You'll Be Amazed To Know The Foods That Lower Blood Sugar
Sweets and sugar are not great for your health if consumed in large amounts. It disturbs the normal blood sugar levels in the body and can lead to hyperglycemia and diabetes. Hence it is essential to keep our blood sugar levels in check. There are many natural foods and supplements, which if included in your daily diet can help you lower your blood sugar level naturally. For that, here is a list of foods that will answer your questions about diabetic diet. Cinnamon has high levels of magnesium as well as fiber. In addition to that there is a substance called polyphenol, which acts in a similar manner as insulin. According to studies, a teaspoon of cinnamon on a daily basis leads to lowering blood sugar levels by around 20%. This is the reason that this treatment is highly prescribed. So, you can definitely categorize it amongst foods that lower blood sugar fast. In addition to this, cinnamon also helps in bringing down the cholesterol levels. Avocados contain high levels of monounsaturated fats and soluble fiber, which increase the insulin sensitivity of our body and reverse insulin resistance. Avocados are full of nutrients like potassium and vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E. It also has thiamin, phosphorus, folic acid, magnesium, iron and copper. They naturally have low sugar content. This wonder cereal flaxseed is enriched naturally with phytochemicals, omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fat, low fiber content and other essential minerals. It is also low on carbohydrates, thus contributing to lowering of blood pressure. It also lowers the cholesterol level. These are some of the reasons that flaxseed is an important constituent of a diabetic diet. Well, when it comes to foods that lower blood sugar, you can surely go nuts about nuts. We get sustained energy through nuts as the Continue reading >>
Avocado And Pre-diabetes
A friend of mine has been classified as pre-diabetic. The nurse has given her a diet sheet of a healthy diet for pre-diabetes and diabetics. On the sheet it mentions that avocados should be restricted. I believe that avocados do not spike blood sugar so what would be the reason behind its restriction? Does the nurse think it is unhealthy? Good because I told her to carry on eating as I felt avocados would be really good for her because of the fat content, vitamins and minerals. The diet sheet seemed confused about the message to present and it made it difficult for my friend to understand. I had a quick browse on the diabetes.co.uk website and everything seemed to be positive about eating avocados. In fact this link seems to be at odds with the NHS diabetes.co.uk/diet/nhs-die.... I have just read a booklet on Alzheimer's which unfortunately she is in the early stages. One of the foods that it suggests for brain health is avocados.To me it was a no brainer (excuse the pun) that avocado was indeed beneficial for her plus she enjoys eating them. Avocado is a great food to eat and I do believe your friend should continue eating them-- especially if she likes them and they are very healthy for anyone. I'm a type 1 diabetic and I have avocado on salads, on the side and with other meals. Great job! Quite often these kind of "guidelines" have 3 sections - 1. foods that are encouraged 2. foods that are forbidden and 3. foods that are "restricted" - restricted in this sense usually means allowed but limited in quantity. Avocados are good for you - but I suspect that "too many" avocados would not be good for you because of their fat content. It is "good fat" and we need fat in our diets - but there is a limit!! HI. I was diagnosed pre-diabetic at the end of August 2016. I joined t Continue reading >>
10 Health Benefits Of Avocado Oil + 6 Bonus Ways To Use It
10 Health Benefits of Avocado Oil + 6 Bonus Ways to Use It Avocado oil is made from the pressed pulp of the avocado fruit, rather than the seed, rendering a culinary oil. It is rich not only in flavor, but also essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Avocado oil is made by taking the creamy inside of the fruit and pressing it into a drum that spins at high speeds, called a centrifuge, which separates the oil and the water from the pulp. The oil then rises to the top and is removed and filtered. This process takes about 20 avocados to make one eight ounce bottle of oil. Fatty acid breakdown in avocado oil consists roughly of: It is rich in omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants, polyphenols, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals such as: One tablespoon of avocado oil contains about 124 calories, with 14 grams of fat. ( 1 , 2 ) While most people have gotten over their fear of fat, some might still cringe at the idea of increasing it in their diets. It is important to note that neither avocados or avocado oil are hydrogenated, or full of trans fats or other unhealthy oxidized fats like canola, corn, and safflower oils. The majority of fats found in avocado oil come from oleic acid, which is the same monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that is found in olive oil. Oleic acid is associated with decreased inflammation, due to its ability to down-regulate cell signaling pathways that can lead to excessive oxidative damage, suppressed immune system functioning, and even more adverse health issues such as atherosclerosis and cancer. ( 3 ) Studies over the past several years have found the benefits of avocado oil to be vast, which include the prevention of diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol levels, as well as balancing blood glucose levels and scavenging Continue reading >>
How To Avoid High Blood Sugar Spikes After Meals
Highly processed and refined foods quickly raise blood sugar levels after they are eaten. This means fast food, most packaged foods, foods made with white flour and white rice, white bread, foods with artificial sweeteners, foods with high fructose corn syrup and preservatives, sugar-heavy drinks – you get the idea. When blood sugar levels spike as a result of a processed meal, so do insulin levels and oxidative or free radical stress on the arteries. (1,2) Several of these high spikes throughout the day, day after day, are a major offender when it comes to increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular health concerns. (1,2) Strategies to Suppress After Meal Spikes Ayurveda recommends using healthy fats like ghee, coconut oil, nuts and seeds to slow the absorption of sugar, caffeine, processed and refined foods. Drinking one’s coffee blended with coconut oil, grass-fed ghee or butter has become a popular way to slow the delivery of caffeine into the bloodstream and blunt the blood sugar spike. Doing so seems to deliver hours of caffeinated energy without a surge or crash. Eating almonds or avocados with a higher carbohydrate meal (such as white bread, rice or potatoes) can significantly lower the blood sugar spike from the carbohydrates. In one study, white bread was shown to increase after-meal blood sugar spikes, insulin and free radical oxidation. When the white bread was eaten with 1/3 of a cup of almonds, the after-meal blood sugar and insulin spike, as well as free radical oxidation, were significantly reduced. (3) Plant-based fats, like almonds, nuts, coconut oil and avocados, all seem to lower post-meal blood sugar spikes. Animal fats, such as chicken and butter, seem to have the opposite effect. When chicken is eaten with carb-rich white rice, the a Continue reading >>
Balancing Your Blood Sugar Levels On A Vegan Diet
Getting your blood sugar levels correct can easily be managed through a vegan diet. Alessandra Felice shows us how it’s done… Glucose (the sugar in our blood) is essential to health because it’s required for the formation of ATP, the energy molecule in our bodies, which is necessary for every organ and cell to function. The two key hormones for blood glucose regulation are insulin and glucagon. When blood sugar is high, such as after a meal, insulin is released and helps to bring glucose circulating in the blood from the breakdown of food into the tissues for use and storage; when blood sugar is low, glucagon is released to break down glycogen (stored form of glucose in the tissues), causing the blood sugar to rise again. The body tries to maintain a constant balance between the two to function properly. But a state of continued elevated blood sugar can have a very negative effect on it as the body must release a consistent stream of insulin into the bloodstream to maintain healthy sugar levels. This will cause the tissues to become what is known as “insulin resistant”, due to the constant exposure to insulin, which causes more and more insulin to be released to remove circulating sugar that keeps rising as tissues are not responding to insulin anymore. Besides potentially contributing to diabetes, heart disease and other chronic metabolic diseases, long-term blood sugar imbalance may contribute to other conditions like increased fat storage in the abdomen, which is also dangerous for heart health and also cause inconsistent and poor energy. Balancing blood sugar is essential for our mental and physical health! Let’s take a quick look at what items or habits are best to reduce or eliminate to avoid blood sugar spikes. Avoid refined sugar and refined carbohyd Continue reading >>
- Diabetic Diet: Foods That Raise Your Blood Sugar Levels
- Diabetes Diet: 7 Foods That Can Help Control Your Blood Sugar Levels Naturally
- World's first diabetes app will be able to check glucose levels without drawing a drop of blood and will be able to reveal what a can of coke REALLY does to sugar levels
7 Of The Best Fruits For Diabetics (based On Sugar And Nutrients)
Fruits are the perfect snack. They are loaded with nutrients and fiber, relatively low in calories, and easy to bring to work. However, they do contain naturally occurring sugars, sometimes in large amounts. This can be a concern for those who struggle to manage their blood sugars. This article takes a science-based look at the most suitable fruits for diabetics. 1. Blueberries Blueberries are quite low in sugar, with 10 grams per 100 grams of fruit (1). But that sugar is also accompanied by 2 grams of fiber. This is important because when sugar and fiber are eaten together, blood sugar levels don’t spike as quickly (2, 3). It’s the reason 10 grams of sugar from fresh fruits will not have the same effect on blood sugar levels as 10 grams of sugar from a candy bar. In addition, blueberries provide loads of other beneficial nutrients and antioxidants that protect our cells from damage. Interestingly, a study on over 187,000 people tracked over two decades found those who ate the most blueberries had more than a 25% lower risk of getting diabetes than those who ate the fewest (4). Blueberries are great for a snack, and you can even enjoy them in salads. Although they can be particularly expensive, know that frozen blueberries are still nutritious and often much more affordable. 2. Strawberries Strawberries contain even less sugar than blueberries, with only 5 grams per 100 grams of fruit (5). This makes them a great choice for diabetics. They also provide fiber, manganese, folate, and a lot of vitamin C. In fact, 100 grams of strawberries (5-6 large strawberries) provides 98% of our daily vitamin C requirements. Strawberries are a great addition to breakfast foods like oats or yogurt, but they are also delicious on their own. 3. Blackberries Blackberries stand out as n Continue reading >>
15 Superfoods That Keep Blood Sugar Low, Burn Fat And Prevent Diabetes
co-authors of the best-sellers: The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix Avocados Avocados are a power-packed super food! Not only is this fruit super high in monounsaturated fat, but also chock full of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and antioxidants. The healthy fats and other nutrition you get from avocados help stabilize blood sugar and insulin. The healthy fat content in avocados makes you feel full longer and takes away junk food cravings. And that equals a leaner, healthier body. Avocados contain plenty of oleic acid, the monounsaturated fat in olive oil, that helps lower cholesterol. Avocados are also a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and electrolytes. Adequate intake of potassium can help to guard against circulatory diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke. One cup of avocado has about a quarter of your required daily amount of folate, or folic acid, a B vitamin that plays an essential role in making new cells by helping to produce healthy DNA and RNA. One study showed that individuals who consume folate-rich diets have a much lower risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke than those who do not consume as much of this vital nutrient. Avocados are also a very concentrated dietary source of the carotenoid, lutein which is good for eye health. It also contains measurable amounts of related carotenoids, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, plus significant quantities of vitamin E, all significant cancer-fighting ingredients. My favorite lunch or snack is an avocado sliced in half with Sriracha sauce and some canned albacore tuna. Coffee If you like your morning coffee, there’s good news for those who are fighting or trying to avoid diabetes. Drinking fou Continue reading >>
Insulin Lowering Foods For Type 2 Diabetics
Insulin lowering foods belong on your type 2 diabetic diet. Why? If you can lower the blood sugar spike after you eat, you will lower your blood insulin level. This is good for your heart, blood vessels and brain. Because insulin is a storage hormone, it encourages your body not to burn calories. The more insulin circulating in your bloodstream, the more food goes into fat deposits. If you do not have insulin resistance, you can still speed up weight loss by eating these foods. But if you have insulin resistance, use these foods to lower your insulin needs. Most type 2 diabetics also have high levels of insulin. (Learn about hyperinsulinemia here.) With insulin resistance, your pancreas is making the hormone but your body is not using it. Bad things begin to happen. Research shows that problems like heart and blood vessel disease, breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and PCOS are related to this extra insulin. It can lead to hypoglycemia, the sudden low blood sugar we deal with as type 2 diabetics. This is why insulin lowering foods are so helpful. If you can stop your diabetic pancreas from releasing more insulin, you will have better blood sugar control. The avocado is one of a diabetic's best friends. Yes, it has a lot of fat, but it is the kind your body needs. Eat some every day and watch your "bad" cholesterol level go down. Not just because of good fats, either. The amount of fiber in an avocado may surprise you. High levels of potassium and folate along with about 18 other vitamins and minerals make it a superfood. But the fiber and good fat are what boost avocadoes to the top of the list of insulin lowering foods. Cherries are next. Try some fresh Bing cherries. They are low in calories and low on the glycemic index. More than that, cherries are superfoods. Besi Continue reading >>
Six Insulin-sensitizing Foods For Weight Loss
Insulin is the primary hormone that tells your body to store energy as fat or use it as fuel — so you want to ensure that your diet is designed to keep insulin levels (and in turn, your weight) in check. Food can be as powerful as a drug — it can make you weak and sick or it can make strong and healthy. I picked some of my favourite superfoods, spices and seeds that will not only protect against cancer, heart disease and diabetes, but also help your waistline by boosting your insulin-sensitivity. 1. Stay healthy with horseradish It may clear your sinuses and more. Horseradish contains a high percentage of glucosinolates (significantly more than broccoli), which act as a natural antibiotic and can also improve your resistance to cancer and environmental toxins. Horseradish is also said to aid digestion, reduce urinary tract infections and fight against certain pathogens in food, such as listeria, E. coli and staphylococcus aureus. Bottom line: If you prefer prepared horseradish to a homemade recipe, than look for one with no added sugars. 2. Ample dose of avocado Fats, when eaten in the proper balance with protein and carbohydrates, can help to slow the release of sugars into the bloodstream, which leads to less insulin release. The end result? You stay fuller longer, and your waist gets slimmer, faster. In one study 347 adults (half were females) who consumed an average of half an avocado a day had higher intakes of important nutrients — including dietary fibre, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium — than people who didn’t eat avocados. They also reaped the benefits of being lighter (7.5 pounds on average) with a smaller waist circumference (4cm on average). Bottom line: Keep in mind that fat does have twice the amount of calories as carbs or protein, so limit y Continue reading >>
Avocado And Diabetes: Benefits, Risks, And More
Avocados are growing in popularity. The creamy green fruit is packed with vitamins, nutrients, and heart-healthy fats . While they are high in fat, its the good kind of fat that benefits people with type 2 diabetes . If you have type 2 diabetes, adding avocado to your diet may help you lose weight, lower cholesterol, and increase insulin sensitivity. Read on to learn more about the benefits of avocados for people with diabetes. Benefits of avocadofor people with type 2 diabetes Avocados are low in carbohydrates, which means they have little effect on blood sugar levels. A recent study published in Nutrition Journal evaluated the effects of adding half an avocado to the standard lunch of healthy, overweight people. They discovered that avocados do not significantly impact blood sugar levels. Part of what makes avocados a good choice for people with diabetes is that, although they are low in carbs, they are high in fiber. Many other high-fiber foods may still spike blood sugar levels. One half of a small avocado, which is the standard amount people eat, contains about 5.9 grams of carbohydrate and 4.6 grams of fiber. According to the National Academies , the minimum recommended daily fiber intake for adults is: A 2012 review published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine looked at the results of 15 studies involving fiber supplements (around 40 grams of fiber) for people with type 2 diabetes. They found that fiber supplements for type 2 diabetes can reduce fasting blood sugar levels and A1c levels . You dont need to take supplements to achieve these results. Instead, try eating a high-fiber diet. You can easily increase your fiber intake by eating more low-carb fruits, vegetables and plants, like avocados, leafy greens, berries, chia seeds, and nuts. H Continue reading >>
Foods That May Help Naturally Lower Blood Sugar Levels
This post is to share research and evidence around foods which may help to give naturally lower blood sugar levels. Not only a post for mothers with gestational diabetes, but one for all the mothers that have had their babies and are now at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or for anyone with type 2 diabetes. Please note that evidence for use in pregnancy or with gestational diabetes is lacking, therefore research links detailed are for studies in both animals and humans with other types of diabetes. However this information may still be beneficial for anyone looking for ways to naturally lower blood sugar levels including women with gestational diabetes and pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes. Apple Cider Vinegar A study in 2004 found that when 20g apple cider vinegar, 40g water, and 1 tsp saccharine were drunk before consuming an 87g carb test meal it raised insulin sensitivity, indicating that vinegar can significantly improve postprandial insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant subjects and helps to reduce spikes in levels. Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes A small study in type 2 diabetic patients found that drinking 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and eating 1 oz (a thumb size piece) of cheese lowered fasting levels by 4% (and up to 6% in some patients). Some ladies with gestational diabetes have had great success with apple cider vinegar and so it's worth trying if you have the stomach for it. Nuts It probably won't come as a surprise, but this meta-analysis of 12 studies find that tree nuts improve glyceamic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes, however there is a need for longer trials. Effect of Tree Nuts on Glycemic Control in Diabetes: A Systematic Re Continue reading >>
Top 19 Good Fruits For Diabetics And High Blood Pressure
Many people think that diabetics have to avoid many foods, including different fruits. However, there are super healthy fruits for diabetics because they provide important minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals and fiber. Some low-carb fruits are also good for diabetics. People who have this disease should care about the ratings of the glycemic index to measure the carbohydrates which are converted to the blood Gl. Scientifically, the suitable glycemic index for diabetics is below 50. The following are the top 19 good fruits for diabetics and high blood pressure. Let’s check out these fruits to control your blood sugar and cure diabetes naturally. 19 Good Fruits For Diabetics And High Blood Pressure Revealed! 1. Apples (Gl: 38, Gl/a fresh apple: 150g:7) Apples are very high in vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. Apple pulp and peel contain pectin which helps to detoxify your body and remove harmful waste from the body. Pectin also is high in galacturonic acid that can help diabetics lower their insulin requirements up to 30%. You can eat a fresh apple or toss some slices of apples into a cup of tea and enjoy your breakfast. A medium apple contains about 12 g of carbohydrates and 54 calories. You can eat fresh apples without peeling them because apple peel includes a good source of anti-oxidants that good for digestion. Furthermore, apples are available throughout any seasons of the year. For containing a large amount of the soluble fiber, apples are fruit good for diabetics. Apples help diabetes patients reduce cholesterol, normalize their blood sugar level and improve their bowel function. Apple is also good at eliminating inflammation in the body and help diabetics beat infections effectively. Besides, apple is rich in anti-oxidants that help boost immunity. Apple also h Continue reading >>
Avocado Recipes To Reduce Blood Pressure And Lower Cholesterol
Avocado Recipes to Reduce Blood Pressure and Lower Cholesterol Avocados can help lower cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and blood pressure. They even help with weight management. We share some of the most delicious avocado recipes around. Heart benefits of avocados - lower cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and blood pressure! You may have heard that avocados are full of fat and so you've tried to stay away from them. But not all fats are created equal. Avocados contain monounsaturated fats that are great for improving your cholesterol and reducing inflammation. In addition they contain more potassium than bananas so they are very effective at managing blood pressure. Their high fiber makes them good for weight loss and control of blood sugar. On top that, they also contain vitamin A and C that are great for your skin . Avocados both help your heart and keep you looking younger. Sounds like a natural fountain of youth to me! Avocados Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides 73.5 million adults in the United States have high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), doubling their risk for heart disease. Eating avocados is one of the simplest ways to fight or reduce this risk. Numerous studies have shown that eating avocado can improve heart disease risk factors by lowering your overall cholesterol level while increasing your good cholesterol (HDL), as well as lowering blood triglycerides. High in Fiber, High in Weight Loss/Blood Sugar Benefits Avocados are high in fiber, about 7% by weight, which is very high compared to most other foods. Fiber has multiple benefits for weight loss, controlling blood sugar and improving metabolic health. If you want to lose weight in the healthiest way possible, while stabilizing blood sugar, we highly recommend these amazing fruits. Mak Continue reading >>
Diabetic Diet: 16 Foods That Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Diabetes can be sneaky, with symptoms that are not always obvious but that cause lasting damage. Prevent problems by incorporating these 16 foods to regulate your blood sugar levels, as recommended by Healthline and WebMD. Protein Protein is a great food choice for diabetics because it doesn’t affect blood sugar levels. It also creates a feeling of fullness while it builds and repairs your body. Protein sources to consider for blood sugar control include Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs and lean meats. Vegetables Whether you prefer them raw, cooked or roasted, vegetables do more than just add color to your plate. Choose diabetic-friendly, low-carb veggies like mushrooms, onions, eggplant, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts and zucchini. Low-carb greens Popeye had it right. Spinach, chard and kale are powerful foods with a low-carb punch. Pack your diet with these time-tested foods, and you will bring real power to the fight against high blood sugar. Sour cherries Fruits are sometimes frowned upon in the diabetic community, but there are some with a low glycemic index. Food with low GI scores won’t raise blood sugar and can prevent a spike. Sour cherries have a low GI and a chemical called anthocyanins. The National Institutes of Health has shown that anthocyanins may reduce your risk of developing diabetes and obesity. Anthocyanins inhibit some digestive enzymes and slow down digestion. They also help reduce blood sugar spikes following starch-rich meals. Blackberries and blueberries Sour cherries aren’t the only fruits you can add. Blackberries and blueberries won’t raise blood sugar levels as much as their fruity friends. These berries are high in fiber and have the highest concentrations of anthocyanins. Low-calorie drinks While water is your dietitian's drink of c Continue reading >>
How To Gain Weight And Maintain Blood Glucose
By Lara Rondinelli-Hamilton, RD, LDN, CDE Yes, you read the title correctly—there are people with diabetes that are actually trying to gain weight. These people are underweight and need to put on a few pounds without creating extremely high blood sugar levels. Note: If you have diabetes and are losing weight or having difficulty gaining weight, your first step is making sure the issue isn’t due to high blood glucose levels. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia, which is typical with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes (or misdiagnosed type 2), can lead to weight loss and is a dangerous state for your body. If your weight loss or inability to gain weight is unexpected, make sure to discuss it right away with your doctor. It may be that your medication needs to be adjusted for better glycemic control. If, on the other hand, your blood glucose levels are controlled, here are few tips to help you gain weight without spiking your sugar. 1. Eat three meals a day. Don’t skip meals. If you are trying to gain weight, you need to increase your daily caloric intake. If you skip breakfast (or any meal), you could be missing out on an extra 400 to 500 calories per day, which if done consistently could lead to a one-pound weight loss per week. So, even if you are not a breakfast person, find some foods that you can eat for breakfast, such as a fruit-vegetable smoothie (you can add flax seed and coconut oil to increase calories, fiber, and satiety). A quick smoothie could be a few handfuls of spinach, 1 cup frozen berries, ½ banana, 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil, 1 tablespoon ground flax seed and ½-1 cup coconut milk. Serve the smoothie with a side of egg and chicken sausage. You might also try an egg, cheese, and avocado sandwich on a low-carb wrap or tortilla. 2. Eat snacks. Snacks and small me Continue reading >>
