10 Best Foods for Diabetes
1) Leafy Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are loaded with nutrients and lower in digestible carbs than other vegetables. Some leafy green vegetables you should have in your diet include spinach, cabbage, cucumber, lettuce, etc. A few other vegetables can include carrots, tomatoes, beets, cauliflower, radishes, and drumsticks.
2) Garlic
Garlic enhances the glycemic status and helps reduce fasting and post-prandial blood sugar levels. It is nature’s gift to humankind that also contains vitamin C and B6. While vitamin C helps maintain blood sugar levels, the latter enables carbohydrate metabolism. You can either consume raw garlic or eat it through various recipes.
3) Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is another potential option. It is rich in protein, probiotics, and calcium and low in carbohydrate content. Additionally, Greek yogurt has a low glycemic index. Consuming unsweetened and low-fat Greek yogurt can help regulate blood glucose levels and prevent the onset of type-2 diabetes.
4) Beans
Beans are rich in nutrition and have a rich fiber and protein content. Accordingly, you will feel full for longer, and that feeling can automatically reduce your carbohydrate intake.
5) Fatty Fish
If you are a non-vegetarian, you may also have fatty fish as a potential alternative. Varieties like sardines, salmon, mackerel, and herring contain omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acid content can help people suffering from diabetes from various diabetes-related complications like neuropathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, etc.
6) Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds help lower blood sugar levels by impacting the digestion rate of starch and other carbs. In addition, these seeds can reduce metabolic conditions commonly observed in diabetes mellitus.
7) Apples
Surprised? Don’t be. Apples are low glycemic. Besides, apples are high in fiber content and are fat-free. You can have an apple anytime and while you are on the move.
8) Bitter Gourd
Consuming bitter gourd is traditional for controlling high blood sugar levels. Bitter gourd has vicine, charantin, and polypeptide – an insulin-like compound. Additionally, bitter gourd has lectin, which helps suppress appetite and lower blood sugar levels.
9) Seeds
Seeds could form another addition to the list of best foods for diabetes. Seeds are highly nutritional. So, instead of throwing them or consuming them raw, you may consider consuming them in a ground form and mixing them with a drink or some food item. Seeds are low in carbohydrates, rich in fiber, and provide healthy fats.
10) Brown Rice
Eaten across several states, rice is one of India’s staple foods. But instead of white rice, you may prefer eating brown rice containing selenium – an antioxidant supporting thyroid health and manganese, keeping the nervous system healthy.
Visit Ranka Hospitals if you are looking for a specific consultation on diabetes. Our doctors will diagnose your condition and prescribe the right course of treatment, including foods you should have in your diabetic diet to help you keep diabetes in control. Call us at 020 – 24261528 to book a consultation appointment with our doctors.