Have you heard that paneer is good for you? Paneer is a tasty source of protein, especially for vegetarians. Lots of families in India use it all the time. But if you have diabetes, it’s super important to know how paneer can affect your blood sugar. Managing diabetes means being mindful of the type and amount of paneer you consume. Plus, some kinds are better for you than others. A good diabetes control program can help you make healthier food choices, including the best type of paneer in your diet.
Is Paneer Okay for Diabetics?
Yep, paneer can be a good choice! Especially homemade or low-fat types. It’s packed with protein and has a low glycemic index (GI), so it won’t spike your blood sugar too fast. But not all paneer is the same! Malai paneer has more fat. It might not be the best pick if you’re managing diabetes since it can lead to gaining weight & raising blood sugar over time.
If you really want to eat malai paneer, try to keep it small, just a bit here and there. Eating too much can make managing diabetes tricky. Also, remember that those who can’t handle lactose should stay away from paneer because it contains lactose, which could make blood sugar jump.
Nutritional Info of Paneer (100 grams of malai paneer)
- Calories: 257 cal
- Carbs: 12.4 grams
- Protein: 18.8 grams
- Total Fat: 14.7 grams
- Lactose: 2.16 grams
- Calcium: 83 mg
The nutrients in paneer depend on how much cream is added to it! So, low-fat or homemade is just a smarter choice.
Glycemic Index Info
Paneer’s glycemic index sits at 30; that’s low!
Low-GI foods are great for people with diabetes because they release sugar slowly into the bloodstream. So, they help keep blood sugar levels steady.
But just remember, when you toss paneer into curries or biryani, the whole meal’s GI will depend on other ingredients, too, especially if they’ve got lots of carbs in them! Try not to fry paneer or pile it high in creamy dishes if you want to keep it healthy.
Benefits of Paneer for Diabetics
- Great Protein Source: It helps fix muscles & keeps you feeling full longer.
- High in Calcium: Good for strong bones & healthy muscles.
- Helps with Weight Control: A low-fat paneer has fewer carbs but lots of protein, which can help with staying at a healthy weight, which is a big deal when managing diabetes!
How to Enjoy Paneer If You Have Diabetes?
You can absolutely enjoy paneer as part of a balanced diet! Just watch those portion sizes. Pairing up with non-starchy veggies or whole grains makes meals more balanced and helps avoid big servings of malai paneer.
Studies show that paneer’s protein might help keep blood sugar levels steady for people with type 2 diabetes. Because it’s low-GI, it may also lower the chances of getting diabetes later on! Plus, it could even help nerves by controlling glucose levels more effectively.
How Much Paneer Should You Eat If You Have Diabetes?
It’s smart to stick around 100 grams of paneer per day if you’ve got diabetes. Having some a few times each week is great but picking grilled or salad-style over deep-fried or creamy versions is always better. Too much isn’t good either; overeating panel might lead to weight gain which makes managing diabetes harder.
So, moderately adding some yummy paneer to your meals can be both healthful and nutritious if you’re dealing with diabetes, just keep an eye on those portion sizes and what kind you’re eating so your blood sugar stays nice and steady!