Curry Lovers Beware: How This Popular Dish Could Sabotage Your Diabetes Control

Surprisingly, curry, a popular dish, can cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels, making it an unexpected challenge for people with diabetes.

Many people overlook the fact that curry is not good for people with diabetes. The curry we commonly cook and eat contains high levels of starch, carbohydrates, and sodium, which makes it unsuitable for those managing diabetes.

Of course, turmeric, the main ingredient in curry, is known for its health benefits.

While turmeric, a key ingredient in curry, is renowned for its health benefits, the benefits are somewhat mitigated in this context. Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its powerful antioxidant properties. Curcumin helps combat free radicals, reduces inflammation, and may even lower blood sugar levels. It has been studied for its potential in preventing and managing diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and depression. However, curcumin’s absorption is limited when consumed alone, so it’s better absorbed with fats from dairy products or oils.

The challenge with curry lies in its composition. Although turmeric is a primary ingredient, it constitutes only about 3% of most commercially available curry powders. The remaining ingredients typically include flour, starches, sugars, and chemical seasonings—all of which contribute to increased carbohydrate content and may adversely affect blood sugar control.

If you still crave curry, consider these modifications:

• Protein Source: Opt for lean proteins such as chicken breast or seafood.
• Vegetables: Use low-starch vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and onions, and avoid high-starch options like potatoes.
• Rice: Replace white rice with whole-grain varieties and reduce the portion size.
• Curry Powder: Choose curry powders with a higher turmeric content and check the nutritional label to avoid excessive carbohydrates and sodium.

In summary, while it is undisputable that curry turmeric is beneficial for diabetes, the overall composition of curry contains only a tiny amount of turmeric, making it difficult for the curry to affect diabetes positively. The high levels of carbohydrates and sodium can negatively impact people with diabetes.