POTATOES VERSUS SWEET POTATOES: WHAT'S BETTER FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES?

People with diabetes have to follow several restrictions as far as their diet is concerned. They should not eat food that increases their blood sugar levels as elevated blood sugar levels can lead to serious health complications. When your blood sugar levels are too high for a long time, it can harm your body in several ways.

It can damage blood vessels which can eventually impact your heart and the organ will not work well. Your kidneys will also get impacted and your nerves will not function right, causing problems like numbness or pain. High blood sugar can even make your eyesight worse.

Therefore, it is crucial to manage your blood sugar levels and an important part of this is to follow a diabetes-friendly diet. You should only eat foods that help to lower your blood sugar levels and not elevate it.

There are several queries if people with diabetes can eat sweet potatoes. Read on as experts shed light on whether people with diabetes should eat sweet potatoes.

Dr Sweta Budyal, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund said that there is an age-old debate about whether sweet potatoes or white potatoes are better for diabetics. Both sweet potatoes and white potatoes are roots that grow underground and are good sources of carbohydrates. Although they sound quite similar, they aren’t exactly alike and differ in many aspects of nutrition.

“The glycemic index can vary among different species of sweet potatoes, along with the amount of carbon and calories present. Some species or varieties of sweet potatoes are quite fibrous, resulting in a lower glycemic index and lower carb content compared to mushy and soft varieties. Overall, sweet potatoes are slightly better options than potatoes because of their lower glycemic index, higher fibre content, antioxidants, and vitamin A,” said Dr Budyal.

Dr Mani Deepthi Dasari, Apollo Clinic, Sheshadripuram said sweet potatoes are high in fibre and have several other essential nutrients than normal white potatoes. One of the special features of sweet potatoes is low, medium or high glycaemic index depending on the cooking style.

Dr Dasari said, “Boiled potato affects your blood sugar levels far less than baked or fried ones. Diabetics can consume boiled sweet potato but need to watch on the portion size and also consume it in boiled form as it contains high fibre content and anti-inflammatory factors. Sweet potato can be consumed along with any protein source or cinnamon powder can be sprinkled on boiled sweet potato so that the blood glucose levels can be regulated.”

Speaking on sweet potatoes to manage diabetes, Dr Narendra BS, Lead Consultant, Endocrinology & Diabetology at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru said sweet potatoes are exceptionally nutritious for individuals managing diabetes. They are rich in fibre, which improves the blood sugar in the body by reducing glucose absorption. They are also abundant in carotenoids, vitamins and minerals, enhancing overall health, lowering cancer risk, and supporting cardiovascular health. Sweet potatoes are particularly beneficial for diabetes management. They help reduce LDL cholesterol and facilitate weight management.

“The best integration of sweet potatoes into a well-balanced diet through methods like steaming or boiling maximizes the nutritional value for individuals with diabetes. However, seeking personalized advice from dietitians is crucial to ensure the safe inclusion of sweet potatoes in meals, maximizing the health benefits associated with their consumption,” added Dr Narendra BS.

Dr Budyal speaking on white potatoes and sweet potatoes said that white potatoes are high in potassium and have certain types of B complex vitamins. Both can be consumed in moderation by diabetic patients, but it should be understood that they fall into the carbohydrate category, not vegetables.

She added, “Another interesting fact is that the nutritional value of sweet potatoes is better when consumed in pure forms like boiled, grilled, or roasted. However, if they are used in recipes with other fatty foods such as cheese dips and oil, they can become a high-calorie option.”

Dr. Budyal said that sweet potatoes are good choices because they provide carbohydrates as a source of energy, fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, potassium, magnesium and calcium, however, they should be consumed in moderation.

2024-01-23T15:47:44Z dg43tfdfdgfd