Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions, which is why we see low-carb, low-calorie food solutions coming up every day. One of the most beneficial superfood solutions for diabetes we have seen recently is the almond flour substitution for wheat flour and other refined flour. The main reason why it has got popular as a diabetic solution is that it has a very low glycemic index.
One important point to consider here is that blood sugar levels and glycemic index is not the only thing important for diabetic patients.
Is almond flour generally healthy to consume for a diabetic patient?
Let’s discuss everything about it.
Is Almond Flour Good for Diabetics?
When looking for the perfect flour for diabetes patients, it must be high in protein and fiber and low in carbohydrates. Almonds check for all these.
For example, an ounce of almond flour contains about 5 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein, and only 90 calories! And because almond flour is made from blanched, ground nuts, it is also high in protein, gluten-free and fiber-rich.
So, yes. We can safely say that almond flour is good for people with diabetes.
More importantly, almond flour offers less than a quarter of the carbohydrate content of wheat flour. Half of those are indigestible fiber, so we have a win-win situation here.
Almond flour is rich in fiber and magnesium, which help stabilize blood pressure. Additionally, almond flour contains unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E, thus aiding against inflammation.
In short, adding almond flour to your daily diet can not only manage your diabetes but also protect your body against associated health diseases.
How Does Almond Flour Help Diabetic Patients?
Almond flour is a great substitute for a lot of high-carb foods. It is not just safe; it, in fact, helps the management of diabetes.
1. A Good Energy Source with a Low Glycemic Index
Which rating is more important than the glycemic index for a diabetic?
Almond flour perfectly passes as a healthy, safe nutrient source for diabetics thanks to its low glycemic index. It has a good content of alpha-linolenic acid, which helps a great deal in the management of blood sugar levels.
2. Fights Inflammation
Almond flour has a good concentration of vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and other antioxidants. These nutrients reduce the inflammatory markers in the blood.
We know that diabetes causes damage to the heart and blood vessels due to the high concentration of inflammatory substances.
Substituting almond flour for other kinds of whole grain or refined flour can considerably help reduce inflammation in the body.
3. Reduces blood pressure
Due to the high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, almond flour can help reduce blood pressure.
Also, by preventing sudden sugar spikes, almond flour can considerably reduce blood pressure as compared to a person using the same amount of wheat flour.
How to Eat Almond Flour If You Have Diabetes
Now that we have established the fact that almond flour is exceptionally suitable for diabetes patients let’s talk about how you can add it to your dietary plan.
1. Sprinkle On Savory Foods
Almond flour can be a great adjuster for savory recipes. Sprinkling almond flour neutralizes the flavor. But for this purpose, finely ground almond flour is recommended.
Other than that, almond flour is used to thicken gravies and sauces. Again, use finely ground flour as it is easy to mix.
Apart from the flavor profile, sprinkling almond flour on your meals is an easy way to enjoy its health benefits.
2. Substitute For All-Purpose Flour
While there are mixed reviews on whether almond flour can be used in baking, it is certainly possible. Moving from all-purpose flour to almond flour can be a little difficult.
You might not achieve the intended textures in one go, but with practice, almond flour can completely replace all-purpose flour.
Almond flour can be used to bake anything from cakes and cupcakes to cookies and biscuits etc. You can prepare many recipes with it.
If you like to make your own bread, then almond flour can be a great addition to not only your but also your family’s daily diet.
Inculcate that concept of health for all in your home today!
3. Substitute For Bread Crumb Coating
Breadcrumbs are used in various recipes such as chicken tenders, crispy fried chicken, etc. But they are another source of blood sugar for a diabetic patient.
Guess what? You can use almond flour from now on!
And yes, it is a perfect substitute without compromising on the thick, crispy texture.
Almond flour is actually better than other flours because it gives an extra nutty flavor which gives any dish an extra star.
And best of all, unlike bread crumbs or other flour coatings, almond flour coating will make the food extra nutritious.
When buying almond flour for yourself or some relative who is diabetic, make sure you go for the best quality.
The origin of the almonds used for the flour greatly impacts the nutrient content.
Conclusion
Nowadays, you see many alternative flours in the baking aisles in supermarkets. One of these alternative flours is almond flour which has recently gained popularity as a God-send for diabetes patients. But is it really that beneficial?
In short, yes.
We recommend using almond flour instead of regular flour for people with diabetes.
After all, a chronic condition like diabetes is all about the smart management of blood sugar levels and other markers.
Almond flour has tons of health benefits in that regard, and it fits in the recipes perfectly. It is a little more expensive than the all-purpose flour, but it is totally worth it!