BBQ sauce And Diabetes: 5 Benefits Of BBQ sauce For Diabetics

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For diabetic patients, the tough struggle of what to eat is a continuous one as these patients are always seeking counsel on whether they can at least have some of their favorite tasty meals.

Usually, nothing beats a table of barbecue feast but are diabetics welcomed at this feast? Can diabetics eat barbecue sauce? We’ll find out.

Barbecue sauce can be used as a topping, a marinade, and a condiment on barbecue foods. The sauce is primarily made with ketchup (or tomato paste) and vinegar.

Although some believe that the only thing derived from consuming the sauce is pleasure, it may surprise you to know that barbecue sauce is also packed with some Vitamins such as E, A, and C, which can serve as cell protectors, thyroid hormonal regulators, and immune system boosters. It may also improve vision and may prevent cancer.

Tomato, a primary ingredient used in its preparation, contains an effective antioxidant known as Lycopene. Research shows that the compound lowers cancer dangers, most especially prostate cancer.

But all of this does not yet answer the question, “can diabetics eat barbecue sauce?”….does it?

Barbecue Sauce For Diabetics

Diabetics need to know, before taking barbecue sauce, that about 4–6 grams of sugar is contained in most barbecue sauces, making it high in carbohydrates, and as diabetics should avoid such. Diabetes patients are looking for ways to reduce their glucose levels, even by staying off particular tasty food.

But here’s some news: other Barbecue sauces contain little or no sugar at all.

Diabetic patients should therefore source for barbecue sauces that contain pure sugar instead of those with high fructose corn syrup which is detrimental to the health of diabetics.

Patients are advised to regularly pay attention to the number of carbohydrates found in a single serving and be sure about their portion sizes before purchasing any barbecue sauce.

On the other hand, diabetic patients can substitute sugar with healthy sweeteners instead when preparing the sauce. Furthermore, In selecting any barbecue sauce, you should consider your taste choices, diet, and even your health. People looking to manage their sugar levels should go for sauces that contain 5 grams of sugar or less for a tablespoon.

Benefits Of Barbecue Sauce To Diabetes Patients

1- Contains Antioxidants: The carotenoid antioxidant found in barbecue sauce helps to protect the body cells. Carotenoids can destroy radicals and substances which can damage your cell membranes.

It also helps control hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, free radicals and regulates primary symptoms of diabetes.

2- Balances Cholesterol Levels: Lycopene found in tomato, a significant ingredient of barbecue sauce, is associated with keeping the heart healthy as it keeps cholesterol levels balanced. This averts fat being stored up in blood vessels, resulting in blood clotting and cardiac attacks.

3- Aids In Weight Loss: Barbecue sauce can be enjoyed without worrying about plenty of fat intake as most ingredients used do not contain either unsaturated or Saturated fat. Furthermore, a balanced cholesterol level prevents unnecessary weight gain that can end up in obesity, affecting diabetics adversely.

4- Reduces Blood Pressure: Lycopene and potassium in barbecue sauce also help to improve vascular functions. Therefore, it may be vital in the reduction of blood pressure and keeps your nervous system working well.

5- Contains Iron: Barbecue sauce is also a good source of iron that helps reduce fatigue, positively contributes to the formation of red blood cells, boosts your immune.

A lack of iron may cause complications for diabetic patients. It also contains a significant amount of manganese that can help normalize blood sugar levels as the presence of iron helps absorb sugar from the blood.

Faqs On Barbecue Sauce And Diabetes:

What Kind Of Barbecue Can A Diabetic Eat?

Diabetic patients are advised to eat barbecue made from lean meat, meat without skin. Peradventure, the skin wasn’t removed, people with diabetes should be removed before eating. Grilled chicken, chicken and turkey breast, and fish are healthy choices.

Is There A Lot Of Sugar In Barbecue Sauce?

Yes and No. Certain sauces contain a huge amount of sugar, others have little, while others are totally sugar-free. Usually, regular barbecue sauce includes 4–6 grams of sugar.

Anyone looking to have an average sugar level should either go for sugar-free sauces or limit the amount of regular barbecue sauce consumed.

Is Barbecue Sauce Good For Diabetics?

Although a good number of barbecue sauces contain a lot of sugar and can increase the sugar level of patients, others do not. Generally, barbecue sauce can be beneficial to diabetics as it provides some nutrients that can help them better manage the disease.

Is Barbecue Sauce High In Glycemic Index?

The glycemic index of regular barbecue sauce is 70, which makes it high in glycemic index. Therefore, it is advised to know your portion size and consume low amounts of the sauce if you’re looking to manage your sugar level or, better still, purchase a sugar-free sauce.

Top BBQ Sauces To Buy On Amazon

CONCLUSION:

So can diabetics eat barbecue sauce? Well, it is dependent on certain factors. First of all, it shouldn’t be consumed regularly. Keep moderation in mind, going overboard with barbecue cravings may prove fatal to your health in the long run. Patients must also consult with their doctors before considering taking barbecue sauce.

Also, instead of regular barbecue sauce, patients can opt for barbecue sauce that does not contain fructose corn syrup, buy sauce low in pure sugar or sauce not having sugar, or substitute with natural healthy sweeteners. This is to be on the safe side and avoid increasing glucose levels.