Tubers and their Effects on Diabetes

Tubers are a staple in west Africa.  A lot of Nigerians believe that most traditional African foods, including yam-tubers, are terrible for diabetics.

This is the reason many have substituted much of the traditional foods staples and yam tubers  for ‘special’ meals.These special meals, often include Irish potatoes and honey.

But how much of this information is really accurate as far as tubers are concerned? Are tubers really that bad for diabetes?

Diabetes is caused by irregularities in blood sugar levels and metabolism. A spike in blood sugar levels, is normally combated by the enzyme; Insulin. In the case of a diabetic person, there is inadequate insulin production or the body doesn’t accept the insulin.

tubers cause diabetes?
Tubers and root vegetables worsen diabetes?

All cases of Diabetes Mellitus are linked to sugar production within the body. Starchy foods break down to produce sugar. The starchy contents of tubers understandably would make them automatic no’s in a diabetic’s diet.

It is easy to blame these common roots and tubers for high rates of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa,. Yam tubers, previously cast as a major portent of wealth and vitality, have taken  a more sinister role among the 1.5 million Nigerians living with Type 2 diabetes.

Recent research, however tells a different story.

Glycemic Index

The probability of foods to contribute negatively to the body sugar level is measured by rates known as the Glycemic Index or GI.

Among common roots and tubers, yam has the best GI rates. This might come as a surprise considering its in same category with potatoes, both sweet and Irish, and carrots.

tubers and roots
Carrots as best root vegetable for diabetics

This could be some super good news for diabetics tired of worrying over every single meal. Yams take the lead with a GI rating of 37, compared to carrot’s 44 and sweet potato’s 55 ratings. These other roots are options most people consider better alternatives. yams  in this race.

Some other root vegetables considered include beets with a GI of 65, parsnip; 97 and potatoes; 60-90. Dark colored fruits and vegetables are often touted as highly effective in blood sugar control.

Certain evidence points at the purple sweet potato being a better alternative to the regular yellow potato. This vegetable is believed to slow up the glycation processes up to as much as 50%.

Cooked versus Raw

The cooking processes involved in preparing these vegetables also lead to an increase in the GI levels. A raw carrot has the best root GI of 15 . An over-boiled and mushy carrot however has GI of about 75, some 5 times the raw carrot index.

Breakdown of complex to simple starch while cooking causes the increase in GI.

The complex sugar molecules would otherwise take a while to breakdown. This slows the release of sugar into the blood, and helps in maintaining a regular sugar level.

Cooking breaks down the complex starch molecules in tubers, leading to a spike in sugar levels when consumed. This is especially encountered in baked potatoes and such.

ALSO READ; 5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTER LEAF, INCLUDING FOR DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION

Other Advantages of Yam Tubers

yam tubers
Tubers of yam

Yams however remain one of the best tubers you can consume not only to combat diabetes, but for a host of other reasons.

Yams, are a source of vitamin C, fibre and proteins, and certain micro nutrients such as Copper and Potassium. Yam has been used in a number of medicinal investigations.

Increased anti-oxidant levels, sex-hormones and less menopausal symptoms were experienced within 30 days of switching 2/3 of some women’s daily staples to yam.

Raw carrots can be incorporated into any diabetics’ meal as the amazing GI of 15 gives an absolute guilt free pass. But potatoes on the other hand should be consumed with caution.

Have any thoughts on tubers and their positive or negative effects? Feel free to share with us.

244 COMMENTS

  1. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks Nonetheless I’m experiencing concern with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting equivalent rss downside? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  2. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.I will bookmark your blog and take a look at again right here frequently.I am fairly sure I will be informed lots of new stuff right here!Best of luck for the following!

  3. IOCL Recruitment 2019 1574 vacancies Apprentice Posts – JOB DESK INDIA ivermectin for humans amazon stromectol ivermectin tablets for humans uk stromectol vloeistof

  4. That is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate informationÖ Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read article!

  5. Hello There. I discovered your blog the use of msn. That is an extremely smartly written article.I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your helpful info.Thank you for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.

  6. Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Wonderful. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.

  7. Thanks for every other excellent article. Where else may just anybody get that kind of info in sucha perfect manner of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look forsuch information.

  8. I do believe all of the ideas you have introduced on your post.They are very convincing and can certainly work.Still, the posts are very short for beginners. May you please lengthen them a little from next time?Thank you for the post.

  9. Hi there! This article couldnít be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I’ll send this post to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!

  10. Nice post. I discover some thing very complicated on distinct blogs everyday. Most commonly it is stimulating to learn content using their company writers and rehearse a specific thing from their website. I’d opt to use some with the content in my small weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your own internet blog. Thank you sharing.

  11. Many thanks , I’ve just been searching for information regarding this subject for quite a while and yours is the best I’ve found out till now. But, what in regards towards the summary? Are you presently good in regards to the supply?

  12. I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own blog now 😉

  13. fantastic post, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must proceed your writing. I am confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

  14. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  15. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do think that you need to publish more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally folks don’t speak about such subjects. To the next! All the best!

  16. จริงๆเล่นมาหลายเว็บไซต์เลยจ๊าครับ ส่วนมากก็จ่ายจริงครับ แม้กระนั้นที่ต่างเป็นบางเว็บเวลาฝาก-ถอนจึงควรผ่านตัวแทนครับ จึงควรแคปจอส่งให้พนักงาน ผมว่าป่วยไข้เลย มี UFABET นี่แหละครับ ผมว่าระบบดีสุดเลย ฝากถอนอัตโนมัติทำเองได้เลยขอรับ

  17. What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid different users like its aided me. Great job.

  18. Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blogposts. In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I’mhoping you write once more very soon!

  19. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I certainlyenjoyed reading it, you are a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back from now on. I want to encourage yourself to continueyour great job, have a nice day!

  20. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  21. Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a top notch articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I put things off a whole lot and don’t seem to get anything done.

  22. I do consider all of the ideas you have offered for your post.They are very convincing and will certainly work.Still, the posts are too short for starters. May just you please lengthen them a little from next time?Thanks for the post.

  23. I have not checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are goodquality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist.You deserve it friend 🙂Also visit my blog post – cestmonprix.fr

LEAVE A REPLY