Super Foods

Diabetic Food List: 11 Best Foods for Diabetics to Eat Regularly

Looking for best foods for diabetics to eat daily? Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is prevalent across the globe. People who have diabetes have high blood sugar levels due to the lack of metabolism of sugars either because of insulin resistance or the unavailability of insulin.

HbA1c levels are measured to check the average blood sugar levels and take appropriate medications. People who have uncontrolled diabetes may have to take insulin to control blood sugar levels.

Best Foods for Diabetics to Eat Regularly

The blood sugar levels can be controlled in diabetics and people at risk of diabetes by including the following foods in the diet daily.

1. Vegetables

vegetables is the Best Foods for Diabetics

Green leafy vegetables are rich in multivitamins and minerals that help in controlling sugar. Green vegetables do not contain sugars, so the risk of blood sugar levels is decreased considerably.

The vegetables that must be included in the diet are frozen green peas, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, eggplant, spinach, celery, etc. It is advised to consume at least 75 g of vegetables per day.

2. Probiotics

Bacteria are of two types, good bacteria and bad bacteria. The body maintains a balance of these for health and vitality. Good bacteria help in the absorption of glucose. 

They are effective in reducing fasting blood sugar levels. Lactobacillus acidophilus and L.casei have improved glucose tolerance

3. Cinnamon

 Cinnamon for diabetics

This spice is commonly used in the kitchen and diabetics. It becomes a source to control sugar. People with diabetes either produce a low quantity of insulin or the insulin receptors become insensitive.

It works as insulin and increases the transportation of glucose by cells. The ingredients in cinnamon helped in increasing the sensitivity of insulin.

It works as insulin and increases the transportation of glucose by cells. The pleasant smell and spicy-sweet taste make it a friendly choice to control diabetes.

Regular use of cinnamon is highly recommended. You can eat this spice by adding it to your oatmeal or yogurt.

4. Whole Grains

The whole grains Foods Diabetics can Eat daily. They are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber that keeps the digestive system work efficiently. The fiber decreases the absorption of sugars in the body. It helps in lowering blood cholesterol and stable blood sugar levels.

They are high in antioxidants and, B-vitamins, iron, and proteins. Whole grains can also help reduce the risk of diabetes.

The whole grains to be included in the diet are Whole wheat flour, whole oats/oatmeal, whole grain corn, brown rice, whole rye, whole-grain barley, whole faro, etc. In diabetics, it is important to replace simple, refined sugars to control blood sugar levels.

5. Olive Oil

 Olive Oil for diabetics

Saturated fats are bad for health, and they should be replaced with unsaturated fats. Olive oil is a good source of unsaturated fatty acids that do not get deposited in the heart and plays an important role in reducing the risk of diabetes.

A healthy diet and exercise are important to control diabetes. Studies suggest olive oil increases the utilization of sugars.

ALSO READ: How to Cure Diabetes Naturally

6. Dark Chocolate

They are composed of polyphenols. High-quality dark chocolate that is low in sugars should be consumed. These tasty chocolates help in maintaining optimum insulin levels.

In dark chocolate, the sugars can be replaced with low-calorie sweet alternatives. Dark chocolate should be consumed under medical supervision to avoid any drastic changes in blood sugar levels.

7. Citrus Fruits and Oranges

 Citrus Fruits and Oranges for diabetics

These fruits contain hesperidin, an important ingredient when consumed that can have long-term beneficial effects on blood sugar. The fruit should be consumed as a whole and not as juice.

Fiber, vitamin C, folate, and potassium present in these fruits are good to control diabetes. Enjoy these tasty foods to keep you hydrated, as hydration is equally important to be healthy. 

8. Blueberries

These fruits are rich in vitamin C and are low in carbohydrates. Studies suggest blueberries improve insulin sensitivity and controlling blood sugar.

Not only blueberries but other berries are also beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels. They have a low glycemic index.

You can consume berries, or you can use it along with yogurt; the combination provides probiotics and controls blood sugars.

ALSO READ: Okra Water can Treat Diabetes

9. Nuts

It is a good habit to consume nuts such as almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, Pistachios, walnuts, etc., as they possess many health benefits.

The nuts are low in digestible carbs; hence blood sugars are not affected. The nuts reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar levels.

It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar for diabetics

It has numerous health benefits, including controlling blood sugars and maintaining a healthy weight. Apple Cider Vinegar has fewer carbohydrates; the sugars present in the fruit are fermented to acetic acid.

It improves insulin sensitivity and lowers fasting blood sugar levels. It delays gastric emptying and makes you feel less hungry.

You can take one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and the dose can be increased up to 2 tablespoons per day.

11. Garlic

The important ingredient of garlic is allicin, responsible for its beneficial effects and its smell and taste.

It is also a good source of Vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The two vitamins are useful in carbohydrate metabolism and maintaining blood sugar levels.

It can be consumed raw, but many people don’t like its pungent smell and after-taste; it is also available as capsules easily available in pharmacies.

Crush raw garlic and let it settle for some time to get the maximum concentration of allicin.

ALSO READ: 9 Most Dangerous Foods to Avoid with Diabetes

Conclusion

We have listed 11 best foods for diabetics to eat daily, and the key to controlling diabetes with these foods is to eat in defined proportions to get the maximum beneficial effects.

Excess intake can alter your optimized blood sugars. Controlling blood sugar levels is important as it can affect heart health as well.

The foods to be included are regularly and easily available such as broccoli, garlic, cinnamon, citrus fruits, blueberries, whole grains, etc. each of these foods helps you control blood sugar efficiently.

Along with food, physical activity and medications are important to control blood sugars and minimize doctor visits.

Don’t miss

Dr Maria

MD. Board Certified physician. Fellowship In Family Medicine UK. 8 years of medical experience in Lifestyle-related health disorders. Graduated from AIIMS – All India Institute Of Medical Science, INDIA

Related Articles

Back to top button