What is the glycemic index of bitter gourd?
According to the January app, the glycemic index of bitter gourd is 24. This is considered Low. By looking up bitter gourd in the January app, you can quickly see the glycemic index of that food as well as the glycemic load. This information can help guide your dietary choices.
What impact will this have on my blood sugar levels?
When you eat bitter gourd, your blood sugar levels will not rise much. This is because of the low glycemic index of bitter gourd. Foods with a high glycemic index can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, while foods with a low glycemic index will cause a more gradual increase.
When using the January app, we can see the calories, macros, and glycemic index (GI) / glycemic load (GL) of that food item. But here's the best part: We can also see our predicted blood sugar response, without requiring you to wear a sensor.
Can people with diabetes eat bitter gourd?
Bitter gourd is generally considered to be a good food choice for people with diabetes due to its low glycemic index. Eating foods with a low glycemic index can help manage blood sugar levels more effectively. However, it's important to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, as this is not medical advice.
What are the health benefits of bitter gourd?
Bitter gourd is known for its numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes. It also contains antioxidantswhich can aid in reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. Additionally, bitter gourd has been associated with weight loss due to its low calorie and high fiber content.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional information for bitter gourd:
- Calories: 17 (per 100g)
- Protein: 1g (per 100g)
- Fat: 0.2g (per 100g)
- Carbohydrates: 3.7g (per 100g)
- Fiber: 2.8g (per 100g)
- Calcium: 19mg (per 100g)
- Potassium: 319mg (per 100g)
- Sodium: 5mg (per 100g)
- Vitamin C: 84mg (per 100g)
What are some healthy alternatives to bitter gourd?
If you are looking for alternatives to bitter gourd that also have a low glycemic index, you might consider foods such as spinach, broccoli, or zucchini. These vegetables are also low in calories and high in essential nutrients, making them excellent choices for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Bitter gourd, with its low glycemic index, can be a beneficial addition to a diet focused on managing blood sugar levels. It offers various health benefits and provides essential nutrients while keeping calorie intake low. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes, especially if you have health concerns such as diabetes.
Use January to see your predicted blood sugar before you eat
To check the glycemic index of over 32M foods, as well as see your predicted blood sugar response before you eat them, use the January app. It’s completely free to download and use and it provides you with a treasure trove of nutritional and glucose insights to help you achieve your health goals.
FAQs about Bitter Gourd
Does the glycemic index of bitter gourd change depending on how it is prepared?
Yes, the preparation method can slightly influence the glycemic index of bitter gourd. For instance, raw bitter gourd might have a slightly different GI compared to when it is cooked or stir-fried. Cooking methods that involve frying could potentially raise the glycemic index due to the addition of oil and other ingredients, whereas steaming or boiling is likely to keep it closer to its natural GI of 24.
Is there a difference in the glycemic index of bitter gourd based on its regional varieties?
While the overall glycemic index of bitter gourd remains relatively low, different regional varieties might have slight variations in their GI values. Factors like soil composition, climate, and growing techniques can result in minor differences. However, these variations are generally not significant enough to drastically change its impact on blood sugar.
Can consuming bitter gourd at different times of the day affect its impact on blood sugar levels?
Yes, the time of day when you consume bitter gourd can affect its impact on blood sugar levels. Eating bitter gourd in the morning on an empty stomach might result in a more pronounced blood-sugar-lowering effect compared to consuming it later in the day when the digestive system is already processing other foods. However, its overall effect remains beneficial due to its low glycemic index of 24.
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