Spaghetti Sauce, Reduced Sodium – A Low Glycemic Option

Are you watching your sodium intake but still want to enjoy a delicious pasta dish? Reduced sodium spaghetti sauce offers the familiar Italian flavors you love while being mindful of your health needs. Let’s dive into the glycemic impact and nutritional profile of this pantry staple.

Glycemic Index and Load

Reduced sodium spaghetti sauce has a glycemic index of 38, placing it firmly in the low glycemic category. Foods with a GI below 55 are considered low glycemic options that help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

With a glycemic load of just 2.38, this sauce has minimal impact on blood glucose levels. This makes it an excellent choice for those monitoring their blood sugar, including people with diabetes or those following a low-glycemic diet.

Nutritional Profile (per 100g serving)

• Calories: 51
• Protein: 1.41g
• Fat: 1.48g
• Carbohydrates: 8.06g
• Fiber: 1.8g
• Sugar: 5.5g
• Net Carbs: 6.26g

Health Benefits

Reduced sodium spaghetti sauce offers several advantages beyond its low glycemic impact:

• Heart-friendly option: The reduced sodium content makes it a better choice for cardiovascular health
• Fiber content: With 1.8g of fiber per serving, it contributes to your daily fiber intake
• Low calorie: At just 51 calories per 100g, it’s a lightweight addition to your meals
• Nutrient source: Many tomato-based sauces contain lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits

How to Enjoy

While traditional pasta has a higher glycemic index, you can pair reduced sodium spaghetti sauce with:

• Whole grain or legume-based pasta for a lower GI meal
• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a very low-carb alternative
• Spaghetti squash for a vegetable-based option
• Use as a sauce for lean protein like chicken or turkey meatballs

Bottom Line

Reduced sodium spaghetti sauce is a versatile, low glycemic condiment that adds flavor without significantly impacting blood sugar levels. With just 6.26g of net carbs and a modest 51 calories per serving, it can be incorporated into various healthy eating plans. The reduced sodium content makes it particularly suitable for those managing hypertension or heart health concerns.

When shopping, always check labels as nutritional content can vary between brands. Some products may contain added sugars or other ingredients that could affect the glycemic impact.