Diabetes-Team

Diabetes Food

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that makes the body unable to convert starches, sugars and other foods into energy. Most foods we eat are converted into glucose during digestion, and then the bloodstream carries glucose through the body. Insulin then turns this glucose into energy, or it is stored in the cells for further use. In diabetic people, the body either does not make insulin, or is not able to use it correctly, resulting in too much glucose in the bloodstream.

Some of the common symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are frequent urination, extreme hunger and thirst, unexplained weight loss, bruises and sores that heal slowly, numbness or tingling sensation in feet and hands and unusual drowsiness or tiredness.

Excellent Diabetes Foods

To control diabetes, there are certain foods that must be consumed, and few food items that must be avoided. Salt is one of the biggest culprits for diabetic people, hence people must try to reduce their intake of inorganic salt. Table sugar is just empty calories and carbohydrates, and body requires calcium to digest sucrose. Try to substitute sucrose with natural sugar such as jaggery and honey.

Bitter gourd is one of the best diabetes foods as it contains a good dose of plant insulin that helps lower the level of blood sugar effectively. You can have the juice of few bitter gourds early in the morning when the stomach is empty, and bitter gourd can also be consumed regularly as a vegetable. Fenugreek is yet another wonderful diabetes food and is commonly used to control diabetes. You can gulp down with seeds with a glass of water. You can soak the fenugreek seeds overnight and drink that water in the morning. Fenugreek can also be eaten as dried, powdered or sprouted. The seeds can be mixed with the flour.

Indian blackberry is also an effective diabetes food, and it is very effective in controlling and preventing diabetes. The stone of the fruit contains glucoside which does not let starch get converted into sugars. You can powder this stone and eat it. Garlic is an excellent diabetes food, and effectively controls the levels of blood sugar. It is a rich source of potassium, and replaces the potassium lost through urine. Garlic also contains sulphur and zinc which are components of insulin. You can consume 3-4 flakes of freshly crushed garlic each day.

Onion has digestive and diuretic properties, and works well against diabetes. Eating raw onions is more helpful. Flaxseed is one of the best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, and it is a wonderful diabetes food. It maintains sensitivity of the cell membrane and hence helps control diabetes.

Soluble fiber found in kidney beans, apples, soybean, oatmeal etc. helps control diabetes. These diabetes foods aid slow digestion and absorption of nutrients, hence the glucose is slowly and steadily released in the body. These foods also soak up excessive bile acids present in the intestinal tract. They help empty the stomach, and trigger satiety.

Water extract of cinnamon promotes glucose metabolism and reduces cholesterol. You can just boil the sticks of cinnamon in the water and drink it. Diabetes is usually associated with conditions like diabetic retinopathy, heart disease, kidney disease and immune deficiency. Some of these are caused by the free radical damage, hence make sure that you consume enough of antioxidants in your diet as they can control the blood sugar levels.

Consuming diabetes foods is essential for managing the condition and these foods provide relief from the symptoms and several other complications associated with diabetes. The diet is healthy and easy to follow. It is essential to reduce the intake of cholesterol like meat, saturated fats and dairy product.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.