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7 Foods That Can Help Lower Blood Sugar and Manage Diabetes

Diabetes develops due to insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to use insulin properly. Insulin is the hormone that converts the sugar or glucose present in the blood into energy. Due to a lack of insulin, the body cannot break down glucose in the bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar levels. If left unattended, diabetes can lead to several complications. So, you must take steps to manage blood sugar in the long run.

Importance of healthy eating in diabetes
Several factors like stress and physical activity play a role in influencing blood sugar. But, following a strict and healthy food plan is probably the most crucial step to keeping the condition under control. Certain foods, such as candy and sweetened beverages, can cause massive spikes in blood sugar levels. So, you must avoid or eliminate them from the nutrition regimen. On the other hand, it is crucial to add nutritious foods that lower blood sugar and keep the body healthy. You can refer to a food’s sugar chart to identify if it should be included or avoided.

Best blood sugar-lowering foods
One of the best ways to lower blood sugar quickly and manage the condition is to choose the right foods. But this can be confusing if you have just been diagnosed with the disease and are learning about it. To help you, we have chalked up the best foods that help lower blood sugar and control diabetes:

Avocados
Avocados contain essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamin A and C. They are also a powerhouse of healthy fats and have a low glycemic index, making them an ideal choice. Foods with a low glycemic index take longer to digest and do not cause instant blood sugar spikes. Avocados are also low in carbohydrates, which helps maintain a stable blood sugar level. Further, one half of an avocado has approximately seven grams of fiber. Fiber is an essential nutrient that helps prevent complications and risks associated with diabetes.

Pumpkin seeds
In some cultures, pumpkin seeds are used as a traditional remedy for diabetes. It is because they have a high concentration of fiber and specific antioxidants that can help effectively reduce and regulate blood sugar levels. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in magnesium. The body needs magnesium to break down food and convert it into fuel for energy. And since diabetics usually have low magnesium levels due to insulin resistance, adding pumpkin seeds to meals can help.

Cinnamon
Several studies have shown that adding cinnamon to daily meals can help manage blood sugar levels. You can add the spice to sweet potato or roasted carrot or mix it in tea or warm milk. Despite its impeccable health benefits, cinnamon does not contain a lot of calories or carbs, making it an optimal choice among foods to reduce blood sugar.

Seafood
Seafood contains antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is also high in proteins, which means it can help maintain your blood sugar levels efficiently and prevent fluctuations. However, it is necessary to choose the correct options. Fishes like salmon, shellfish, and tilapia are suitable for this health condition. Fatty fishes like sardines and salmon are also great as they are free from carbs and rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can slow down digestion and make you feel full, preventing overeating.

Tomatoes
Due to their low glycemic index, tomatoes are often listed among the best foods to reduce blood sugar. They steadily release glucose into the bloodstream, preventing massive spikes. Fresh and whole tomatoes, in particular, will make you feel full for a more extended period due to the high fiber content. Besides preventing spikes in blood sugar, tomatoes are good for reducing blood pressure and the risk of heart diseases related to type 2 diabetes.

Broccoli
A part of the cruciferous family of vegetables, broccoli is considered a superfood due to higher amounts of fiber and antioxidants like vitamin C. The green veggie also has a healthy plant compound called sulforaphane, which has unique properties to lower blood sugar levels. Further, broccoli can reduce oxidative stress and promote insulin sensitivity, which helps patients with this health condition.

Lentils and beans
Lentils and beans are loaded with nutrients that help reduce blood sugar levels and improve your overall health. They also have a high concentration of resistant starch and soluble fiber, which slow down digestion and gradually increase blood sugar instead of causing sudden spikes. Lentils and beans also help prevent fluctuations in glucose levels. The best options include pinto beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas.

Lowering blood sugar quickly is not an easy task. It takes a few weeks or months to adopt a routine, which you must follow thoroughly for the best results. If you find it hard to identify blood sugar-lowering foods, learn about a particular item’s nutrition levels and sugar chart to get a better idea. Besides healthy eating, indulge in regular exercise and follow a proper treatment plan. Finally, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and note down the readings.

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