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pearled barley
CARBS
28.2g
PROTEINS
3.5g
FATS
0.4g
Quantity: 100g
Glycemic Index: 25
Glycemic Load: 9
Fiber: 3.8g
Key Nutrients: Fiber, manganese, selenium
Health Impact: High in carbohydrates, which can cause significant blood sugar spikes and require careful insulin management.
💉 Suggested Bolus
Pre-bolus 15-20 minutes before eating to match insulin action with the rise in blood glucose.
🍽️ Best Paired With (Veg)
- Grilled tofu – High in protein and low in carbs, helping to balance the meal and prevent high blood sugar spikes.
- Avocado salad – Rich in healthy fats and fiber, which can help slow digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.
🍽️ Best Paired With (Non Veg)
- Grilled chicken breast – Provides a high-protein, low-carb option that helps to stabilize blood glucose levels.
- Baked salmon – Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon improve insulin sensitivity and provide heart health benefits.
🥄 Smart Substitutes
- Cauliflower rice – Offers a similar texture with significantly fewer carbs, helping to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
- Shirataki rice – Very low in carbohydrates and calories, aiding in better blood sugar control.
- Broccoli rice – Provides a nutritious, fiber-rich alternative that can help slow glucose absorption.
⏱ Blood Sugar Timeline
- 0–15 min: Little to no impact on blood sugar as digestion and absorption are slow.
- 30–60 min: Moderate increase in blood sugar may occur, depending on portion size and individual metabolic response.
- 2–3 hr: Blood sugar levels begin to stabilize as the high fiber content moderates the release of glucose.
— BCDF community member
🧠 Lowering Impact Tip
Combine with high-fiber vegetables and healthy fats to slow digestion and glucose absorption.
🤔 FAQs about pearled barley
Can pearled barley be part of a low-carb diet?
Pearled barley is higher in carbs than other substitutes suggested, so it's typically not recommended for strict low-carb diets.
What are the effects of pearled barley on blood sugar?
Pearled barley can cause a moderate rise in blood sugar due to its carbohydrate content, although its fiber may help moderate this effect somewhat.
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