A common myth people have is that in diabetes you cannot eat sweets. Though sweets have high sugar content in them, choosing the right kind of sugar to prepare them and choosing the right diabetic sweet can be the game changer.
It is okay to include sweets for diabetic if he/she is able to control blood sugar levels with medication, diet and exercise. However, it is better to restrict portion size as per the diabetes diet plan made by a diabetes doctor.
Sandesh is a Bengali sweet that is prepared during Navratri season and other festivals. It is made from cottage cheese (paneer), powered sugar, and spices. Sandesh is seasoned with cardamom, and dry fruits. It comes in different variations with the use of flavors like rose, pineapple, and using palm sugar or jaggery instead of powdered sugar.
Benefits of Cottage cheese
One rejoicing fact is that cottage cheese has a glycemic index of 0. That means consumption of cottage cheese does not increase blood sugar levels. Other benefits of cottage cheese include:
- Cottage cheese is a good source of protein
- It rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium
- Consumed in moderate quantities, it can benefit heart health
- Contains good amounts of B vitamin, especially B9
- Assists in weight loss
- Since it contains probiotics, it helps improve gut health
It is important to note that while opting for a diabetic sweet like Sandesh, one has to modify the preparation by reducing the amount of sugar. And remember, moderation is the key.
Calories in Sandesh (100 gm.)
| Calories | 707.82 Kcal |
| Protein | 31.54 gm. |
| Fat | 37.68 gm. |
| Saturated Fat | 12.43 gm. |
| Carbohydrate | 60.81 gm. |
| Sodium | 114.61 mg. |
| Potassium | 523.59 mg. |
| Calcium | 1085.58 mg. |
| Iron | 2.19 mg. |
| Zinc | 1.54 mg. |
Vitamins in Sandesh (100 gm.)
| Vitamin A | 320.96 μg. |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.5 mg. |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.18 mg. |
| Vitamin B9 | 33.23 μg. |
| Vitamin C | 9.14 mg. |
| Vitamin D3 | 0.55 μg. |
| Active Vitamin D3 | 0.01 μg. |
| Carotenoids | 911.74 μg. |
