Diabetes is a disorder that’s associated with high blood sugar levels and not enough insulin to keep the sugar in check. When too much sugar is introduced into the system, the lack of insulin means that the sugar will be able to move freely through the bloodstream and can eventually cause long-term damage to a number of systems within the body, including vital organs.
It’s a disease that’s becoming more prevalent with each passing year, and experts blame its global growth on our ever-increasing demand for sugary, refined, and processed foods. While insulin is necessary to keep the worst effects of diabetes at bay, there are some healthy foods that are great for helping manage blood sugar levels.
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Dark, Leafy Greens
Considered by nutritionists as some of the most nutritious foods in the world, leafy greens should be incorporated into everyone’s diets, and especially those that are suffering from diabetes. They’re virtually free of any fats, they contain low digestible carbohydrates, and they’re so packed with phytonutrients and antioxidants that they’ve been shown to have the power to fight off cancer. Kale and spinach are perhaps the most well-known of the bunch and are worth having in the fridge at all times.
Chia Seeds
These small but healthy seeds can be found at most health shops, and they’re worth every cent. Regarded as something of a superfood, chia seeds are incredibly rich in fibre, which all people need to maintain their long-term health. But it’s not just any fibre – chia seeds contain viscous fibre, which has been shown to lower blood sugar levels by slowing down how quickly food moves through the gut and is absorbed. Along with this, the extra fibre can help reduce hunger, meaning that those who eat them often won’t be tempted to look for sugary snacks quite so regularly.
Beans
Beans come in many shapes and sizes and are eaten as a staple by most cultures around the world. They’re easily accessible, generally very cheap, and they can be added to most kinds of foods. They’re incredibly nutrient-rich, packed with B vitamins, protein, and some beans boast almost as much fibre as chia seeds. Not all legumes are the same, however, so aiming for black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils should be priority for anyone trying to manage their blood sugar as well as they possibly can – they’re also easy to make, giving you plenty of time to follow a hobby, such as gaming or playing casino slots Argentina.
Broccoli
Part of the cruciferous family of vegetables, broccoli is second only to kale when it comes to nutrient value. They’re extremely low in calories but are overflowing with important minerals and nutrients such as magnesium and Vitamin C. Studies have found that people suffering from diabetes that eat broccoli sprouts have lower insulin levels, and subsequently lower levels of cellular damage. On top of that, with the addition of the fibre found in broccoli, they also offer great management of blood sugar levels. In fact, research has found that eating the florets had a 10% reduction for blood glucose levels.