Coconut Cream Pie: A Sweet Indulgence with Moderate Glycemic Impact

Coconut cream pie is a beloved dessert known for its creamy texture and tropical flavor. Let’s explore its nutritional profile and glycemic impact to help you make informed dietary choices.

Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load

Coconut cream pie has a Glycemic Index (GI) of 59, placing it in the medium GI range. Foods with a GI between 56-69 are considered to have a moderate impact on blood sugar levels.

The Glycemic Load (GL) is 18.23, which is considered moderately high. The GL takes into account both the quality (GI) and quantity of carbohydrates, providing a more complete picture of how a food affects blood sugar levels.

Nutritional Breakdown per 100g Serving

• Calories: 297
• Protein: 2.55g
• Fat: 17.8g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1.1g
• Sugar: 18.7g
• Net Carbs: 30.9g

Understanding the Nutritional Profile

Coconut cream pie is relatively high in both fat and sugar content, which contributes to its rich flavor and creamy texture. The moderate fiber content (1.1g) is not enough to significantly slow down carbohydrate absorption, explaining its medium GI rating.

Impact on Blood Sugar

With a moderate GI of 59 and a GL of 18.23, coconut cream pie can cause a moderate rise in blood sugar levels. The high sugar content (18.7g) contributes significantly to this effect. For individuals monitoring their blood glucose levels, portion control is essential when enjoying this dessert.

Dietary Considerations

• Diabetes Management: Those with diabetes should be cautious with portion sizes due to the moderate GI and GL values.
• Weight Management: At 297 calories per 100g serving, coconut cream pie is calorie-dense and should be consumed mindfully if weight management is a goal.
• Nutrient Value: While delicious, coconut cream pie is not particularly nutrient-dense compared to whole foods.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to enjoy similar flavors with a lower glycemic impact, consider:

• Sugar-free coconut pudding
• Coconut yogurt with low-sugar granola
• Fresh coconut chunks

Conclusion

Coconut cream pie can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in a balanced diet. With its moderate glycemic index and load, it’s not the worst dessert option for blood sugar management, but portion control remains important. As with any sweet treat, moderation is key to maintaining stable blood glucose levels while still enjoying culinary pleasures.