Is Sweet Potato Good for Diabetes?

Introduction

Think of diabetes; carbs are one of the first foods you’d want to eliminate from your diet. While people with diabetes must consume whole grains like rice and wheat in recommended quantities, starchy vegetables like potatoes are a big no-no for them! But what about the humble cousin of the potato- the sweet potato? Does sweet potato affect blood sugar?

Sweet potato, commonly called the shakarkand, is a naturally-sweet root vegetable that is available throughout the year in India. However, the vegetable being fried or dry roasted on street sides is a common scene during winters when it is relished most. The sweet potato is one of the most nutritious tropical vegetables and has been used routinely in traditional medicinal practices as a remedy for type 2 diabetes. But is sweet potato good for diabetes? Let’s find out!

Nutritional Value of Sweet Potato

Here’s a brief look at the nutrients present in the sweet potato that make it a popular vegetable across India (the brown skin variant):

Besides these nutrients, the sweet potato is rich in vitamins A and C, beta carotene, potassium and antioxidants.

What’s of interest to people with diabetes and prediabetes is the glycemic index of the sweet potato. The sweet potato has a glycemic index of 70 and a glycemic load of 11.1.

Is Sweet Potato Good for Diabetes?

The several bioactive compounds from the tuber of the sweet potato plant may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Along with the dietary fibre content of this root vegetable, sweet potato may have some benefits for diabetes. However, more studies are needed to prove this.

How much sweet potato can a person with diabetes eat?

While sweet potatoes may be included in an individual’s diet with prediabetes or diabetes, you must remember that the vegetable still contains carbohydrates. It is, therefore, recommended that people with high blood sugar levels consult their doctor and nutritionist to determine if they can consume sweet potatoes and in what quantity.

Looking for the perfect Indian diet for Diabetes?

Indias top Diabetes nutritionists are here to help

Required

Invalid number

Invalid Email Id

Talk to a Program Advisor

Tips for Adding Sweet Potato to Your Diabetes Diet

Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be added to a wide range of dishes. Here are some ways to enhance the nutritional value of your meals with sweet potato:

• Boiled sweet potatoes are a popular fasting food item in India. They can be diced, sliced or grated and consumed.
• Boiled sweet potatoes can be added to salads and soups.
• Added to vegetables like the undiyo or Konkani bhajis like the gajbaje
• Added to stir-fried beans, cauliflower, and carrots to be eaten as a side dish or a snack
• Sweet potatoes are a relatively healthy substitute for white potatoes in chaat.

FitterTake

Sweet potatoes are versatile and healthy root vegetables that can be eaten as a snack, added to stirfries and curries or even to sweet dishes like kheer. However, when you have prediabetes or diabetes, you must be extra cautious about this root vegetable as it may not be safe for you. People with high blood sugar levels must consult their doctor or nutritionist about including sweet potatoes in their diet.

If you have diabetes and are struggling to find the right food items to add to your diet, sign up for our Diabetes Care Program, where our expert nutritionists, diabetologists, and fitness coaches guide you to reduce your blood sugar levels effectively.

Need help with understanding our programs? Speak to us today!