. Its scientific name is Pachyrhizus erosus and belongs to the family Fabaceae (the pea family). It's a root vegetable indigenous to Mexico, Central America, South America, and Asia.
Nutritional facts
To put into perspective if jicama should be included in a diabetic diet lets take look at its nutritional value:
- One cup of raw sliced jicama contains:
- Calories: 46
- Protein:1 gram
- Fat:0 grams
- Carbs:11 grams
- Fiber:6 grams
- Sugar4grams
Looking at these numbers might make you think that it would be an excellent choice for diabetics as it has very low amounts of fat content; however, there's more information needed before reaching such conclusions.
Understanding Glycemic Index
One significant factor served concerning food ingestion among diabetics stands out above rest –the glycemic index (GI) t calculates how quickly different types of carbohydrate-containing foods spike glucose levels after consuming them. Low GI score indicates slow release while high digits indicate rapid sugar spikes in response to meals consumed. Generally, foods with a high GI are believed to cause quick rises in blood sugar levels, while foods that have low scores tend to contribute minimal blood glucose spikes.
Jicama and Its Glycemic Index
To determine whether jicama can spike or not spike your glucose level depends on the vegetable's glycemic index value. The estimated GI score of jicama is 46, which is considered a "low" rating on the glycemic scale. As mentioned, lower GI numbers indicate smaller insulin spiking capability; hence consuming food with a low glycemic index has been linked to maintaining optimal heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing oxidative stress.
Despite its GI values being good news for diabetics who enjoy the crowd-pleasing texture-with-a-crunchy taste veggie snack–Jicamas provide many other nutritional benefits worth noting!
Health Benefits of Jicama
Consuming nutrient-dense vegetables such as jicama daily provides vitamins and minerals essential for overall well-being. Below we look at some significant advantages:
High Fiber Content
With six grams of fiber per serving, this unique root vegetable leaves most other members on the dietary fiber content backseat—a crucial element aiding weight management through an effective colon function regulating bowel movements frequency one increasing satiety quicker than usual stomach digestion producing bloated sensations discomforts easier(1).
Toughness Inflammation Fighter
Supplemented plant compounds found in abundance namely: - saponins, - tannins. Their anti-cancer properties fight inflammation improving patients cancer outcomes In addition polyphenol antioxidants present’s exhibit anti-inflammatory & antimicrobial impacts.
Digestive Health Booster
By registering former two qualities implemented sharing these powdered supplements including them into supplement form have shown associations enhancing digestive functions bulk-forming laxative qualities fermentable prebiotic fibers as case reports prove(3).
Aids In Blood Pressure Management
Alongside the supplement within the medicine acute hypertensive patients(3), insulin type 2 diabetics showed significant decreases high peak levels hypertension standards+.
How much Jicama is good for Diabetic Patients?
So how much jicama should a diabetic patient look to consume? That depends on your specific nutri-requirements and taste desires as well. There aren't any particular warnings against eating jicama in moderation.
One cup postprocessing or cooked serving daily intake of Jicamas seems appropriate practice only if added into meals prepared balanced nutrient ratio calories count goals set helping manage obesity levels, reducing instances blood sugar spikes raising possibilities experiencing severe systems that accompany uncontrolled diabetes.$$
Conclusion
Jicama might not be one of those foods specifically prescribed to include in diabetic diet; nonetheless it contains numerous nutritional benefits and provides an excellent alternative option for snacking. With having its said low-glycemic index value alongside ample fiber content, anti-inflammatory properties substantial mineral contents fighting inflammation while aiding healthier digestive tract functioning+ relationship direct association between this non-starchy vegetable considerable improvements various chronic disease management’s chances proving easier better self-care.