While maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is important for everyone, for diabetics, blood sugar level is a critical factor. Knowing which foods to eat to lower blood sugar is essential in avoiding diabetic complications and living a longer, healthier life. Include these glucose-lowering foods in your diet.
Fruits
According to the Diabetics Food Pyramid, fruits are high in carbohydrates because they contain fructose and sucrose--two types of sugars. However, fruits are rich in vitamins and are a good source of the carbohydrates you need for the day. Choose fruits like apples and raisins which also contain fiber. The fiber slows the digestion of the food and causes a slower release of the sugars from the food. Fresh and frozen fruits are better choices than juices and canned fruits which might contain additional sugar.
Vegetables
Vegetables, especially when eaten raw or prepared through minimal cooking, are guaranteed to give you maximum nutritional benefit. Vegetables are also known to be helpful in lowering the level of blood glucose and must feature prominently in the diet of diabetics. Tomatoes, onions, bean sprouts, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, spinach and broccoli all make good vegetable choices for those wishing to achieve lower levels of blood glucose.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A, B6 and C. They also have essential minerals like copper, manganese and iron. Sweet potatoes have a good content of beta carotene which the body can convert into vitamin A, and are also a natural source of fiber. They have a natural supply of sugars which is helpful in quelling the appetite for sugar while playing a positive role in helping to lower blood sugar levels. They are rich in natural fiber which is helpful in reducing blood glucose levels.
Nuts
Not only do nuts make an excellent healthy snack but they also are very useful in helping to lower blood sugar levels. Pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias, cashews and peanuts are all packed with vital nutrients and will lower blood glucose levels.
Whole Grains and High Fiber Foods
These are very helpful in enabling sound digestive functions and are also known for their beneficial effect in helping to reduce the levels of glucose in blood. Dry beans, bran, oatmeal, soy beans, raisin bran, brown rice and whole grain bread are all excellent food items for lowering blood glucose levels, according to the American Diabetes Association.
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