Are you wondering about foods that lower blood sugar levels? If you are reading this, it probably means you had a wake-up call about your blood sugar level. You were probably told that it is inevitable since you have a genetic link to diabetes by way of your mother or father. It is enough to make you happy that you can grab your syringe with insulin to stabilize your blood sugar levels. However, there are downsides to using insulin, one being that it is the fat storage hormone. It is much better to control your blood sugar by eating a low carbohydrate/ low glycemic diet. By simply adding these life-saving, satisfying foods that lower blood sugar to your diet you will start feeling better and your health will improve dramatically within a very short period of time.
The following foods that lower blood sugar levels all have one thing in common, they have very few if any carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are known to raise blood sugar levels. Your body can run by burning carbohydrates or fats. If it runs off of fat, a process called ketosis, then you will have consistent energy over a long period of time and fluctuations in your blood glucose levels will be minimized.
Protein helps the body maintain and repair itself. From the diabetic perspective, it is wonderful because it makes you feel full and does not raise your blood sugar levels. With protein it is important to choose organic, wild caught of free range sources of protein. One of the best is wild caught salmon because it provides Omega 3 fats in addition to being a great source of protein.
Avocados
Since metabolic syndrome often leads to diabetes, it makes sense that avocados can also help stabilize blood sugar levels with their high healthy fat content (71% monounsaturated fatty acids) which helps to promote healthy blood sugar levels as well as enhanced bioavailability of fat soluble vitamins and phytochemicals.
Green Leafy Vegetables
According to a study published in the British Medical Journal , researchers found that eating more than one serving of green leafy vegetables per day is associated with a 14% reduction in the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. Green leafy vegetables are nutrient dense, especially if they are grown organically. They contain rich amounts of magnesium and beta carotene which your body can convert into vitamin A. Some of the best leafy greens include: Spinach, Collards, Turnip, Kale and Swiss Chard. Green leafy lettuce is also great, but Iceberg lettuce isn’t since it is mostly water.
Garlic
Research shows that garlic and garlic extracts have been shown to be effective in reducing insulin resistance. It can also lower fasting blood sugar levels. Garlic does not have carbohydrates and so will not raise your blood sugar.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known to reduce certain enzymes in the stomach. One study shows that it improves insulin sensitivity after meals much in the same way that Acarbose or Metformin (diabetes drugs) do.
Onions
Onions are good for diabetics. Regardless of the form it is in, either cooked or raw, onions can effectively lower the blood glucose level of a diabetes patient. In the 1960’s, there was a discovery of anti-diabetic compounds in onion. These compounds are very similar to anti-diabetic drugs that help the synthesis of insulin and its release. The compounds are propyl, allyl, allicin and disulphide.
Conclusion
A balanced diet, well supplemented with rich fibers, fruits and vegetables should be ideally taken. There is also the need to cut down on the intake of fat based food and sweets. Also, diabetics need to indulge in an active lifestyle. Walking or exercising is a must on regular basis. Drinking and smoking must be avoided.
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