“Blood sugar spikes matter over time. Repeated surges in glucose can drive systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. These processes put strain on blood vessels, contribute to plaque buildup and increase cardiovascular risk,” says Dr. Martin Scott Dawson, MD, FACC, a cardiologist and member provider of Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care.
Dr. Dawson says that while enjoying a meal that spikes your blood sugar every once in a while isn't a big deal (he emphasizes that habits matter more than infrequent holiday meals), some people may want to avoid foods that spike their blood sugar simply because it helps them feel their best. To that end, there’s one common Thanksgiving side that many people don’t realize spikes blood sugar.
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The Common Thanksgiving Side That Could Spike Your Blood Sugar
Sweet Potato Casserole with Cashews and Marshmallows“Adding marshmallows to sweet potatoes increases the sugar and triglyceride [a type of fat] content quite a bit, which can certainly spike blood sugar,” Dr. Patwa says.
Dr. Dawson says this, too. “That classic sweet-potato-and-marshmallow casserole loads an otherwise heart-smart vegetable with added sugar. Extra sugar means a quicker spike in blood glucose, followed by a crash that can leave someone feeling sluggish. Holiday nostalgia has its place, though it helps to know what is happening inside the body,” he says.
Related: 7 Foods Cardiologists Always Eat for Heart Health
Both cardiologists say that when it comes to thinking about how to approach Thanksgiving, what’s most important is to enjoy the holiday; don’t let policing how healthy or not your favorite foods are get in the way of celebrating.
Related: Cardiologists Warn That This Is the #1 Worst Habit for Your Heart (and What to Do Instead)
Besides giving most of the real estate on your plate to protein- and fiber-rich foods, Dr. Dawson says that it’s also important to stay well-hydrated (with water, not the wine and sparkling grape juice being passed around the table). He says that going for a walk after you eat your Thanksgiving meal can help with digestion and avoid that bloated, too-full feeling. Staying well-hydrated and going for a walk both support stable blood sugar levels too, he says.
It also helps to remember that you can also enjoy what’s on the Thanksgiving table for leftovers too. Not everything has to be enjoyed all at once. Sweet potato casserole can be the perfect day-after dessert!
Related: This Popular ‘Healthy’ Cooking Oil Could Be Sabotaging Your Heart Health
Sources
Dr. Martin Scott Dawson, MD, FACC, cardiologist and member provider of Cooper and Inspira Cardiac CareDr. Karishma Patwa, MD, cardiologist at Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinderHence then, the article about the common thanksgiving side that could lead to a massive blood sugar spike was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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