For those who doesn’t have diabetes, the hormone insulin when it’s functioning properly, will convert the food that’s consumed into glucose or energy. For diabetics, it fails to do so. Under normal conditions, once any type of food is digested, this glucose is usually sent directly into the blood stream.
Once it reaches this point, what the body does is releases the insulin hormone from the pancreas, so it can do it’s job by fueling the cells. Where the problem arises, is if the diabetic lacks this insulin, or if the insulin fails to function properly, the newly processed glucose doesn’t materialize properly.
As a result, what happens is that the glucose remains in the blood stream, which elevates its levels, and if it’s left untreated, can cause bodily damage to the eyes and nerves, along with the heart and kidneys.
Managing this diabetes can prove challenging, but there are a number of common everyday foods, which are capable of keeping the diabetes in check.
Apples
Apples are one of the most underestimated foods, most likely because of their commonality. They’re particularly beneficial when it comes to diabetics, this because of their high fiber content.
They’re sweet but low in calories, fights off the bad cholesterol, while containing enough natural sugar to keep blood sugar levels stable.
Freshly picked apples are the best choice, since the canned variety is loaded with sugar and preservatives. Apple juice also contains refined sugar.
Avocados
Avocados are recognized as a superfood, this because of their high monounsaturated fat content, which is capable of keeping you full for long periods of time. They’ll also prevent your blood sugar from spiking.
What’s important is that a diet that’s full of healthy fats, similar to what’s found in avocados, helps in reversing insulin resistance, allowing diabetics to better manage their condition.
There are a variety of ways to enjoy avocados, the most popular by making a homemade guacamole dip, but they’re also delicious in salads and sandwiches.
Fish
Cardiovascular disease is a major issue for those with diabetes, and the reason why eating fish, which is high in heart friendly Omega-3 fatty acids, is an excellent choice.
What the latest studies show is that just eating fish once or twice a week, is capable of cutting down ones risk of heart disease by up to 40% percent.
The fish needs to be as fresh and natural as possible, as the farmed variety usually contains chemical contaminants such as mercury. These unwanted substances should especially be a concern for diabetics who happens to be pregnant, or hoping to become pregnant.
Beans
Beans are another potent superfood, this especially for diabetics, and should be somehow incorporated into their daily diet. What most beans are loaded with are natural sources of soluble fiber along with natural protein.
What these ingredients does is slows down the digestion process while keeping you full for longer. They’re especially vital for diabetics who happens to be vegans, as beans can be substituted for meat, this because of their high protein content.
Most variety of beans, anything from chickpeas to edamame beans to kidney beans, will keep blood sugar at manageable levels.
Beans can be tastefully added to salad, soups, or stews. Make sure that they’re washed thoroughly. The best method of cooking them is by using a pressure cooker.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another super nutrient food which is extremely high in fiber, which gives the feeling of being full for longer. This so you won’t indulge in sinful foods such as processed foods, chocolate, or cake.
Broccoli is also loaded with antioxidants, as just one serving can contain an entire days requirement of vitamin C. Most recently, it’s found that the benefits of broccoli can potentially reverse the effects of diabetes. It’s found best prepared either steamed or pan-fried.
The essential nutrient it contains is chromium, which has proven to help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels. What’s been a favorite dish is a delicious garlic, beef, and broccoli stir-fry.
Beef
For those who enjoys eating meat, a fan favorite is usually beef. For diabetics, the key becomes to consume the leanest cuts possible, and the portions should be kept small, such as one-quarter of a dinner plate.
The leaner cuts include top sirloin, rib eye, inside round, flank steak, or tenderloin. For diabetics, it’s best to marinate the meat first, such as with non-sugary mixtures like vinegar or citrus juice.
Diabetics especially benefits from eating beef, this because of its high protein content, which keeps one satisfied while helping build muscle mass, which in turn promotes high metabolism.
Berries
Fresh berries in season are natures gift, as they’re delicious to eat, commonly available, full of rich antioxidants, and naturally sweet. They’re also full of the much needed fiber for diabetics, which should discourage them from eating candy that’s harmful.
There are a variety of benefits when eating delicious berries. What’s known is that the blue and red variety contains natural plant compounds which are known as anthocyanins.
They’re proven to lower blood sugar, this while promoting insulin production. Their greatest benefit is they’re loaded with antioxidants, which helps fight the majority of diseases.
Carrots
What carrots provides is the perfect balance of the savory and sweet, which makes them an ideal food for managing blood sugar.
They also help diabetics because of their high fiber content, which gives off the sensation of becoming full for longer periods of time.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of the common carrot is their high levels of beta-carotene, which has proven to lower the risk of diabetes.
Carrots are best prepared fried, steamed, or baked, and always delicious raw. Just make sure that the dip is low in sugar.