Are cashews good for diabetics?
My doctor advised me to eat healthy fats, and I was thinking of including cashews. I'm diabetic, so I want to know if cashews are actually good for me.
My doctor advised me to eat healthy fats, and I was thinking of including cashews. I'm diabetic, so I want to know if cashews are actually good for me.
Haha, standard joke in my house is that cashews are only allowed in kaju katli! Honestly, a handful of plain roasted ones is completely fine for sugar control. Just don't finish the whole jar while watching Netflix, or your doctor will definitely roast you!
As a pure vegetarian, nuts are my main source of healthy fats, but we have to be very careful. Cashews do have a lower glycemic index compared to other snacks, but they are still dense. I usually limit myself to just 4-5 unsalted ones a day. Always check your post-meal spikes to see how your body reacts.
I deal with insulin resistance due to PCOS, so I am always paranoid about what I eat. Cashews do have good fats, but I only eat them soaked and in very small quantities. I can't say if it's 100% safe for everyone with diabetes, so maybe try a tiny amount first and see.
Managing thyroid and glucose levels is a constant balancing act for me. While cashews have magnesium which is good, you really need to consult your doctor or diabetologist before adding them to your daily diet. Also, please keep getting your HbA1c tests done regularly so you actually know what's working.
My teenage son has to manage his sugar levels, and packing safe snacks for his school box is a daily task. Plain, raw cashews are actually great because they keep him full and don't cause sudden spikes. Just make sure you buy the unflavoured ones, not the fried or salted market packs.
I remember feeling so defeated and scared to eat literally anything when I was first diagnosed. It felt like every single food was a enemy. Honestly, having a few cashews as a snack really helped me satisfy my cravings without raising my sugar crazy high. Don't be too hard on yourself, it takes time to figure this out.
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