Home - health - 9 Foods To Help Regulate Blood Sugar
9 foods to help regulate blood sugar

9 foods to help regulate blood sugar

People dealing with conditions that affect blood sugar need to be careful about the food they consume. Although other factors such as one’s metabolism, activity levels, and other lifestyle factors also impact blood sugar levels, certain foods can spike sugar levels and cause symptoms of inflammation, while others can help regulate sugar levels better. Generally, foods with a lower glycemic index (GI) are recommended to manage sugar levels. Some of these include:

Broccoli
When broccoli is chopped or chewed, a plant chemical called sulforaphane is released. Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate linked to reducing blood sugar. Broccoli extracts have been recorded to have antidiabetic and antioxidant properties, as it helps enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress on the organs. To enhance the availability of these benefits, it is best to consume raw or lightly steamed broccoli.

Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a rich source of fiber and antioxidants, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. It is also used as a traditional diabetic remedy in certain countries. This is because pumpkins are a rich source of carbohydrates called polysaccharides, which can help decrease blood sugar levels, according to certain studies. Pumpkin seeds, too, are a great source of healthy fats and proteins and can help manage sugar levels better.

Salmon
Seafood, especially fatty fish like salmon and sardines, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can all positively impact blood sugar levels. While antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, protein content slows digestion to prevent post-meal blood spikes.

Okra
Okra is a rich source of polysaccharides and flavonoid antioxidants, which can help keep blood sugar levels under control. The main polysaccharide in okra is rhamnogalacturonan, which is a powerful antidiabetic. Okra also contains flavonoids like isoquercitrin and quercetin 3-O-gentiobioside, which have been linked to reducing blood sugar.

Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a rich source of fiber and healthy fats. These properties can help control blood sugar levels. Consuming them whole can positively impact one’s health and blood sugar levels.

Beans
Beans are a rich source of fiber, magnesium, and protein, which can help slow down digestion and improve blood sugar response after a meal. Not only can beans and lentils help regulate blood sugar levels, but they can also help prevent the onset of diabetes.

Kimchi and sauerkraut
Kimchi and sauerkraut are fermented foods rich in probiotics, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating kimchi has been associated with improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.

Kale
Kale is a popular superfood, packed with fiber and flavonoid antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds can help regulate blood sugar levels better and improve insulin sensitivity.

Berries
Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are rich sources of antioxidants. They are also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. Berries have also been linked with improving insulin sensitivity and glucose clearance from the blood.

Other foods that can help regulate blood sugar levels include avocados, oats, oat bran, citrus fruits like orange and grapefruit, kefir, eggs, and apples. Speak to a healthcare professional for more information on eating healthy to manage blood sugar levels.

Latest Articles

Allergies – Stages and prevention
health

Allergies – Stages and prevention

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively. The allergic development Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages: Stage 1 The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body. Stage 2 Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody. Stage 3 This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything. Stage 4 The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it. Stage 5 24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it. How to diagnose allergies Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention
health

Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia is a kind of medical condition in which an adequate amount of oxygen fails to reach one’s body’s tissues owing to the deficiency of red blood cells in their body. When one suffers from this condition, their body feels weak and exhausted all the time. Symptoms There are different kinds of anemia and each of them has a cause of its own. It can have short-term or long-term effects and the disease can be mild or severe in nature. If one sees any symptoms suggesting that point toward anemia, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The signs vary from person to person and depend on the cause or their origin. Sometimes, the chronic disease causes anemia and the doctor ends up diagnosing the disease but the fact that one is suffering from anemia does not show up in the test. Sometimes, there are mild symptoms and then, with time the symptoms become more prominent indicating that the disease has penetrated one’s body more deeply. Some of the commonly found symptoms include breathing difficulties, fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, hands and feet turning cold, irregular heartbeat, and pain in the chest . Types of anemia Iron deficiency anemia This is the most common kind of anemia, which occurs due to iron deficiency.
Cancer – Its stages, diagnosis, and prevention
health

Cancer – Its stages, diagnosis, and prevention

Cancer is a disease caused by the growth of malignant cells in the body. The formation of cells can happen anywhere, from the brain to the pancreas. Several cancerous cells clustered together form a tumor. The tumor then grows in size, spreading to other parts as well. Some cancers we know of are fatal, while some can be cured with the help of surgery, chemotherapy, and other such procedures. Let’s take a look at the stages, diagnosis, and prevention. Stages of cancer There are different stages of cancer that are classified to understand how far it has spread and the degree of treatment that may be required. Based on this, there are two bases for differentiation. Based on the numbered system, there are 4 stages. Stage 0 cancer In this stage, the cancer cells are restricted to the area of origin and they’ve not spread to any other part. Stage 1 cancer Here, the cancer cells spread to the nearby areas, but not to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Stage 2 and 3 cancer This indicates that cancer has spread to nearby areas as well as lymph nodes. Stage 4 cancer Cancer has spread to other parts of the body.