Is Broccoli Good for Diabetics? Effect on Blood Glucose Level

Broccoli is known as a superfood because of its nutritional value. For people with diabetes, every meal is questionable. Can diabetics eat broccoli? Is broccoli good for diabetics? What is the glycemic Index and Glycemic Load of broccoli? How much broccoli is safe for a diabetes patient? Let’s see what the answers would be. 

You’ll find three varieties of broccoli in the market. The most common and most familiar is the Calabrese broccoli, named after Calabria in Italy. This Calabrese broccoli is referred to as simple broccoli.

The other varieties are Sprouting broccoli, white in colour, and Purple or Violet cauliflower. Purple cauliflower is a type of broccoli generally grown in Europe and North America.

In Short:

Can a diabetic eat broccoli? Yes, a person with diabetes can eat broccoli as it has a low glycemic index and glycemic load, which permits adding this food to the daily meal plan of a diabetic patient.

Is broccoli good for diabetics? Yes, broccoli is good for diabetes. As the glycemic Index and Load is extremely low, the nutrients will be absorbed slowly, which means that the blood glucose level will be raised very slowly. Also, broccoli is low in carbohydrates.

Glycemic Index of Broccoli?

The glycemic index of broccoli is 15, which comes under the low GI range. The estimated glycemic load is around 1 for 1 cup. Diabetes patients are recommended to low Glycemic Index foods. 

Broccoli for Diabetes:

Broccoli for diabetes can be the best option when adding vegetables to a diabetic patient’s diet plan. 

Not just the glycemic index, broccoli is full of antioxidants and potassium. 

Broccoli is an exotic vegetable in India. This vegetable, broccoli, is considered as healthy for diabetic patients. So, don’t forget to add this superfood to your diabetic meal plan.

To maintain the blood sugar level, it is essential to add enough serving of vegetables to your meal plan. 

Broccoli is healthy and good for diabetes because the glycemic index is very low, and it is deficient in carbohydrate content. It is approximately 6.7 g of carbohydrates in one cup of broccoli.

A high glycemic load is considered harmful for a diabetic patient. It rapidly increases the blood glucose level in your body. Broccoli is very low in Glycemic load of 1, as mentioned.

So, the absorption of carbohydrates will be slower and gradual, and it will take time to increase the sugar level. 

Broccoli is rich in proteins and fibers. Fiber helps in the slow absorption of nutrients. Besides, broccoli is also known as anti-hypersensitive because of the low sodium and high potassium content in it. 

Broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to manage the release of insulin and energy balance. 

As mentioned, broccoli is an excellent antioxidant, So there is a right amount of vitamin C, which reduces inflammation in your body. Inflammation is a common issue in diabetes.

A diabetes patient can have a large serving and enjoy the benefits of other nutrients present in broccoli. There is a low chance of an increase in blood glucose level. So, if you ask now, Is broccoli good for diabetics? The answer would be yes because you can have lots of nutrients without affecting your sugar level.

Does Broccoli Increase Blood Glucose Level?

Broccoli has a very low Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load of 1. It is not going to increase the blood glucose level. Though it increases, it’ll take time because of the low absorption of carbohydrates. 

An increase in blood glucose level depends on the carbohydrate present in any food. Broccoli contains carbohydrates but in a meager amount. Now, the absorption of carbohydrates depends on the glycemic load of the food. It means how rapidly or slowly the carbohydrate will dissolve in your blood and increase or decrease the sugar level. 

Is broccoli bad for diabetics?

No, broccoli is not bad for people with diabetes. In fact, broccoli is good for diabetes. The blood glucose level might affect if the consumption gets very high. So, always keep it in a limited amount. No food is good in excess.

The Bottom Line:

In conclusion, broccoli is a superfood for a diabetic patient. People with diabetes would be beneficiated from the nutrients present in broccoli. 

Remember, your physician can only give the best advice. So, before adding any food to your diet plan, always ask your doctor.