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does poha increase blood sugar
Nutrition
Question #23945
309 days ago
566

does poha increase blood sugar - #23945

Anna
FREE

I am really puzzled about something! I love having poha for breakfast, but I’ve been keeping an eye on my blood sugar since my doctor mentioned that I might be pre-diabetic last month. I’ve cut down on a lot of carbs and stuff but, honestly, I can't resist that fluffy, spiced poha! 😩 The other day, I had a particularly big serving, and then I felt kind of off afterward. Like, my energy dipped and it was super weird. I’m just wondering, does poha increase blood sugar? I read somewhere that rice can spike blood sugar levels, but I thought poha was different since it's flattened rice... but now I'm doubting myself. Could it really be affecting my levels that much? Also, should I be pairing it with something, like protein or fiber, to balance it out? Or maybe I should just let it go altogether? If there are alternatives, I’m all ears! I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing here. Thanks for any advice!

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Doctors' responses

Poha, made from flattened rice, can indeed affect blood sugar levels; its impact can vary based on portion size and how it’s prepared. Typically, being made from rice, poha does contain carbohydrates, which can cause a rise in blood sugar. It’s similar to rice in that sense, though some people might experience different spikes based on how their body responds.

Since you mentioned having a large serving, it’s possible that the quantity contributed to the energy dip you experienced. One way to mitigate that is by incorporating some additional ingredients that slow down the carb absorption and balance insulin response. You can try adding vegetables like peas or carrots, and even top it off with some nuts or seeds. This increases the fiber and healthy fat content, which might reduce the blood sugar spike.

Considering your pre-diabetic status, pairing poha with protein like boiled eggs, paneer, or even some chickpeas can be beneficial. Protein helps in regulating the release of glucose into your bloodstream, so this could help manage those weird energy dips you mentioned.

If you’re looking for alternatives or variations, you can try using red or brown rice poha instead, which have a lower glycemic index than white rice poha. As for completely letting go of poha, that may not be necessary unless you notice it’s consistently causing issues. Moderation, rather than elimination, might be the key.

Keep an eye on how you feel after meals and monitor your blood sugar levels closely. If poha causes consistent spikes, consult with an endocrinologist or a nutritionist for personalized advice. Don’t ignore the doctor’s advice, and maintain any other dietary adjustments recommended for your pre-diabetes.

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