Diabetes affects thousands of people every day in North America. Some cases are Type 1, which is when a person’s pancreas doesn’t produce enough or any insulin to control their blood glucose levels. However, a large majority of cases are Type 2, which means your blood glucose levels are so high that your body can’t use your natural healthy insulin levels properly for control.
Type 2 diabetes is a controllable disease that can be maintained with a proper diet for many sufferers. While you probably know all about foods to avoid to maintain level blood sugar, here are ten foods that you can use to help combat this disease:
1. Beef:
Lean cuts of beef, like rump and sirloin, can help keep you full and fight off cravings. Combating the urge to indulge in sugary snacks is one of the best ways to keep diabetes in check; being less hungry and having less cravings means you’ll have less blood sugar fluctuations.
2. Avocado:
Avocado is often touted as a wonder food, and for good reason. This fruit is full of slow-digesting healthy fats, which helps keep blood sugar level for long periods of time, and helps reverse the effects of insulin resistance.
3. Peanut Butter:
Nut butters like peanut butter can help keep your appetite under control. When compared to other, higher carb snacks, peanut butter has significantly less effect on blood glucose levels, especially if you opt for an all-natural brand.
4. Apples:
Apples are a high fiber, low calorie food that help battle hunger without having any negative effect on dietary goals. They can also counteract cholesterol, and help stop blood sugar from spiking erratically.
5. Eggs:
Eggs are another high protein food that can help with appetite control. While eggs have previously been linked to high cholesterol, the most recent science stands firmly behind the fact that eggs do not significantly increase cholesterol, and that the benefits of eating eggs daily far outweigh the risk.
6. Fish:
Many diabetic people develop heart disease as a direct result of their diabetic condition. Fish contains the healthiest of fats that can help reduce inflammation and insulin resistance in addition to protecting your heart’s health.
7. Broccoli:
Broccoli is filled with anti-oxidants, chromium, and vitamin C, all of which are vital for regulating blood sugar. This vegetable is widely featured on top food lists because a single serving packs a major nutritional punch.
8. Dates:
Dates are a great way to “give in” to that sweet tooth, but they contain far less sugar than other options. Additionally, the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants they provide can help improve overall health.
9. Barley:
Barley is a type of grain, which most diabetics avoid. Grains are converted to sugars by the body. However, barley has been shown to reduce a rise in blood sugar by up to 70% after a meal. It slows down digestion, which makes blood sugar more level across a longer period of time. It also contains vital nutrients like chromium, magnesium, and vitamin B1.
10. Flaxseed:
Flaxseed can combat diabetes in multiple ways. First, it’s full of protein and healthy fats that keep you full.
Second, it’s full of magnesium, which helps your cells use insulin better. These seeds can be refrigerated and eaten like sunflower seeds or used in cooking.
By using these ten superfoods, you can control your diabetes naturally, and reduce your chances of future health complications. If your diabetes is a mild case, there is even evidence that you could completely reverse the disease, effectively “curing” yourself, with a few changes in your diet.