Can a diabetic eat Beans?
Beans are high in nutrition and low in glycaemic index. So yes, a diabetic can eat beans several times a week with no fear of diabetes complications. Beans are one of the super foods that a diabetic can enjoy and benefit from. The benefits of eating beans include regulated blood sugar levels, reduced inflammation, lower cardiac risk etc. Beans contain huge amounts of dietary fibre and moderate amounts of starch and yet they help regulate blood sugar levels. Beans are also a great source of protein for diabetics. Many vegetarians and vegans depend on beans for protein.
Do Beans raise blood sugar?
No, beans generally do not cause any spikes in blood sugar levels after a diabetic eats beans. Beans contain carbohydrates but they are complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates from beans take longer to digest and so your blood sugar levels do not rise significantly after eating beans. Moreover, beans are low on glycaemic index. This gives another reason why eating beans does not cause blood sugar spikes in diabetics.
A useful tip to get rid of some indigestible carbohydrates from beans is to soak them. Soaking beans overnight and discarding the water removes indigestible carbohydrates and reduces intestinal gas after eating them.
Which beans are good for diabetics?
In general, any beans are good for diabetics as they are high in dietary fibre and other nutrition. This includes Pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, green beans, soya beans, garbanzo beans etc. Experts say diabetics can benefit a lot by adding any type of beans whether dried or canned beans to their diabetic meals several times a week. When eating processed beans such as canned beans, it is important to chose beans with no sodium.
Can a diabetic eat beans and rice?
Experts say eating white rice mixed with beans can help prevent blood sugar spikes from rice. So, for people whose regular staple is rice, they can mix the rice with few beans and eat. This helps reduce risk of blood sugar spikes. Many studies proved that pairing any type of rice with any type of beans can be beneficial for people with diabetes.
