Reduce blood sugar
In 100g of sweet potato leaves, there are 91.8g of water; 2.6g of protein; 0.1g of fat; 3.2g of fiber; 3.6g of carbohydrates…
Postprandial blood sugar is reduced with the support of sweet potato leaves because this vegetable contains a lot of soluble fiber. This substance helps slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood, thereby helping to reduce blood sugar after eating, which is beneficial for diabetes.
Fiber itself does not increase blood sugar levels. Additionally, when consuming fiber, the digestive system takes more time to break down food and slows down the increase in blood sugar from other high-energy foods.
Helps boost insulin production
Blood sugar is supported by sweet potato leaves containing a substance called charantin. Charantin is known as a natural blood sugar regulator. It contains a compound similar to insulin called p-insulin, which stimulates insulin production, thereby helping to control blood sugar levels.
When sweet potato leaves are absorbed in the intestines, due to containing soluble fiber - which dissolves in water, they will absorb water and expand, helping to retain bile in the mucus layers and then excrete it with the stool. This reduces the reabsorption of bile. A meal containing sweet potato leaves will help reduce cholesterol in the blood, while also helping to keep you full longer, which is beneficial for safe weight loss.
How diabetics should prepare sweet potato leaves
Soup: Diabetics can cook sweet potato leaf soup with lean meat, shrimp, or fish.
Stir-fry: Diabetics can eat stir-fried sweet potato leaves but should use less oil and not stir-fry for too long to avoid increasing carbohydrate absorption.
Boil or steam: This is a simple preparation method that retains many nutrients in sweet potato leaves. Diabetics should boil or steam sweet potato leaves until just cooked, not overcooking them as this will lose some nutrients.
