Dove, Fried – A Lean Game Bird with High Glycemic Index

Dove is a popular game bird consumed in many cultures worldwide. While it’s not as common as chicken or turkey in everyday diets, fried dove offers a unique culinary experience with some interesting nutritional characteristics. Today, we’ll examine fried dove’s glycemic impact and nutritional profile.

Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load of Fried Dove

Fried dove has a glycemic index (GI) of 95, which places it in the high GI category. Foods with a GI above 70 are considered high glycemic foods that can cause more rapid increases in blood glucose levels.

However, despite its high GI, fried dove has a very low glycemic load (GL) of just 1.39. This extremely low GL is due to the minimal carbohydrate content in the meat. The glycemic load provides a more accurate picture of how a food affects blood sugar levels by taking into account both the quality (GI) and quantity of carbohydrates.

Nutritional Profile of Fried Dove (100g serving)

• Calories: 223 kcal
• Protein: 23.1g
• Fat: 13.8g
• Carbohydrates: 1.46g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0.11g
• Net Carbs: 1.46g

Why Fried Dove Has a Low Impact on Blood Sugar

While the glycemic index of fried dove is high at 95, its impact on blood glucose levels is minimal because of its very low carbohydrate content. With only 1.46g of carbohydrates per 100g serving, fried dove will not significantly raise blood sugar levels for most people.

The glycemic load calculation (GL = GI × carbohydrate content per serving ÷ 100) confirms this, resulting in the low GL of 1.39. Generally, a GL under 10 is considered low impact.

Nutritional Benefits of Fried Dove

Fried dove is primarily a protein-rich food, with 23.1g of protein per 100g serving. This makes it an excellent option for individuals focusing on protein intake. The fat content (13.8g per 100g) is moderate, contributing to its satisfying flavor and texture when fried.

With zero fiber and minimal sugar (0.11g), dove is essentially a pure protein and fat source, making it compatible with low-carbohydrate and ketogenic dietary approaches.

Considerations for Dietary Planning

For individuals monitoring their blood glucose levels, such as those with diabetes or insulin resistance, fried dove can be incorporated into meals without significant concern for glycemic impact. However, it’s important to consider the cooking method – frying adds calories and potentially unhealthy fats compared to other preparation methods.

For those following specialized diets:

• Low-carb/Keto: Excellent option due to high protein, moderate fat, and minimal carbs
• Paleo: Compatible as a natural game meat
• Diabetic: Low impact on blood sugar despite high GI

Conclusion

Fried dove represents an interesting case where a food can have a high glycemic index but still have minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Its protein-rich profile makes it a nutritious option for those seeking alternative meat sources, particularly for special occasions or when game meat is available.

When incorporating fried dove into your diet, consider balancing it with fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats to create a well-rounded meal with sustained energy release.