7 Healthy Foods to Control Diabetes
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| Image credit- shutterstock |
Though there are many medications available to treat
diabetes, it’s best to use them only as prescribed by your doctor. While these
drugs can help to lower your blood sugar levels, they often come with side
effects that can compromise your health and well-being. Instead of using the medication, you should work on controlling your diabetes naturally by eating
the right foods and making healthy lifestyle choices. The following 7 Healthy foods
are all known to aid in the management of diabetes; pick them up at your local
supermarket or farmers market and incorporate them into your diet immediately!
1) Olive oil
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| Image Credit - shutterstock |
When it comes to diabetes, perhaps there’s no more
beneficial food than olive oil. That’s because it contains powerful
antioxidants that help regulate blood sugar. Specifically, one study found that
monounsaturated fatty acids like those found in olive oil and sunflower oil
helped lower fasting blood glucose levels among patients with type 2 diabetes.
Another study in Spain found that olive oil may even help people with
pre-diabetes return their blood sugar levels back to normal.
2) Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C, fiber and
potassium. One cup of grapefruit also provides nearly 100 percent of your daily
need for vitamin A. It also contains naringenin, a chemical compound found in
grapefruit that may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by
enhancing insulin secretion and increasing insulin sensitivity.
3) Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of calcium, which helps build stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis. It’s also high in
protein and
probiotics, both essential for gut health and your immune system. Stick with
plain Greek yogurt and avoid flavored yogurts, which are full of added sugars.
Instead, add fresh fruit or chia seeds for sweetness.
4) Oatmeal
This is a whole grain that helps stabilize blood sugar
levels and decreases overall cholesterol. It’s also an excellent source of
fiber and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.
Oatmeal is among some of best foods for diabetics.
5) Barley
Barley is a great addition to any diet. It contains
chromium, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels naturally. The fiber in
barley helps slow glucose absorption and keep your body from storing excess
calories as fat. Barley also has B vitamins that support your body’s ability to
produce insulin and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. You should try cooking
barley like oatmeal or including it in soups and stews for added flavor and
health benefits.
6) Beans
A cup of beans contains only about 100 calories, but it’s an
excellent source of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber can help lower blood sugar
levels and may reduce insulin resistance, which is associated with diabetes.
There are several kinds of beans, but eating more kidney beans may be
especially beneficial for people with diabetes. Just one cup of cooked kidney
beans has more than 16 grams of protein.
7) Bell peppers
Red bell peppers contain a hefty amount of Vitamin C, which
is critical for proper insulin function. A 2003 study published in Diabetes
Care found that diabetic patients who consumed at least one serving of tomatoes
or tomato-based products per day had 37 percent lower fasting glucose levels
than those who didn’t. Bell peppers are an easy and delicious way to increase
your intake of Vitamin C.
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