Diabetes and Peanuts (2024)

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Diabetes and Peanuts

Diabetes and Peanuts (1)Aug 15, 2023
  • Individuals with diabetes need foods that can help manage blood sugar and weight.
  • Peanuts and peanut butter can be a powerful ally to reaching success.
  • Peanuts and peanut butter have a low glycemic index, which means they don’t cause blood sugar to rise sharply.
  • For great ideas for including peanuts and peanut butter in meals, visit our recipe pages.

Successfully Managing Diabetes

More than 34 million Americans (1 in 10) have diabetes (CDC, 2020). Successfully managing diabetes requires nutritious eating and maintaining a healthy weight, as well as monitoring blood sugar and taking medications as prescribed. When it comes to diet, peanuts and peanut butter are like a secret weapon because they taste great, but don’t cause blood glucose to spike. They have a glycemic index of just 14. Glycemic index is a measure of how quickly the blood sugar rises after eating a specific amount of a food, as compared to a control food – the lower the glycemic index number, the lower the impact on blood glucose (The University of Sydney, 2001). As part of a carbohydrate-controlled diet, peanuts can add flavor, variety and substance to meals.

Heart Health and Healthy Weight

The number one killer for people with diabetes is cardiovascular disease. In order to maintain good health, people with diabetes need to also reduce the risk for other disease. Incorporating foods that help promote heart health, including peanuts, is an important part of nutritious eating. In fact, scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 oz. per day of nuts, including peanuts, as a part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. As part of reducing cardiovascular risk and managing diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight is paramount. Peanuts can be part of a heart-healthy diet.

Experts agree – peanuts and peanut butter are regularly on the recommended foods list by many expert organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, because they have been shown to have a low GI and are full of nutrition. They also serve as a great vehicle food, helping people enjoy more fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains.

Expert recommendations:

Some great ways to include peanuts and peanut butter in your diet:

  • Mixed into a bowl of whole-grain oats at breakfast
  • Sprinkled on a salad to add protein and crunch with lunch
  • A handful as a mid-afternoon snack will help control the munchies
  • Melted and mixed with a little lite coconut milk as a sauce for grilled chicken breast
  • With crackers as an evening snack

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control. Division of Diabetes Translation. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. Available at www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-stat-report.html. Accessed on September 7, 2021.
  2. The University of Sydney. About Glycemic Index. Available at http://www.glycemicindex.com/about.php. Accessed on October 15, 2012.
  3. American Diabetes Association. Glycemic Index and Diabetes. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html. Accessed on October 15, 2012.
Diabetes and Peanuts (2024)

FAQs

Are peanuts good for diabetics? ›

Individuals with diabetes need foods that can help manage blood sugar and weight. Peanuts and peanut butter can be a powerful ally to reaching success. Peanuts and peanut butter have a low glycemic index, which means they don't cause blood sugar to rise sharply.

What are the best nuts for diabetics to eat? ›

The most important nuts for people with diabetes are probably the ones that improve cardiovascular health: almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, namely. If you only incorporate a few nuts into your diet, choose these ones. But be sure to avoid the salted varieties.

Are peanuts better than almonds for diabetics? ›

The results. There was no clear difference between the peanut and almond groups for any of the outcomes. Both groups experienced a decrease in fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels.

What is the peanut trick to lower blood sugar? ›

Peanuts and peanut butter have even been shown to help lessen the spike in blood sugar when paired with high-carbohydrate or high-GL foods. Peanuts and peanut butter are both low GI and GL foods, as they contain healthy oils, protein, and fiber that have a positive effect on blood sugar control.

Are bananas good for diabetics? ›

Bananas are a delicious, nutritious and affordable food for everyone, including those with diabetes. Eating this healthy fruit can help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and improve heart health.

Is popcorn good for diabetics? ›

Popcorn offers people with diabetes a low-sugar, low-calorie snack option. It will not increase a person's blood sugar levels by a significant amount, making it a safe choice between meals. However, people should keep toppings to a minimum and avoid eating excessive portions.

Is oatmeal good for diabetics? ›

According to MedlinePlus, adults with type 2 diabetes may benefit from eating whole grains like oats, due to their potential glucose and cholesterol-lowering effects. Plus, the soluble fiber in oats may help you hit your blood sugar goals and keep your weight in check.

Is cheese good for diabetics? ›

Cheese can be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes should opt for cheeses that are low in saturated fat and sodium while high in protein. If you have diabetes, combine higher-GI foods with cheese to help regulate blood sugar and prevent spiking.

Are grapes good for diabetics? ›

The low range of GI and GL make grapes an acceptable and desirable part of the diet of diabetic individuals. Grapes, especially darkly colored fruits, have an abundance of antioxidant molecules that have the ability to regulate insulin and glucose metabolism and oxidative stress induced in this disease.

Why should diabetics avoid eggs? ›

In addition, a diet enriched with egg yolk was associated with elevated plasma glucose compared with a control diet in rats (9). Data from the Zutphen Study (10) have indicated a positive association between egg consumption or dietary cholesterol and fasting glucose.

How can I flush sugar out of my system fast? ›

Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.

How many nuts can a diabetic eat per day? ›

We recommend a handful of 6 almonds, 3 pistachios and 2 walnuts a day as part of your diabetic food plan. Toss them in your salad or eat a fistful on your way to work.

Is sweet potato good for diabetes? ›

Sweet potatoes are known to be high in fiber and have a low glycemic index, which results in a less immediate impact on blood glucose levels. This can help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels in check. Sweet potatoes can be: Baked or microwaved.

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