The main characteristic of diabetes is high blood sugar levels due to impaired insulin function. Experts believe that one of the main causes of this disease is poor, unhealthy diet. Excessive consumption of certain foods, including meat, refined carbohydrates, sweet drinks, and saturated fats can increase the risk of diabetes.
Diabetics are encouraged to maintain their diet to keep their blood sugar levels from soaring. Even so, if you have diabetes, you can still eat delicious dishes and meet your nutritional needs every day. Try to choose foods that have a low Glycemic Index (GI) such as carrot, broccoli, asparagus, pumpkin, spinach, and tomatoes. Fruits such as apples, berries, pears, kiwi, and apricots are also known to have low GI.
Foods with high nitrate content can also be a choice. Nitrate is known to have an important role in the process of releasing insulin in the body. Also, foods rich in nitrates are also good for hypertensive patients, since they can help to reduce blood pressure and improve overall blood health. The foods that are rich in nitrates including, lettuce, rhubarb, celery and fruits such as beets and watermelons.
High-protein foods are also recommended for you with diabetes. Vegetables like pok coy and cauliflower are several foods that are rich in protein. In addition, to replace meat, you can consume fatty fish, which is claimed to be one of the healthiest foods ever. Salmon, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel are known as sources of omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the body and rich in protein. Foods rich in fibre such as avocados, almonds, kidney beans, oats, and brown rice can also be your choice.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay
Source(s):
- Medical News Today - The best vegetables for type 2 diabetes (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317225.php, April 24, 2019.
- Healthline - The 16 Best Food to Control Diabetes (2017). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-best-foods-for-diabetics, April 24, 2019.