A: Basmati rice is known to have a relatively low glycemic index, making it a good option for those with diabetes. However, the type of rice chosen is important, as white basmati rice has more carbs and calories than its brown counterpart. Thus, brown basmati rice may be the best choice for those with diabetes.
Wholegrain Basmati rice has the lowest GI (glycaemic index) of all rice types, which means once digested it releases its energy slowly keeping blood sugar levels more stable, which is a crucial part of diabetes management.
If you have diabetes, small portions of basmati rice can be a part of your healthy diet. In addition to a lower glycemic index, basmati rice can also contain a significant amount of fiber – just be sure to check the nutrition label.
When striving for a well-balanced diet, people with diabetes may wonder whether carbohydrate foods, like white rice, are a good option to include in their eating patterns. The short answer is: yes! While everyone's needs are unique, white rice can certainly be part of a healthy eating pattern for those with diabetes.
A better choice is brown rice, a whole grain with more fiber than white rice and a lower glycemic load. Other whole grain alternatives to white rice are barley and farro.
Refined carbohydrates like white rice have a high glycemic index, which causes rapid spikes in blood sugar that increase diabetes risk. Foods with a lower glycemic index, like brown rice, are digested more slowly, causing a lower and gentler change in blood sugar.
Basmati has a MUCH lower GI than Jasmine rice (58 compared to 109), meaning it digests slower and releases sugar into the bloodstream less rapidly.
Like all rices, jasmine rice is relatively high on the glycemic index. Even brown jasmine rice can cause your blood sugar levels to spike, which may cause complications for people with Type II diabetes.
A Word of Caution
Be cautious with rice varieties like white rice, basmati rice, or jasmine rice. All of these are processed varieties of rice and have lost their hull. So it can be lower in fiber than unprocessed rice and higher in carbohydrates and calories that can spike your blood glucose levels.
Unlike brown rice, basmati rice doesn't offer much in the way of fiber. It also offers a few essential amino acids which carbohydrates and protein metabolize well. Some basmati rice may be enriched, meaning that certain nutrients are added during the manufacturing process to boost the nutritional value.
Is Brown Rice Healthy for People with Diabetes? Absolutely! Unlike white rice, a refined grain that's been stripped of its bran and germ and causes blood sugar spikes, brown rice is a whole grain with its healthy nutrients intact.
Best type of potatoes for diabetes
Sweet potatoes are one of the best types of potato for people with diabetes, as they are low-GI and contain more fiber than white potatoes. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Carisma potatoes, a variety of white potato, are another lower-GI option.
“For a person with diabetes, 40-45 per cent of the total kilocalories of the day should be met by carbohydrates,” says Dr Sonia Gandhi, Head, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Fortis Mohali. So how much of rice can a diabetic have? “A diabetic person is allowed to have at least 30 gms of rice (raw).
A recent study published in the journal Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics has demonstrated the same stating that compared with white rice, peak blood sugar levels were significantly lower for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who consumed higher protein pasta.
Quinoa is a healthier grain for people living with diabetes and those at risk of developing the condition. This whole grain is rich in vitamins and minerals. Other whole grains that are good for people living with diabetes include brown rice and steel-cut oats.
Cauliflower rice is undoubtedly one of the most popular low calorie and low carb rice substitutes thanks to its similar look and texture to white rice. You can also try cabbage rice, broccoli rice, and zucchini rice to similar effect.
Rice Substitutes for People with Diabetes.
Whole grains like quinoa, barley, or buckwheat can be good alternatives that are lower in carbohydrates and higher in fiber.
Change the way you cook it: Instead of cooking rice in a pressure cooker, cook it in a pan with extra water. Once the rice is cooked, strain out the excess water. This will help to drain out the starch and reduce the carbohydrate level at least to some extent.
Is couscous better than rice for weight loss? While couscous and white rice have almost the same amount of calories per 100 grams, couscous contains more protein and higher amounts of vitamins and minerals so can be considered a healthier option in those departments.
Sweet potatoes have a sterling nutritional profile, making them a great food for people with diabetes.
Can people with diabetes eat potatoes? According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes. The total amount of carbohydrate consumed at any given meal or snack is what is most important.