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Diabetes Q & A

If you are diabetic, you know how important your diet is to your health. Corazonas snacks are a great option for diabetics, particularly those who also suffer from high cholesterol. If you are wondering if Corazonas Oatmeal Squares and Tortilla Chips can fit into your diet, read on for answers to some frequently asked questions surrounding food and diabetes!

 

Are Corazonas snacks safe to eat for someone with diabetes?

Yes, Corazonas Oatmeal Squares and tortilla chips are safe to eat in moderation if you have diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics can enjoy small amounts of carbohydrates without affecting blood glucose levels. For most people, 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrates at meals is a healthy and safe amount, making the Oatmeal Squares a great option for a snack or breakfast.

Will plant sterols be effective for me, even though I am diabetic?

Yes, the efficacy of plant sterols in lowering bad (LDL cholesterol have been well documented in several studies. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, plant sterols are effective in lowering LDL cholesterol for those with type 2 diabetes.

What kind of sugar or sweetener is used in the Oatmeal Squares, and how many grams of sugar does each Square contain?

Our Oatmeal Squares are made with natural sweeteners, including brown rice syrup, cane syrup, and date puree. Below is the amount of sugar found in each Oatmeal Squares flavor (one Square equals one serving):

  • Banana Walnut: 13 grams
  • Chocolate Brownie & Almonds: 11 grams
  • Chocolate Chip: 13 grams
  • Cranberry Flax: 14 grams
  • Peanut Butter: 11 grams
  • White Chocolate Macadamia Nut: 9 grams
  • Blueberry: 13 grams

I usually try to eat foods with a low glycemic index (GI). How much protein, carbohydrates and fiber are found in the Oatmeal Squares and tortilla chips?

The number of carbohydrates in our snacks range from 17-29 grams depending on the snack. Our Oatmeal Squares provide 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, with the exception of the Blueberry Oatmeal Squares, which contain 6 grams of fiber. Each flavor of Corazonas tortilla chips contains 2 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving. As with all other foods, it’s important to know the serving size and stay close to this amount for the most accurate measurement. The serving size for our Oatmeal Squares is one Square, and the serving size for our tortilla chips is one ounce.

For more information on low glycemic foods, please visit the Glycemic Index Foundation at the University of Sydney by clicking here. For quick reference, below is a list of all of the values for each flavor:

Oatmeal Squares

  • Banana Walnut: 27g carb./6g protein/5g fiber
  • Chocolate Brownie & Almonds: 27g carb./6g protein/5g fiber
  • Chocolate Chip: 28g carb./6g protein/5g fiber
  • Cranberry Flax: 28carb./6g protein/5g fiber
  • Peanut Butter: 27g carb./6g protein/5g fiber
  • White Chocolate Macadamia Nut: 25g carb./6g protein/5g fiber
  • Blueberry: 29g carb./6g protein/6g fiber

Tortilla Chips

  • Black Bean & Cheese: 17g carb./2g protein/ 3g fiber
  • Lightly Salted: 18g carb./2g protein/3g fiber
  • Squeeze of Lime: 17g carb./2g protein/3g fiber

My dietitian recommends that I follow the diabetes exchange system, and that I only eat a certain number of “exchanges” per day. How many exchanges do Corazonas Oatmeal Squares and tortilla chips contain?

By following the diabetes exchange system in a program that you and your registered dietitian or health professional decide on together, you can help keep your blood sugar level within your target range. One exchange is approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates a serving. Based on this measurement, Corazonas Oatmeal Squares contain almost two exchanges and Corazonas tortilla chips contain approximately one exchange.

Whole grains are recommended for those with diabetes. Where does the whole grain in Corazonas Oatmeal Squares and tortilla chips come from?

Corazonas Oatmeal Squares are made with whole rolled oats, which provide 13-16 grams of whole grains per serving. Corazonas tortilla chips are made with whole grain corn flour, which includes every part of the corn and provides 18 grams of whole grains per serving.

Are Corazonas tortilla chips baked or fried? If they are fried, what kind of oil are they fried in?

Corazonas tortilla chips are fried in vegetable oil (sunflower and/or safflower). The frying process actually enhances the efficacy of the plant sterols because they become fully soluble at high temperatures. The heating process also has been shown to increase the bio-availability of the plant sterols, as proven in clinical studies performed by Brandeis University in Boston, Mass.

Should I enjoy Corazonas Oatmeal Squares and tortilla chips as a snack or part of a meal?

We always recommend consulting your physician or nutrition professional before altering or adding anything new to your routine diet. However, depending on your meal plan, medication and activity level, experts typically recommend diabetics eat snacks that are between 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates with 100 to 200 calories. All of our snacks fit under this recommendation, and can be enjoyed alone as a mid-afternoon snack or paired with a meal. Our tortilla chips make a healthy and delicious snack paired with hummus or salsa, or the perfect side to a sandwich. Our Oatmeal Squares would be ideal crumbled into plain Greek yogurt or as a heart-healthy after dinner dessert.

What are some resources to learn more about diabetes?

American Diabetes Association - http://www.diabetes.org/
WebMD Diabetes Health Center - http://diabetes.webmd.com/
Mayo Clinic Diabetes - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DS01121/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diabetes Public Health Resource - http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/
About.com Type 2 Diabetes - http://diabetes.about.com/

 

Corazonas is a food product and not intended to be a treatment or cure for any medical condition. If you have any concerns about diabetes, cholesterol levels, or heart and overall health, please consult your healthcare provider.