Author: Karen Lennox
Time for reading: ~3
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Proper diet controls blood sugar and reduces the risk of complications following diabetes
Finding the best food for diabetics is not easy. The main goal is to control blood sugar levels, as well as to prevent complications of diabetes, including heart disease.
Include fatty fish in your menu - one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, mackerel are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, which have a beneficial effect on heart function. Especially suitable food for diabetics prone to heart disease, including heart attack.
Regular consumption of fatty fish lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Fish is also a source of protein.
Leafy vegetables . They are very nutritious and carry few calories. They contain a minimal amount of digestible carbohydrates, which do not raise blood sugar levels. They are a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin. This protects the eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts - common complications in diabetics. Studies show that regular consumption of leafy vegetables reduces the levels of inflammatory mediators and lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
Don't forget the cinnamon . It is a delicious spice and a rich source of antioxidants. Several controlled clinical trials have shown that cinnamon controls blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity. Other studies show that cinnamon lowers triglyceride levels. However, do not take more than 1 tsp. cinnamon daily. High doses can harm you.
Eggs . They are a source of energy. Regular consumption of eggs is said to reduce cardiovascular risk. Studies show that in type 2 diabetes, daily consumption of 2 eggs, as part of a high-protein diet, significantly lowers blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity. They are a source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from damage.
Whose seeds . Great food for diabetics. They are a rich source of fiber and do not contain easily digestible sugars. Fiber lowers blood sugar by controlling the absorption of sugars taken in through food. Whose can help lose weight. Fiber creates a feeling of satiety and suppresses the absorption of calories that we take in through other foods.
Another very useful spice is turmeric . The active ingredient - curcumin affects inflammatory conditions, lowers blood sugar and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, curcumin improves kidney function in diabetics. This is important because diabetes is a leading cause of kidney problems.
Nuts . They are delicious and very useful. All nuts are a source of fiber and low digestible carbohydrates. Regular consumption of a variety of nuts has been shown to maintain blood sugar levels. They can help you lose weight.
Extra virgin olive oil . It is a source of monounsaturated fatty acids. They lower triglyceride levels, which are often elevated in diabetics. Olive oil contains polyphenols, they are powerful antioxidants that support the heart, have anti-inflammatory effects and protect against oxidative stress.
Flaxseed . An extremely useful food. Flaxseed fiber is made up of lignans, which reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve blood sugar control. Studies show that flaxseed intake reduces the risk of vascular accidents and may reduce the need for antithrombotic drugs needed to prevent blood clots. Flaxseed is rich in fiber, which improves bowel function and insulin sensitivity.
Apple cider vinegar . The sugars from the fruits are fermented to acetic acid, the resulting product contains less than 1 g of sugars per 1 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar also increases insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels by up to 20% after eating foods rich in carbohydrates. One study showed that in people with poor control of blood sugar levels, taking 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar at bedtime leads to a reduction in blood sugar by up to 6%. It can help you lose weight. To include apple cider vinegar in your diet, start with 1 tablespoon dissolved in a glass of water every day. Increase to a maximum of 2 tsp. per day.
Berries. They are one of the most useful fruits for diabetics. They contain anthocyanidins, powerful antioxidants that give them a red color. They lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and the risk of heart complications in type 2 diabetes. A cup of strawberries contains 49 calories and 11 grams of sugars, 3 of which are fiber. Separately, strawberries are a rich source of vitamins. C.
For where without garlic . It is tasty and healthy. Several studies have shown that it can affect inflammation by lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also used to lower blood pressure. One head of raw garlic contains only 4 calories and 1 g of sugar.