Seeds, lotus seeds, dried & Diabetes
Moderate glycemic impact — consider portion size. Glycemic load of 15.8 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 15.8/100g · GI 24.5 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Blood Sugar Impact
Nutrition Overview
What to Watch For
⚠️ Low Dietary Fiber
Seeds, lotus seeds, dried contains only 0g of fiber per 100g — far below the recommended threshold for diabetes-friendly carbohydrates. Without fiber to slow digestion, the starches break down rapidly in the small intestine, causing a quicker glucose release into the bloodstream. The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing high-fiber carbohydrates (≥3g per serving) to help stabilize post-meal blood sugar. Pairing Seeds, lotus seeds, dried with high-fiber vegetables or legumes can partially offset this effect.
ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (2024). Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1).
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 16g | 10.3g | 2.5 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 32g | 20.6g | 5.1 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 64g | 41.3g | 10.1 | Moderate |
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.
Tips for Enjoying It
💡 Pair With Protein & Fiber
Eating alongside lean protein and non-starchy vegetables slows gastric emptying and blunts the post-meal blood sugar rise.
💡 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.
Worth Comparing
🥜 Seeds, sesame seed kernels, dried (decorticated)
GL 0/100g — Low GL
Fiber 11.6g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Seeds, sesame seed kernels, dried (decorticated) & diabetes →🥜 Seeds, flaxseed
GL 0.4/100g — Low GL
Fiber 27.3g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Seeds, flaxseed & diabetes →🥜 Nuts, coconut water (liquid from coconuts)
GL 0.6/100g — Low GL
Fiber 1.1g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Nuts, coconut water (liquid from coconuts) & diabetes →🥜 Nuts, coconut milk, canned (liquid expressed from grated meat and water)
GL 0.7/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Nuts, coconut milk, canned (liquid expressed from grated meat and water) & diabetes →FAQ
What do the numbers say about lotus seeds and blood sugar?
Moderately. lotus seeds has a glycemic load of 15.8 — not dangerous, but worth watching your portion size. A standard serving (1 oz (28g)) has a GL of 5.1. Pair it with protein and vegetables to slow glucose absorption.
Where does lotus seeds sit on the glycemic load scale?
Per 100g, lotus seeds has a GL of 15.8. This means one standard serving (1 oz (28g)) provides approximately 5.1 GL — which is moderate.
How quickly does lotus seeds raise blood sugar?
With only 0g of fiber per 100g, lotus seeds's GL of 15.8 means the blood sugar impact is moderate. The carbohydrates digest and absorb quickly. Pairing with protein and high-fiber foods can help slow absorption.
Why is fiber important for blood sugar control?
Dietary fiber slows carbohydrate digestion and absorption, leading to a more gradual blood sugar rise. lotus seeds has only 0g of fiber per 100g, which is one reason its glycemic load (15.8) is moderate. The ADA recommends choosing carbs with at least 3g of fiber per serving. Adding high-fiber foods like vegetables or legumes to your meal can help compensate.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 24.5 for lotus seeds is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Nut and Seed 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.
References & Data Sources
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 24.5 — subcategory_avg:Nut and Seed Products. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 32.0g) = 15.8 × 32.0 ÷ 100 = 5.1
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 170149. 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. “Seeds, lotus seeds, dried — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/seeds-lotus-seeds-dried/
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.