Nowadays, medical technology is very advanced, but we still have limited knowledge about some medical common sense. In the eyes of most people, eating meat raises blood sugar, while a vegetarian diet does not. Is this really the case? In fact, there are vegetarian foods in our daily lives that can increase blood sugar levels. So, what vegetarian foods can actually raise blood sugar? Let’s take a look together.
Medical technology is very advanced nowadays, but many of us still have limited knowledge about certain medical facts. If you can master good knowledge of health and wellness, you might be able to achieve better results with less effort and have a healthier body. Many believe that eating meat raises blood sugar levels while a vegetarian diet does not. But is this truly accurate?
Is it true or false that eating meat raises blood sugar levels and eating a vegetarian diet lowers them? The belief that eating meat raises blood sugar levels while a vegetarian diet doesn’t is a misconception that stems from two sources. Firstly, it comes from the impression certain foods give us, and secondly, from the accumulation of experiences in our daily lives. However, those familiar with medical knowledge will realize that this notion is far-fetched. In the medical field, the glycemic index of foods is used to determine whether a food can raise blood sugar levels or assist in lowering them.
The glycemic index of a food represents how quickly blood sugar changes after the food is absorbed by the body compared to a standard food. Natural foods generally have a relatively low glycemic index because they retain their fiber structure, which delays the absorption time by the body. For processed foods, the glycemic index remains constant due to cooking, neither increasing nor decreasing.
In most cases, determining whether a food affects blood sugar levels is based on the proportion of starch it contains. The higher the starch content in a food, the higher its glycemic index. Factors such as food processing methods and the type of carbohydrates directly influence the glycemic index of foods in daily life. The belief that eating meat raises blood sugar levels is not entirely accurate because mixed meals, combining both meat and vegetable dishes, can lower the overall glycemic index of the meal. While it may seem like advocating for strict dietary control, one must understand that selecting low sugar foods should be based on a comprehensive variety and not just one specific food.
1. Starchy Foods
As discussed above, starch is the primary factor affecting blood sugar levels. Vegetarian foods containing high starch levels, such as lotus root, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, etc., can raise blood sugar levels. Therefore, their consumption should be limited.
2. Tofu Skin
Tofu skin is a highly processed food that forms a thin oily film on the surface of soybean milk. It provides 300 kcal per 100 grams, categorizing it as a high-calorie, high-fat food. For individuals with high blood sugar, cautious consumption of tofu skin is recommended. (Note: Tofu skin and tofu are distinct concepts.)
Understanding food choices can help control blood sugar levels. Consuming more vegetables is beneficial for the body, yet not all vegetables effectively alleviate blood sugar levels. Therefore, one should learn how to balance meat and vegetable intake according to individual needs.
