Can Diabetics Eat Carrots? Fact Check

For diabetics, consumption of various types of vegetables is a must. However, is the consumption of carrots for diabetics classified as safe? Check out the following explanation.

Impact of Eating Carrots for Diabetics

Vegetables are important consumed by diabetics (diabetics). How not, the fiber content in it can help control blood sugar levels.

One type of vegetable that is considered to have these benefits is carrots. However, there is an assumption that carrots should not be consumed by diabetics because they can increase blood sugar levels.

In fact, this orange vegetable is rich in various important nutrients for diabetics. For example, vitamin A and carotenoids in it can help prevent eye damage.

On the other hand, the carbohydrate content in carrots cannot be said to be low. Even so, carbohydrates in these vegetables are a good source.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that diabetics should get enough of 45 percent of their calorie intake from carbohydrates.

Also Read: Looking Further The Benefits of Chili for Diabetics

Not only carbohydrates, another thing that must be considered when you want to consume something is the value of the glycemic index (GI). This is an indicator to find out how fast or slow a food increases blood sugar.

A low glycemic index value indicates that the food will not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), a food is said to have a low glycemic index if the value is 55 or lower.

Boiled carrots have a low glycemic index score, which is 33. A lower GI score is found in raw carrots.

So, carrots can be a safe choice for diabetics to consume. You can add these vegetables to your daily menu.

Benefits of Carrots for Diabetics

Thanks to all the nutritional content in it, there are a number of benefits of carrots for diabetics, including:

1. Controls Blood Sugar

Fiber can help manage blood sugar levels so that diabetes can be controlled properly.

Diabetics are advised to meet as much as 20-25 grams of fiber every day. This fiber can be obtained from the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Carrots are a good source of fiber. A total of 100 grams of carrots contains about 2.8 grams of fiber.

2. Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy

Consumption of carrots for diabetics is beneficial because of the carotenoid content in it. Carotenoids are compounds that give fruits and vegetables their orange and yellow colors.

According to research, carotenoids can reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy. This is a complication of diabetes that can cause blindness in people with diabetes.

3. Increase Insulin Sensitivity

One of the benefits of eating carrots for diabetics is increasing insulin sensitivity. As is known, people with type 2 diabetes experience insulin resistance which causes problems with glucose absorption.

Research reveals that consuming more fiber can improve insulin sensitivity and manage diabetes. Carrots can be a good source of fiber.

Also Read: Leaves and Fruit of Carambola to Treat Diabetes, Is it Effective?

4. Streamlining Body Metabolism

Vitamin B has a big role in facilitating the body’s metabolic processes. You can meet the needs of this vitamin from carrots.

Deficiencies of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B6 are known to often afflict people with type 2 diabetes.

By fulfilling daily B vitamins, diabetics can control their disease and reduce the risk of developing dangerous diabetes complications.

Thus the explanation about whether or not diabetics can eat carrots. Remember to always have a healthy diet by consuming complete and balanced nutritious foods.

Not only that, pay attention to the amount of daily carrot consumption. For diabetics, the recommended amount is 3-5 servings. One serving of carrots equals half a cup of cooked vegetables and one cup of raw vegetables.

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