In a healthy body, you are able to regulate the level of sugar in the blood within narrow parameters. If the blood sugar is raised, as by a meal, your pancreas releases insulin, and the body contributes other hormones, to lower the blood sugar and feed the cells of the tissues. If the blood sugar is lowered, your body is able to release stores of sugar in the liver, synthesize sugar, and utilize other sources of energy. A very common disorder of blood sugar concentration is diabetes mellitus. In this disorder, the blood sugar becomes too high. A health care professional should be consulted for dietary decisions and the treatment and diagnosis of disease.
Fiber
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested in the the GI tract for energy. It is found in such foods as green beans and broccoli, flax seeds and whole grain products. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar from the GI tract, improves insulin sensitivity, changes the secretion of GI hormones, and changes the metabolism and inflammation found in diabetic-like disorders according to a 2008 article in the "Journal of Nutrition."
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are long chains of sugar. Whole grain carbohydrates, such as whole grain pasta help stabilize the blood sugar more than regular pasta. These complex carbohydrates tend to stabilize blood sugar more than simple sugars as found in non-diet carbonated colas and sweets. Simple sugars are readily available to be absorbed through the intestines to raise the sugar level in the blood. Complex carbohydrates are slowly broken down by enzymes in the GI tract, so the release and absorption of sugar takes more time and is more even as noted by "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies" by Frances Sizer and Ellie Whitney.
Protein
Lean meats such as salmon and chicken contain few sugars and many proteins. In addition, salmon and many other fish contain omega fatty acids that may be healthy for the heart and blood vessels as well. Since they are low in carbohydrates, fish and lean meats do not raise the blood sugar much.
References
- "Journal of Nutrtion"; "Metabolic effects of dietary fiber consumption and prevention of diabetes."; March 2008
- "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer, Ellie Whitney; 11th Ed 2007
