Diabetes refers to a group of metabolic diseases in which the body has trouble processing glucose, leading to dangerously high sugar levels in the blood. There are three types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Eating right is critical for diabetes, a holistic approach that combines diet and exercise with traditional medicine and acupuncture.
The best foods for people with diabetes try to keep the blood glucose levels in check by eating on a plant-based diet and getting regular exercise. Doctors believe that these two components are the key to managing the disease. In this article, you will find the best foods for diabetic people.
Excellent for managing blood sugar levels. Almonds contain fibers and other nutrients that slow down sugar absorption, which can help keep a healthy blood sugar level!
The health benefits of almond milk are impressive-- it's essentially a low-calorie replacement for dairy products (without all of the cholesterol!). It's also gluten-free and an excellent replacement for regular milk (or soy milk).
Great for managing blood sugar levels! It's usually joked that the number one thing you can do for diabetes is "eat more avocados." Avocados are chock-full of fiber, and in my opinion, they taste incredible on both salads and spreads. They're also great to keep in your medicine cabinet in case of an emergency-- as a last resort when all else fails. You may have heard that avocado oil is too high-fructose to be healthy.
Beets are high in fiber and low in calories, making them an excellent food for people with diabetes to snack on! They can be bought at most produce stands year-round, and you can use them in salads or as a side dish with meat. They're also a great source of folate, vital for pregnant women and their babies.
Another great glycemic control spice! Cinnamon can be picked up at grocery stores for about $1 a jar and makes everything taste fantastic. You can use it in coffee, tea, or on toast! It's delicious even on frozen desserts like ice cream or custard.
A sweetener that is great for controlling blood sugar levels! To eat it, you can dissolve it into your tea or coffee or use it in desserts such as yogurt. I recommend that you use raw honey over processed honey if possible-- bees will often make their hives in nearby fields, and the honey will collect pollen. Processed flowers like lilies or chrysanthemums give pollen allergies to those allergic to them!
Great for managing blood sugar levels! Plums are high in fiber and contain antioxidants that can help prevent diabetes from taking a toll on your body. If you're not a fan of plums, peaches-- which are also high in fiber and low in calories-- can be used as well.
Great for managing blood sugar levels! Oatmeal is usually served with syrup or honey on top, but using it in place of cereal is a beautiful way to get the benefits without syrups/honey spikes from the added sugars. It's also high in fiber, making it a great choice to eat regularly.
This is an excellent protein, fiber, zinc, and iron source, and it's also a great alternative to less healthy carbs like white rice. You can use it in soups and casseroles or as a side dish with meals. It also cooks quickly!
Another excellent dairy replacement high in protein, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K! Soy milk is a go-to milk substitute-- I recommend getting plain versions of almond milk and soy milk since it has the most nutritional content.
Excellent food for diabetics! They're high in fiber, low-calorie, and full of vitamins C, A, B6, and folate. They're also a good source of potassium and magnesium. They can be bought at almost any grocery store.
Great food for diabetics! Walnuts are high in potassium, magnesium, and fiber and have been shown to have anti-tumor properties in laboratory tests. They can be bought at most grocery stores for about $5 a bag.
Excellent food for diabetics! Yams are high in potassium and starch, which help control blood sugar levels. They're also high in beta carotenes-- which helps your body fight off disease/cancer-- and vitamin C, essential for blood pressure control and lung health.
The idea that we can choose any food and "be ok" is not valid. There's no such thing as "one size fits all" in nutrition, and it's essential to recognize and be aware of everything that goes into your body.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.