Remember, high carb foods = higher blood sugar, period! While quinoa may be a good choice for people who don’t have diabetes, the amount of carbs found in quinoa will raise blood sugar too much in most diabetics. I say most because the odd person with diabetes will find small amounts (1/2 cup max) may be okay.
It’s also gluten-free. This makes it a healthy alternative for people who are sensitive to glutens found in wheat. Evidence also suggests that eating more quinoa can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels and possibly prevent other conditions.
Is quinoa good or bad for diabetics?
Jumping on the “quinoa bandwagon” is not in the best interest of a diabetic, not because quinoa is inherently unhealthy, but because it is still a high carbohydrate food. Remember, high carb foods = higher blood sugar, period!
A common query we ran across in our research was “Is quinoa good for high blood pressure?”.
There’s also reason to believe that it can help lower your risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, although more research is needed. Can quinoa help you manage your blood sugar? Part of living with diabetes is managing your diet to help control your blood sugar.
Is quinoa low in glycemic index?
A glycemic index of 55 or below is considered low. Quinoa has a glycemic index of around 53, meaning it won’t cause as dramatic a spike in blood sugar. This is because it contains fiber and protein, both of which slow the digestion process.
It’s not just about choosing the number of carbs to eat. The key is targeting carbs that won’t boost your blood sugar. Quinoa is one carb you can use to fill your daily quota. It’s good for your health because it’s a whole grain, and its low glycemic index means it won’t spike your blood sugar.
Can you eat too much quinoa at once?
If you eat more than 1 cup of cooked quinoa at one sitting, the extra carbs will have a bigger effect on blood sugar. You can mix plenty of veggies in with your quinoa, but adding a bunch of high-glycemic ingredients will push it into the moderate GI range.