Fireweed, leaves, raw & Diabetes
Low glycemic impact for the stated serving. Glycemic load of 5.3 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 5.3/100g · GI 61.9 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Glycemic Response at a Glance
Nutrition Profile
Lower-GL Alternatives
🥦 Chrysanthemum leaves, raw
GL 0/100g — Low GL
Fiber 3.0g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Chrysanthemum leaves, raw & diabetes →🥦 Chrysanthemum, garland, raw
GL 0/100g — Low GL
Fiber 3.0g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Chrysanthemum, garland, raw & diabetes →🥦 Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw
GL 0.1/100g — Low GL
Fiber 1.9g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw & diabetes →🥦 Mustard greens, frozen, unprepared
GL 0.1/100g — Low GL
Fiber 3.3g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Mustard greens, frozen, unprepared & diabetes →Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 12g | 2.3g | 0.6 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 23g | 4.4g | 1.2 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 46g | 8.8g | 2.4 | Friendly |
GL ≤10 = Low (Friendly) · 11–19 = Moderate · ≥20 = High (Limit).
The page-level verdict is based on GL per 100g; this table shows how portion size changes the actual GL you get.
Simple Ways to Balance It
💡 Cook Lightly or Eat Raw
Overcooking breaks down vegetable fiber and can increase glycemic impact. Light steaming preserves structure and nutrients.
💡 Check Your Own Response
Individual blood sugar responses vary. Use a glucose meter to understand how this food affects you personally.
💡 Glycemic Load Over Glycemic Index
GL accounts for both the speed AND amount of carbohydrate, making it more practical for real-world eating than GI alone.
💡 Pair Carbs With Protein
Adding protein to a carbohydrate-containing meal slows digestion and helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
Quick Answers
How does Fireweed leaves rate for blood sugar control?
According to its GL of 5.3 and fiber content of 10.6g, Fireweed leaves has a favorable nutritional profile for blood sugar management. This is a dietary reference based on published data.
What GL value does Fireweed leaves carry?
The glycemic load of Fireweed leaves is 5.3 per 100g. GL is calculated by multiplying the GI (61.9) by the available carbohydrates (8.6g) and dividing by 100.
What happens to blood sugar after eating Fireweed leaves?
Fireweed leaves affects blood sugar by releasing glucose during digestion. Since its GL is 5.3 (low), it's unlikely to cause problems in standard servings. Individual responses vary — check your glucose monitor.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 61.9 for Fireweed leaves is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Vegetables and Vegetable Products category from the International GI Tables (Atkinson et al., 2021). Actual GI may vary by variety, ripeness, cooking method, and individual response. We display estimated values with full transparency so you can make informed decisions.
Methodology & Sources
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 61.9 — subcategory_avg:Vegetables and Vegetable Products. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 23.0g) = 5.3 × 23.0 ÷ 100 = 1.2
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 169399. Data are in the public domain (CC0 1.0).
GL Classification: ≤10 = Low (Low GL), 11–19 = Moderate (Eat in Moderation), ≥20 = High (Limit). Based on University of Sydney Glycemic Index Foundation classification.
⚠️ GI value is estimated, not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. Actual GI may vary by variety, cooking method, and individual glycemic response.
Cite this page: GlycemicWise. “Fireweed, leaves, raw — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/fireweed-leaves-raw/
Dietary reference — not medical advice. This page provides evidence-based dietary reference information for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual blood sugar responses vary significantly. Always check your blood glucose to understand your personal response to foods, and talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Data sources are cited above and publicly available from the USDA and the University of Sydney Glycemic Index Research Service.