Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese with a strong flavour. It is often used as a topping or seasoning, and a little goes a long way. For people with prediabetes, managing their condition often involves making lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments. While some sources suggest that cheese is not suitable for people with diabetes, others claim that cheese can be a healthy component of a meal plan for those with the condition. So, is parmesan cheese okay for prediabetics?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe for prediabetics | Yes, in moderation |
| Safe for diabetics | Yes, in moderation |
| Carbohydrates | Low |
| Calories | Low |
| Fat | Low |
| Lactose | Low |
| Protein | High |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan is low-carb and rich in protein
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that is low in carbohydrates and rich in protein. This makes it a good option for people with prediabetes who are looking to minimize glucose spikes and keep their blood sugar levels stable.
Erin Davis, M.S., RDN, CDCES, notes that "grated or shredded Parmesan can add a lot of flavor to your dishes without the carbs, making it an excellent option for those looking to minimize glucose spikes." This is because Parmesan has a strong flavour that can enhance the taste of dishes without adding significant amounts of carbohydrates or calories.
In addition to being low in carbs, Parmesan cheese is also a good source of protein. Ounce for ounce, Parmesan cheese contains more blood-sugar-stabilizing protein than other sources such as meats and poultry. For example, sprinkling one ounce of Parmesan cheese on your pasta adds 11 grams of protein to the meal, which is more than the 8 grams found in a similar amount of chicken. This makes Parmesan cheese a smart choice for people with prediabetes who are looking to include more protein in their diet while keeping their carb intake low.
Furthermore, Parmesan cheese is a low-lactose cheese, making it a good option for people with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a gastrointestinal disorder that makes it difficult to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. Parmesan cheese has a low lactose content, so people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of it without issues.
While Parmesan cheese can be a healthy option for people with prediabetes, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, so excessive consumption may have negative health effects. Additionally, managing prediabetes often involves key lifestyle changes, including exercise, weight management, and overall dietary adjustments. Therefore, while Parmesan cheese can be a tasty and nutritious addition to a meal, it should be enjoyed as part of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
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Parmesan is a good option for lactose intolerance
Parmesan is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant. This is because it is a low-lactose cheese, and small amounts can be tolerated without issues. Lactose intolerance is a gastrointestinal disorder that makes it difficult to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. Parmesan is a hard cheese that is significantly drier than other types of cheese, and the drier the cheese, the lower the lactose content.
In addition to being a good option for those with lactose intolerance, Parmesan is also a healthy choice for those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. This is because Parmesan is a low-carb, high-protein cheese. As a result, grated or shredded Parmesan can add flavour to dishes without the carbohydrates, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable. This is important for those with diabetes, as they need to avoid foods that cause blood sugar spikes.
Furthermore, Parmesan is a good option for those with prediabetes who are trying to manage their weight. This is because Parmesan is a low-calorie cheese, and weight management is a key aspect of prediabetes management. Exercise is another important factor in managing prediabetes, and those with prediabetes are advised to aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
While Parmesan can be a healthy choice for those with prediabetes or lactose intolerance, it is important to consume it in moderation. This is because Parmesan, like all cheeses, is high in saturated fat and sodium. However, when enjoyed in small portions, Parmesan can be a tasty and nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
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Parmesan can be consumed in moderation
Managing prediabetes involves making key lifestyle changes, including changes to your diet. Cheese is generally considered to be safe for people with diabetes to consume in moderation, and it may even be beneficial in some cases.
Parmesan cheese, in particular, is a good option for those looking to minimize glucose spikes as it is naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in protein. It is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone health. In addition, Parmesan cheese is aged for a long time, which reduces its lactose content. This makes it a good choice for people who are lactose intolerant.
However, it is important to keep in mind that Parmesan cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A little Parmesan can go a long way in adding flavor to your dishes. For example, you can sprinkle one ounce of grated or shredded Parmesan on your pasta to add 11 grams of protein to the meal. You can also try Parmesan-crusted veggies or Parmesan crisps as low-carb snacks.
Overall, Parmesan cheese can be a healthy component of a meal plan for people with prediabetes or diabetes when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet that includes regular exercise.
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Parmesan can be a part of a healthy eating plan
In addition, Parmesan is a good source of "good fats", which can be beneficial for those looking to increase their fat intake from sources other than avocados. The drier the cheese, the less fat it contains, and Parmesan is a hard cheese with a low-fat content. It is also a low-calorie option, which can aid in weight loss. Parmesan can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It can be sprinkled on pasta, vegetables, or salads to add flavour without the carbs.
It is important to note that while Parmesan can be a healthy addition to a prediabetic diet, it should be consumed in moderation as it is high in saturated fat and sodium. However, when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, Parmesan can be a tasty and nutritious option for those looking to manage their prediabetes and keep their blood sugar levels in check.
Some specific ways to incorporate Parmesan into a healthy eating plan include adding grated or shredded Parmesan to dishes for extra flavour without the carbs. Parmesan-crusted vegetables or Parmesan crisps are also tasty options that can satisfy cravings for something crunchy while keeping carbs low.
Overall, Parmesan can be a nutritious and enjoyable part of a healthy eating plan for prediabetics when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet that includes exercise and weight management.
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Parmesan may help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that is low in carbohydrates and rich in protein. It is a smart choice for those with diabetes who are trying to keep their blood sugar in check. This is because eating Parmesan can help to keep blood sugar levels stable.
In a large research study of over 25,000 people, women who ate the most cheese had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Another study of people with prediabetes found that those who ate one serving of full-fat cheese four or more times a week had a 63% lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
For prediabetics, managing the condition can include key lifestyle changes involving exercise, eating, and weight management. Parmesan is a low-calorie cheese, and it is also low in lactose, so it may be a good option for those who are lactose intolerant.
Overall, Parmesan may help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese is generally low in carbohydrates and calories and rich in protein, making it a good option for prediabetics. However, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
There is no specific amount of parmesan cheese that is considered safe for prediabetics. However, moderation is key, and it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet that includes exercise and weight management.
Yes, other low-fat cheeses such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and goat cheese are also suitable for prediabetics.
