Chicken or turkey cacciatore

Chicken or Turkey Cacciatore: A Moderate Glycemic Index Option

Chicken or turkey cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that combines lean poultry with vegetables and tomato sauce. This flavorful meal offers a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates while maintaining a moderate glycemic impact. Let’s explore the nutritional profile and glycemic considerations of this delicious dish.

Glycemic Index and Load

The glycemic index (GI) of chicken or turkey cacciatore is 61, placing it in the medium GI category. Foods with a GI between 56 and 69 are considered medium glycemic index foods, which cause a moderate rise in blood sugar levels compared to pure glucose.

However, the glycemic load (GL) is only 3.55, which is considered low. Glycemic load takes into account both the quality (GI) and quantity of carbohydrates in a food, providing a more accurate picture of how a food affects blood sugar levels. A GL under 10 is considered low, making cacciatore a relatively blood sugar-friendly option despite its medium GI.

Nutritional Breakdown (per 100g serving)

• Calories: 174
• Protein: 13.2g
• Fat: 10.6g
• Carbohydrates: 6.92g
• Fiber: 1.1g
• Sugar: 1.6g
• Net Carbs: 5.82g

Health Benefits of Chicken or Turkey Cacciatore

This dish offers several nutritional advantages:

• High Protein Content: With 13.2g of protein per 100g, cacciatore helps with muscle maintenance and provides satiety.
• Moderate Fat Content: The 10.6g of fat provides energy and helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Low Net Carbs: At just 5.82g of net carbs per serving, this dish is suitable for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
• Dietary Fiber: Contains 1.1g of fiber, which aids digestion and helps moderate the glycemic response.

Considerations for Blood Sugar Management

Despite its medium GI of 61, chicken or turkey cacciatore has a low GL of 3.55, making it a reasonable option for those monitoring their blood sugar levels. The combination of protein and fat in this dish helps slow down carbohydrate digestion, resulting in a more gradual rise in blood glucose levels.

Serving Suggestions

To further moderate the glycemic impact of your meal when enjoying chicken or turkey cacciatore, consider:

• Serving with non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or a mixed green salad
• Choosing whole grain pasta or legume-based pasta if serving with pasta
• Adding extra vegetables to the cacciatore sauce to increase fiber content
• Incorporating a side of legumes for additional fiber

Conclusion

Chicken or turkey cacciatore offers a favorable nutritional profile with moderate glycemic impact. Its low glycemic load makes it a suitable option for individuals managing diabetes or those following a low-glycemic diet. The balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber makes this traditional Italian dish a nutritious addition to a varied and balanced eating plan.