May 16 2008
Does Eating Asian Food Increase Diabetes Risk?
“Not necessarily” seems to be the answer to the question, does the love of Asian food increase diabetes risk? Some say it’s the complex carbohydrates in rice that contribute to weight gain. It is this weight gain which in turn will contribute to diabetes. Some say it’s just the way that carbohydrates work as sugar in the body that will throw blood sugar levels haywire, that one cannot maintain proper sugar control with carbs in the diet plan. There are ways that you can work rice, and other carbohydrates, into your diabetic diet and still be okay with your blood sugar and your highly structured diet plan.
Even though rice is getting a bad reputation in diabetic diet guides, it’s easier to remember that you could have rice for every meal and be at the same risk as the person having cereal, a sandwich, and then pasta. Of course, if you are going to have rice it may be to your advantage to pick the best alternative of it. Brown rice is better, or even enriched rice. Select whole grain pastas, whole wheat breads. If you are going to eat carbohydrates, you need to make them the best carbs you can get.
According to the My Pyramid nutritional guidelines, if you are having a 2,000 calorie per day diet, you will need 6 ounces of grains, 2.5 cups of vegetables, 2 cups of fruit, 4 cups of milk, and 3.5 ounces of meat or beans. Portion control will help you stay within your boundaries. Theoretically, a good diabetic diet will mirror a healthy diet for the non diabetic. Plenty of whole grains, veggies, and fruit; low on red meat, sweets, and processed foods. Exercise is also key and can help negate the affects of carbohydrates on you.
Having diabetes doesn’t mean that you have to give up rice or Asian foods. But cut back on the soy sauce and some of the high fat portions of the meal. Keep your choices to steamed veggies and rice. According to the My Pyramid nutritional guide, you’ll be able to enjoy six one-third cup servings of grain per day in your diet. This is the same even if you are diabetic, just remember portion control and to make those grains the best for you grains that you can. Think smart; it’s not able doing without certain foods, it’s about picking the right foods for the health of you.
