As per the American Diabetes Association, around 9.4%, which is 30.3 million Americans were diagnosed with diabetes in 2015. Such whopping numbers are scary, but diabetes can be controlled naturally with a few additions and subtractions in your diet. Here are three healthy, must-have foods and three must-avoid foods that you should include in your meals to keep diabetes at bay. Read on!
Healthy foods for diabetes
1. Whole grains
Doctors suggest that high levels of fiber help in keeping diabetes under check. Whole grains contain refined white grains and higher nutrient levels. It is observed that consuming foods that are high in fiber is beneficial for those with diabetes, as it is known to slow down the process of digestion. Absorption of nutrients by the body at a slower pace helps in keeping the levels of blood sugar stable. When compared with rice and white bread, whole grains and whole wheat contain lower levels of the glycemic index. This means that whole grains have positive effects when it comes to controlling the blood sugar levels.
Some of the best examples of whole grains in your food are:
- Whole grain bread
- Brown rice
- Whole grain pasta
It is best if you can switch white pasta or white bread with options that contain whole grains.
Did you know blueberries were known as the powerhouse of antioxidants? They are filled with fiber, and vitamin C. Blueberries also contain high levels of antioxidants as compared to vegetables and fruits. It also helps in reducing the risks of cancer and heart conditions. Moreover, blueberries contain anti-inflammatory properties. Along with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are significant dietary measures to keep the diabetics in control naturally.
As per the American Diabetes Association, blackberries are superfoods that help in controlling high blood sugar levels. They are also high in fiber and vitamins. You can add three-quarters of a cup of fresh blueberries or strawberries, preferably any superfood berry of your choice, to non-fat yogurt. This can be a great addition to your breakfast.
3. Fatty acids and Omega-3 acids
One of the best healthy foods to add to your diet for controlling diabetes is wild salmon. It contains omega-3 acids and also helps in lowering the risk of heart disease. Fish is packed with proteins but does not have carbohydrates. That is why they do not increase the levels of blood sugar. Consuming salmon helps in slowing down the process of digestion and also keeps you full.
Moreover, wild salmon also contains selenium and vitamin D, which keeps your nails, hair, skin, and bones healthy. Some of the other types of fish that you can include in your healthy diet are sardines, herring, and mackerel.
Foods to avoid in diabetes
1. Trans fat
Foods such as peanut butter, margarine, creamers, and frozen dinners contain industrial trans fats that are incredibly unhealthy. Moreover, you can also find these in muffins, crackers, and baked foods.
Trans fats do not raise the levels of blood sugar directly, but they are associated with insulin resistance, a rise in inflammation, and lower levels of HDL cholesterol. These side effects are alarming for those who already have higher blood sugar levels.
However, trans fats are no longer in use in most of the countries as a part of the packaged foods. But, in case you do not know how to spot them, avoid the food items that have “partially hydrogenated” ingredients written in the packaging.
2. Sugar-sweetened drinks
One of the worst foods that should be avoided entirely is sugary drinks or packaged drinks. They contain high levels of carbohydrates. Did you know sweetened iced tea also has 36 grams of carbs? Also, sugar-sweetened beverages are packed with fructose that may alter the metabolism of the body and lead to high levels of triglyceride levels and belly fat.
A recently conducted study process that consumption of 25% calories alone from such artificially-sweetened drinks can worsen heart health, increase the resistance to insulin, and lowers the metabolism rate. So, it is best to consume water and unsweetened iced tea and stop any drink that contains artificial sugar.
All in all, consuming sugar-sweetened drinks increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes and, therefore, should be kept at bay.
3. Dried fruits
We know that fruits contain numerous minerals and vitamins. But when dried, there is water loss and increases the levels of these nutrients. This the reason, the sugar content is highly concentrated, which is terrible for those with diabetes. For instance, carbohydrates content in raisins is three times that of grapes.
So, if you want to keep your blood sugar levels stable, you do not have to skip fruits entirely. You need to stick to fruits that have lower levels of sugar, such as fresh berries.