Peanuts and melon seeds are delicious and low in sugar, so many people with diabetes believe they can be eaten harmlessly and often use them to satisfy hunger or cravings. Although peanuts and melon seeds are low in sugar, they contain a lot of fat and are high-calorie foods. If eaten without restraint, without reducing the corresponding amount of staple food according to the food exchange method, or if consumed in excess, they can lead to an increase in blood sugar and blood lipids.
Every 100 grams of shelled peanuts contain 589 kilocalories, and every 100 grams of shelled melon seeds (including sunflower seeds and watermelon seeds) contain more than 570 kilocalories, which is higher than the calories in the same weight of rice, pork, lamb, or chicken and duck meat. Unrestricted consumption of peanuts and melon seeds increases calorie and fat intake, leading to weight gain and elevated blood lipids, which is not conducive to the control of blood sugar and blood pressure.
Some people say that pumpkin seeds have a blood sugar-lowering effect, and there are also health foods made from pumpkin on the market specifically for diabetics. In fact, the idea that pumpkin seeds have a blood sugar-lowering effect is wrong. Although pumpkin seeds contain less sugar and dietary fiber, they are high in fat and protein. Every 100 grams of pumpkin seeds contain 46.7 grams of fat, and excessive consumption is also not conducive to controlling the condition of diabetes.
For nuts like peanuts and melon seeds, eating a little is beneficial, but eating too much is harmful. Generally, it is advisable to consume 15-20 grams of shelled nuts daily. No matter how much is eaten, its calories must be strictly included in the total daily food intake.
Four types of people should not eat peanuts
Peanuts are rich in nutrients, but there are four types of people who should not eat them.
Patients with hyperlipidemia: Peanuts contain a large amount of fat. After consumption by patients with hyperlipidemia, the level of lipids in the blood will rise, and elevated blood lipids are often one of the important causes of diseases such as arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.
People who have had their gallbladder removed: The fat in peanuts needs bile to be digested. After the gallbladder is removed, the function of storing bile is lost. If such patients eat peanuts, without a large amount of bile to help with digestion, it can often cause indigestion.
People with indigestion: Peanuts contain a large amount of fat. For people with poor spleen and stomach function, such as those with enteritis or dysentery, consumption will worsen their condition.
People with bruises and swelling from falls: Peanuts contain a clotting-promoting factor. After consumption by people with injuries from falls and blood stasis, it may prevent blood stasis from dispersing and worsen the symptoms of swelling and pain.