1. What are Parsnips?
Parsnips are white root vegetables that look very similar to carrots. They have been a widely used food ingredient in Europe since ancient times and are characterized by a sweet and nutty flavor when roasted, similar to a sweet potato.
2. Nutritional Comparison with Carrots
– Carrots: Carrots are a representative ‘non-starchy vegetable.’ Their carbohydrate content is low, less than 10g per 100g, and they are rich in dietary fiber and beta-carotene. They have little impact on blood sugar, so people with diabetes can eat them relatively freely.
– Parsnips: In contrast, parsnips are classified as a ‘starchy vegetable.’ Their carbohydrate content is about 18g per 100g, which is almost double that of carrots. They are also higher in calories.
3. Effect on Blood Sugar
Because parsnips have a much higher carbohydrate content than carrots, they will raise blood sugar more when the same amount is eaten. Although the glycemic index (GI) of parsnips is low at around 52, you must be careful with the portion size because the total amount of carbohydrates is high.
When a person with diabetes consumes parsnips, they should think of them not as ‘carrots’ but as starchy vegetables like ‘potatoes’ or ‘sweet potatoes,’ and reduce the amount of rice or other carbohydrate foods accordingly.
Summary: You should not think of parsnips as the same as carrots just because they look similar. Parsnips are a ‘starchy vegetable’ with a much higher carbohydrate content than carrots, so people with diabetes must control the portion size as they would with potatoes.
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