Peanut butter, once considered a major culprit of obesity, has turned the tables.
Peanut butter is a high-calorie food rich in fats.
Although it has been known as a food contributing to weight gain, it is now gaining popularity as a key component of blood sugar control diets.
This is because the unsaturated fatty acids in peanut butter help regulate blood sugar by preventing rapid spikes.
A blood sugar control diet prevents blood sugar spikes when consuming excessively high-glycemic foods.
Excess insulin is released when a blood sugar spike occurs, preventing fat from burning and making weight loss challenging.
The blood sugar control diet prevents rapid blood sugar increases, lowering insulin resistance and aiding weight loss.
As a result, peanut butter sales have risen sharply.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) Food Industry Statistics Information, sales of peanut and nut-based processed products in South Korea increased from approximately $245 million in 2019 to about $352 million in 2023 over the past five years.
In particular, peanut butter sales grew from around $3.11 million in 2019 to approximately $5.11 million in 2023, a growth of about 64%.
So why is blood sugar management so important?
Failure to manage blood sugar can lead to diabetes, a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular and brain-related diseases.
Consistent habits are essential to maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
Breakfast is important. Skipping breakfast can cause sudden blood sugar changes in the body, which has been fasting overnight. Avoid high-glycemic foods in the morning and opt for slow-digesting foods. Vegetables, boiled eggs, and thick yogurt are good choices.
Oral health also plays a key role in blood sugar management. Bacteria in the teeth can travel through the bloodstream, causing inflammation in blood vessels and leading to blood sugar control issues. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day can help reduce the risk of diabetes.
According to a study by Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, people who brush their teeth once a day have a 10% higher risk of diabetes than those who brush twice. Research by the University of Birmingham in the UK found that people with gum disease have a 26% higher risk of diabetes.
Stress management is another crucial factor in blood sugar control. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, temporarily raising blood sugar levels.
Long-term stress can directly impact diabetes. Cortisol, a hormone released during stress, interferes with insulin function, causing further blood sugar levels to rise. Therefore, managing stress effectively is essential.
Consuming nutrients in a specific order is key to maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The reverse meal method is a representative approach. This involves eating dietary fiber, protein, and carbohydrates in that order. Dietary fiber takes a long time to digest, so eating it first helps prevent rapid blood sugar spikes.
Vegetables rich in dietary fiber require thorough chewing, and the more you chew, the more the satiety center in the brain is stimulated. Protein is less likely to convert to fat than carbohydrates and provides a stronger sense of fullness.
Most Commented