Short Answer: Yam flour is good for diabetes. Because it has dietary fiber and a low glycemic index, and they can help lower cholesterol, improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a condition that affects your blood sugar levels and how your body uses glucose for energy.
In diabetes, your body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively.
Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter your cells.
Without insulin, glucose builds up in your blood and can damage your nerves, blood vessels and organs.
This can lead to various health problems, such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
One of the key factors in managing diabetes is diet.
What you consume can affect your blood sugar levels, which can impact your diabetes symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage diabetes, you should consume fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar-rich foods like sweets, sodas and pastries.
Now, yam flour is a type of flour made from dried yams. It is often used as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, and it has many health benefits.
People usually use yam flour to make dishes like amala, a dough-like meal that is served with soup or stew.
Yam flour is good for diabetes because it contains dietary fiber and has a low glycemic index.
Dietary fiber can help lower cholesterol levels, improve digestion and prevent constipation.
A low glycemic index means that yam flour does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes.
Yam flour is suitable for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as long as it is consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutritious foods.
One cup of yam flour can give you about 14 grams of fiber (56% of your daily needs), 80 grams of carbohydrates (26% of your daily needs), 4 grams of protein (8% of your daily needs) and 2 grams of fat (3% of your daily needs).
Fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in people with diabetes.
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body, but they should be consumed in appropriate amounts and from healthy sources, such as yam flour, to avoid hyperglycemia.
Protein can help build and repair tissues and support the immune system, but it should not be excessive, as it can strain the kidneys in people with diabetes.
Fat can provide essential fatty acids and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins, but it should be limited, especially from saturated and trans fats, as they can increase cholesterol levels and inflammation in people with diabetes.
Furthermore, yam flour is a complex carbohydrate and complex carbohydrates are good for diabetes.
Because, they take longer to digest and release glucose more slowly into the bloodstream, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent hunger and cravings.
You can eat about half a cup of yam flour per day safely.
More than that can cause bloating, gas and abdominal discomfort, as yam flour is high in fiber and starch.
Also, you shouldn’t eat yam flour if you have a yam allergy or intolerance to prevent allergic reactions or digestive issues.
Because, some people may be sensitive to the proteins or sugars in yams and experience symptoms like itching, swelling, hives, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
You can buy fresh yams or yam flour in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose organic and non-GMO yams or yam flour, as they are free from pesticides, herbicides and genetic modifications.
Because, these substances can harm your health and interfere with your blood sugar control.
You can store fresh yams in a cool, dry and dark place for up to two weeks, and yam flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place for up to six months.
Read Next
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing diabetes effectively.
I always recommend my diabetes patients to follow a diabetes-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.
