Corn is deeply rooted in family and cultural memory, but:
It has a high glycemic index: blood sugar rises rapidly after consumption.
It forces the pancreas to produce a lot of insulin.
In people with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes, this can be devastating in the long run:
increased fatigue,
energy crashes,
poorer blood sugar control.
Even more problematic:
Microwave popcorn with additives.
Pre-packaged tortillas.
Canned corn with added sugar.
Recommendations:
Reduce frequency and portion sizes.
Prioritize fresh corn on the cob, eaten occasionally.
Always pair it with fiber- and protein-rich vegetables to help control blood sugar spikes.
Alternate with brown rice, quinoa, broccoli, or grated cauliflower.
2. Potatoes: High Glycemic Index and Toxins if Green
Potatoes are part of many family memories, but after age 60:
They have one of the highest glycemic indexes among vegetables.
They cause intense spikes in glucose and insulin.
In the long term, they can damage the pancreas, contribute to type 2 diabetes, and increase chronic inflammation.
Furthermore, they belong to the nightshade family and can contain:
Solanine and chaconine, toxic alkaloids especially present in:
green potatoes,
sprouted potatoes,
damaged potatoes.
How to reduce risks:
Completely avoid potatoes with green parts or sprouts.
Choose steamed or baked potatoes, with the skin on, and in moderate portions.
Let it cool after cooking: resistant starch forms, which behaves more like fiber.
Avoid fried potatoes and very creamy mashed potatoes with butter and cream.
3. Eggplant: beneficial, but not for everyone or in every form
Eggplant is another nightshade with two sides:
It provides fiber, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which are good for the heart and reduce inflammation.
But it also contains alkaloids and oxalates that can:
aggravate discomfort in people with arthritis,
promote the formation of kidney stones,
cause discomfort if consumed raw or very unripe.
Guidelines for safer consumption:
Never eat it raw or in large quantities.
Cook it in the oven, on the grill, or sautéed with olive oil.
Moderate your consumption if you have a history of kidney stones or joint pain.
4. Jicama: Refreshing, yes… but with a skin you can’t eat
