Can I eat shepherd's purse if I have high blood sugar?

Jul 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My blood sugar tends to be relatively high, and my doctor advised dietary control. I would like to ask if I can eat shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) when having high blood sugar?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Patients with high blood sugar can consume shepherd's purse in moderation. Shepherd's purse is rich in dietary fiber, various vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It contains relatively low sugar content and has a low glycemic index, so moderate consumption will not significantly affect blood sugar levels. Additionally, the dietary fiber in shepherd's purse helps enhance satiety and reduce the intake of other foods, thus aiding in blood sugar control. Moreover, shepherd's purse has certain health benefits, including diuretic effects, vision improvement, liver regulation, heat-clearing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is beneficial to overall health. It should be noted that patients who are allergic to shepherd's purse should avoid consuming it to prevent allergic reactions such as skin itching and swelling. Furthermore, shepherd's purse contains a certain amount of oxalic acid, and it is not advisable to consume it together with foods high in calcium, as oxalic acid may combine with calcium and form precipitates that affect nutrient absorption. Blanching shepherd's purse before consumption can help reduce its oxalic acid content.