Are Corn Flakes Good For Diabetes? Lowers Blood Sugar?

Corn Flakes: Nutritional Profile

Cornflakes have a high Glycemic Index (GI). On average, corn flakes’ Glycemic Index is around 93, and Glycemic Load around 23! Corn flakes thus tend to release sugars faster into the bloodstream than many other foods. It also contains fructose which can raise blood sugar levels.

100 grams of corn flakes contains the following:

Advantages of Corn Flakes for Diabetes

Corn flakes without sugar and low-fat milk are recommended for diabetics. 

• Loaded with Nutrition
• Aids in weight Loss
• Good For Digestion
• Low In Cholesterol
• Rich in protein
• Improves vision
• Good For Lung Health

Ways to Consume Corn Flakes For Diabetes

If corn flakes are your go-to breakfast option, try healthier variations. Try these suggestions:

• Choose sugar-free corn flakes. Avoid flavored flakes at all costs.
• If you like eating corn flakes with milk, choose slimmer and healthier milk varieties like skimmed milk or oat milk.
• How to eat corn flakes without milk? Here’s an interesting recipe.
  Put the flakes in a strainer or sieve and pour some warm water over them (do not soak them). Shake out all the water, and keep them aside to dry. After a while, serve the flakes with sugar-free cream, fruits, or your desired toppings.
• Add fruits such as berries, bananas, apples, etc. to your corn flakes for increased fiber and vitamins. Fruits make the cereal taste naturally sweet, therefore bypassing the need for sugar or syrups.
• You can even mix some nuts like cashews, walnuts, and almonds for some protein and brain food.
• For better diabetic health, consider mixing about 50% of oat or wheat flakes with corn flakes.

How To Consume Corn Flakes for Diabetes?

• Adults can consume roughly 1-1 ¼ cups (between 30-40g). Children should have 1 small cup (25g).

• Avoid excessive consumption of corn flakes, as it has adverse effects even on non-diabetics.

Corn Flakes: Risks of Overconsumption For Diabetes

Here’s what could happen if any diabetic consumes corn flakes in excess. 

• Sweetened corn flakes lead to a sugar overdose and increased fat storage. These have further health repercussions such as tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, etc.
• Weight gain with corn flakes is quite normal for many. People who eat it regularly with milk, honey, or syrup tend to put on more weight. Substitute having corn flakes with low fat milk and without sugar.
• Excessive intake of corn flakes consumed with honey or sugar may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Limit your corn flakes consumption to not more than twice or thrice a week.

Other Benefits of Corn Flakes

• Corn flakes with low-fat milk, fruits and nuts are enriched with calcium, vitamins, fiber, and protein. 
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) in corn flakes enhances brain, nervous system and muscle function. 
• Corn flakes have less fat thus making it a heart-friendly cereal.