Smoothies have become a regular part of many people’s diets. They are often associated with health because they contain fruit, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich ingredients.
For this reason, many people choose them as a quick and healthy meal or snack.
However, the contents of a smoothie can vary greatly. According to endocrinologist Disha Narang, it is important to know what you put into the blender.
Some ingredients can help keep blood sugar stable, while others may cause it to rise quickly, she told Parade.
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When blood sugar rises, the body releases insulin to regulate the level. However, this process can cause blood sugar to drop again later. This may lead to fatigue or increased hunger.
Fiber plays a role
One important factor in the diet is fiber. Fiber helps the body absorb sugar more slowly and can therefore contribute to more stable blood sugar levels.
Whole fruits naturally contain fiber. But when fruit is squeezed into juice, much of this fiber disappears.
According to Parade, a glass of orange juice contains less than one gram of fiber, while a whole orange contains around two grams.
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At the same time, studies show that many people do not get enough fiber in their daily diet. This can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar.
This is the ingredient you should avoid
According to experts, the ingredient that can particularly affect blood sugar in smoothies is fruit juice.
When juice is used as a base, the body quickly receives a larger amount of sugar without the fiber that normally comes with fruit. This can cause blood sugar to rise rapidly.
According to Parade, experts therefore recommend using whole fruits instead of juice.
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You can also add ingredients containing protein and fiber to make the smoothie more balanced.
Sources: Parade.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.