Cornbread Stuffing: A Thanksgiving Classic with Glycemic Considerations

Cornbread stuffing is a beloved side dish, especially during holiday meals like Thanksgiving. While it offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures, it’s important to understand its nutritional profile and glycemic impact if you’re monitoring your blood sugar levels.

Glycemic Index and Load

Cornbread stuffing has a Glycemic Index (GI) of 75.5, which places it in the high GI category. Foods with a GI above 70 can cause a more rapid rise in blood glucose levels compared to foods with lower GI values.

The Glycemic Load (GL) is 14.34 for a 100g serving. This moderate glycemic load takes into account both the quality (GI) and quantity of carbohydrates in the food.

Nutritional Profile per 100g Serving

• Calories: 179
• Protein: 2.9g
• Fat: 8.8g
• Carbohydrates: 21.9g
• Fiber: 2.9g
• Sugar: 0g
• Net Carbs: 19g

What Does This Mean for Blood Sugar?

With its high glycemic index, cornbread stuffing may cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly after consumption. However, the moderate glycemic load and presence of some fiber (2.9g per serving) may help mitigate some of these effects compared to other high-GI foods.

Tips for Including Cornbread Stuffing in a Balanced Diet

• Practice portion control – consider having a smaller serving to reduce the glycemic impact
• Pair with protein and healthy fats to slow digestion and reduce blood sugar spikes
• Include non-starchy vegetables in your meal to increase fiber intake
• Consider recipe modifications such as incorporating more vegetables or replacing some cornbread with lower-GI alternatives
• For those with diabetes or insulin resistance, monitor your blood glucose response when consuming cornbread stuffing

Bottom Line

Cornbread stuffing can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but its high glycemic index makes it a food to consume mindfully, especially for individuals monitoring their blood sugar levels. The moderate fiber content provides some benefits, but portion control remains important due to the relatively high carbohydrate content and net carbs of 19g per 100g serving.

When planning holiday meals or special occasions, consider how cornbread stuffing fits into your overall carbohydrate intake and glycemic goals for the day.