Country doctor Dieter Baermann measures the blood sugar level of an elderly patient in the patient's home on August 8, 2011 in Sachsendorf near Seelow, Germany. Baermann works in the state of Brandenburg in eastern Germany, a region that is struggling with a shortage of doctors in rural areas. Critics charge that current laws actually discourage doctors from taking up posts in rural areas, and the German government is debating a new law intended to reverse the trend. Many doctors across Germany complain about a legal system that they claim burdens them with too many costs and hampers their ability to provide the best care.
Keeping an eye on these diabetes food myths can help you have a more balanced and healthy diet. Being diagnosed with diabetes can be challenging because you need to alter and tailor your lifestyle to make sure that your blood sugar does not rise.
Changing lifestyles is needed to tailor what they eat to a diet that will not impair their everyday lives. However, because foods are always served on the table and enjoyed by people worldwide, diabetes food myths can cloud one's judgment, resulting in cutting some foods that are not technically dangerous for the patients.
Diabetes food myths can come from different sources, such as someone concerned about our health. When we talk about myths and legends, The Oxford Research Center in the Humanities (TORCH) notes that they are shared among people because they are deeply rooted in the general human experience.
It also applies to diabetes food myths, which means that they are rooted in someone's knowledge but without scientific explanation. To help you eradicate these myths on food when diabetes is taken into account, here are some of the clarifications mentioned by WebMD.
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Sugar-free food is good for diabetics
The myth that says sugar-free food does not raise blood sugar, which makes it the right choice for diabetics, is somehow not correct. Your product might be non-sugar but try to check if there are carbohydrates in it. WebMD notes that carbohydrates will still affect the blood sugar levels and heighten them.
Sweet Potatoes are better for diabetics
Although this might be true, white potatoes can also be suitable for people with diabetes. According to Healthline, potatoes, including white, can also be a healthy option for people with diabetes. However, it notes that potatoes' high carb content should be taken into account to be safe. WebMD adds that both varieties, white and sweet, contain the same amount of carbs per cup. That's why monitoring them both when eating is a must.
Gluten-free Products have less or zero carbohydrates
In actuality, Jenny Craig reports that when an individual cut out gluten from his or her diet, it does not mean that he or she is taking fewer or no carbohydrates. It adds that patients might increase carbohydrate intake when switching to a gluten-free diet in some cases.
White Foods are not good
WebMD notes that this warning may be for the white bread and pasta. However, it emphasizes that these foods can stay on a diabetic diet but in moderation. It adds that going in for the whole grain version is a better idea.
A fruit is full of sugar
Medical News Today notes that fruits can still be a part of a diabetes patient's diet because they are still apart of a balanced diet. The health site also emphasizes that sweeter fruits like mango can even be eaten, but of course, in moderation to keep the blood sugar monitoring.
Honey is good for diabetics
Although the myth is that honey is a healthier option for people with diabetes than table sugar, it's not right. WebMD notes that both sugar and honey are considered to be added sugars, and both of them share the same amount of carbs and sugar per teaspoon. It highlights that the only advantage of honey is that it is a little bit sweeter, making you use less of it than sugar.
Living with diabetes can be a challenge when it comes to selecting foods that you can eat. Eradicating myths can expand the options and clear out any misunderstanding you might have with certain foods. Remember to eat everything in moderation to stay healthy.
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