Introduction: Peanuts are a type of nut that is very common in daily life and is considered a nutritious nut. Regular consumption of peanuts can help with bowel movement, improve blood lipid levels, and even aid in weight loss.
However, some people believe that peanut consumption may not be suitable for diabetes patients because of their high fat content, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
For diabetes patients with high blood sugar levels, this issue is of particular concern. Some also believe that consuming peanuts may not only raise blood sugar levels but also damage the pancreas. So, is this claim true or false? Let’s find out today.
What is the pancreas?
Pancreatic function refers to the ability of the pancreas to secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
Insulin is the body’s only hypoglycemic hormone, while glucagon is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that raises blood sugar levels.
There are many other hormones in the body that can raise blood sugar levels, such as growth hormone, adrenal cortex hormone, and thyroid hormone.
Insulin, as a substance, plays a crucial role in the body by affecting many factors.
Does eating peanuts raise blood sugar?
Peanuts are a very common type of nut in daily life, loved for their sweet and crispy texture. Peanuts are versatile in cooking and can be found in various flavors in the market to cater to different taste preferences.
The high nutritional value of peanuts is why they are popular, as they contain many nutrients that, when consumed in moderation, can help lower cholesterol levels, aid in weight loss, and promote skin beauty.
Although peanuts have a high fat content, most of the fats are unsaturated. When consumed in moderation, they can contribute to heart health and help prevent clot formation without posing health risks.
Some believe that eating peanuts can raise blood sugar levels, but this claim is baseless. As long as fat intake remains within reasonable limits, there is no need to worry about adverse effects on health.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy peanuts without concerns about blood sugar, it is essential to control your intake to not exceed 25 grams per day. Furthermore, opt for cooking methods like boiling or eating them raw to maximize their benefits without raising blood sugar levels.
Reminder: 3 types of food that may harm the pancreas, try to avoid
Foods containing alcohol
Consuming a small amount of alcohol does not significantly affect blood sugar levels because insulin secretion from the pancreas lowers as alcohol is converted into sugar, minimizing blood sugar spikes.
For diabetes patients, especially those who consume beer, the impact is different due to maltose found in beer.
People with high blood sugar levels and compromised pancreatic function may experience hypoglycemia if they drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
High-fat foods
Damage to the pancreas from high-fat foods mainly occurs through obesity, as obese individuals often have insulin resistance issues.
In other words, obesity can impair the pancreas’ ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, regular consumption of high-fat foods is not beneficial for pancreatic function.
Although high-fat foods are delicious, frequent consumption increases the risk of obesity, elevated blood sugar, hypertension, and high blood lipids.
High-sugar foods
Today, many people enjoy consuming high-sugar foods like milk tea and cakes. Whether to reward oneself or seek comfort, the dopamine release induced by high-sugar foods can be pleasurable.
However, prolonged consumption of high-sugar foods can disrupt pancreatic secretion and directly impact pancreatic health, accelerating skin aging and causing other health issues. Overall, high-sugar foods pose significant health risks, so it is advisable to consume them sparingly.
How to protect pancreatic function?
Focus on exercise
Exercise can effectively lower blood sugar levels and protect pancreatic function.
Enhancing the body’s immune system and resistance can promote overall blood circulation, reduce the risk of diseases, and protect pancreatic function.
Consume adequate protein
Protein metabolism is influenced by the pancreas, so to protect the pancreas, it is essential to consume protein in appropriate amounts.
Protect the liver
The pancreas secretes in the liver, and protecting the liver can help convert liver glycogen into glucose, reducing the burden on the pancreas.
To protect the liver properly, maintain a light diet, avoid staying up late, engage in moderate exercise, as these practices can safeguard the liver, and consequently protect the pancreas while lowering blood sugar levels.
Conclusion: A correct and balanced diet can effectively lower blood sugar levels, protect the pancreas, maintain its normal functions, and promote overall health with proper care.
