It is known that diabetics have to watch carefully what they eat.
In this article we will deal with bread as one of the most important sources of carbohydrates. If you have discovered that you have diabetes, should you completely remove this staple food from your menu? Is it okay for diabetics to eat bread? Read along and you will find out.
Is Bread Safe for Diabetics?
The answer is yes. Diabetics can eat bread but they have to choose a right type of bread that is good for them. There are certain types of breads that are better than others. It is known that bread consumption can cause blood glucose to rise. Many types of breads are loaded with sugar and carbohydrates so they are not good for diabetics.
White bread is the worst option and diabetics should avoid it. As all other refined starches, white bread acts like sugar when our body starts to digest it. But, there are some types of bread that are low in carbohydrates and they will not drastically raise blood glucose levels. These types of bread can be a healthy source of fiber in your diet.
Have in mind that your body needs carbs, but you have to be careful when choosing them.
If you are a diabetic you should eat bread types that are made of whole grains because they are low in fat and carbohydrates and they provide a dietary fiber. Also, whole grains are complex carbs and they are always better than simple carbs. You can choose pumpernickel bread that is native to Germany. This type of bread is made from ground wholegrain rye and it is low in fat and carbohydrates. Pumpernickel bread is low on the glycemic index and you can eat it safely. This bread is a dark brown color and its taste is a bit pungent, so you may not like it. Experts especially recommend replacing wholegrain wheat by a wheat bread that has been stoneground. Stoneground wheat is similar in flavor as wholegrain wheat but its glycemic index is even lower, so this type of bread is considered the best choice for diabetics.
There is also a type of bread that belongs to a white bread but it is low on the glycemic index. It is sourdough that is lean dough with a robust flavor. Studies have shown that sourdough is a favorable option for diabetics.
Also, good types of breads for diabetics are those that are made from coconut, almond or flaxseed flour, so it is best to prepare them your own.
Summary
As you have seen in this article, diabetics should avoid white bread because it can raise blood sugar levels. They should choose a type of bread that is made from whole grains, because they are rich in fiber and they have a lower glycemic index.
But, have in mind that you should limit the amount of bread you eat. Whole grains can also raise blood glucose levels to some degree, so be careful and don’t overdo the amount.
