Diabetes, one of the most common and serious diseases, can be difficult to manage. Diet, exercise, medication, and lifestyle all play a crucial role in maintaining a patient’s blood sugar levels. Since the disease can also lead to other complications, such as heart disease and eye disorders, it is important to manage it well. Here are the top foods recommended for people with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2.
Oily fish
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, oily fish such as mackerel, anchovies, herring, salmon, and sardines are often recommended for diabetics. Regular consumption can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Eggs
Eggs, one of the healthiest foods, are also beneficial for diabetics. They are known to improve insulin sensitivity, change the size and shape of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and reduce inflammation. Eating eggs for breakfast can help maintain a person’s blood sugar levels throughout the day. Additionally, studies show that regular consumption of whole eggs (yolk + white) can reduce the risk of certain eye conditions, stroke, and heart disease.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Recommended for many health conditions, leafy greens also help manage diabetes. Due to their high nutritional value and low-calorie content, vegetables such as kale and spinach are considered to be some of the healthiest foods. The antioxidants and high vitamin C content they contain can help reduce inflammation and cell damage. This contributes to eye and heart health, thereby preventing common complications of diabetes.
Avocados
Here is another reason to include avocados in your regular diet. Their high fiber content, healthy fats and low carbohydrate content make them ideal for diabetics, as they do not increase blood sugar levels when consumed.
Chia seeds
Considered one of the “superfoods” by health-conscious people around the world, chia seeds can help maintain blood glucose levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes. They are low in digestible carbohydrates and high in fiber and can help manage blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Nuts
Nuts are one of the best substitutes for unhealthy, processed snacks because they are low in net carbs and contain high amounts of fiber and other nutrients. Research shows that regularly eating a variety of nuts can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and inflammation. Thus, nuts are highly recommended for people with diabetes to improve and maintain their heart health.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The benefits of apple cider vinegar are well known, but what you may not know is that it can also help improve fasting blood sugar levels. It can be consumed daily by adding a teaspoon to a glass of water.
Conclusion
There is no proven cure for diabetes yet. All that can be done is to manage it to avoid further complications. So, one should incorporate the above-mentioned foods in their diet, do regular exercises, and take prescribed medications on time to be healthier. You can consult the experienced dieticians to get a personalized diet plan according to your other body needs and overall health.
