Diabetes is caused by the lack of insulin production or by the dysfunctional use of insulin by the body's organs and cells resulting in the accumulation of high toxic levels of blood sugar levels in the circulation. Controlling the levels of blood sugar is vitally important in diabetic patients and this can be achieved in the diet planning phases by including diabetic friendly foods and reducing foods that can raise blood sugar levels. Here is a list of diabetic friendly foods that diabetics should increase in their nutrition and diets.
Garlic
Certain herbs possess natural properties that can help reduce the risks of getting diabetes or alleviate symptoms of diabetes. Garlic (Allium sativum) can help manage blood sugar levels as its active ingredients, allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin), possess blood sugar-lowering properties. Garlic also has some anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which are helpful for the reduction of diabetes systems.
Onions
Onions (Allium cepa) have blood sugar-lowering properties, as well. They have the ability to affect blood sugar metabolism by raising the amount of insulin release into the body's blood circulation. Additionally, onions can help to decrease and prevent the destruction of insulin in the body. Onions can also help reduce diabetic cardiovascular risks by helping the body lower lipid levels, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and acting as an anti-hypertensive herb.
Herbs
Some herbs have anti-diabetic properties and should be incorporated into the diabetic food list. For example, fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) contain alkaloids such as trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin, which have blood sugar-lowering effects. Also, the Asian fruit bitter melon (Momordica charantia) contains the active ingredients charantin, a natural mix steroid, and Momordica, an insulin-like polypeptide, both of which help lower blood glucose levels.
Spices
Certain spices have anti-diabetic actions in the body. For example, cinnamon is a spice that contains an active ingredient, MHCP (methylhydroxychalcone polymer), which helps the adipose or fat tissues to respond more effectively to insulin, thereby helping to lower blood sugar levels.These polymers have an insulin-enhancing action and are found in the bark of the cinnamon. The cinnamon bark also contains antioxidants which can offer additional health benefits for diabetic patients.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an important food group to incorporate into the diabetic diet, especially non-starchy varieties such as broccoli, spinach and green beans. They provide fiber, vitamins and minerals, and are low in calories and carbohydrates, so you can eat your fill. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn are high in carbohydrate, so should be eaten in moderation.
Omega-3s
Omega-3 foods should be included in the diabetic food list since they can help to prevent and reduce the risks of cardiovascular problems associated with diabetes such as heart attack and stroke. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in several types of fish such as salmon, trout, sardines and mackerel. A positive benefit for diabetics eating omega-3-rich foods are the polyunsaturated fats which can help to decrease triglycerides levels in the body and support heart functions more effectively.
Fruits and Nuts
Fruits and nuts are important diabetic foods since they provide the body with essential minerals and high quality proteins that the body can easily absorb into the bloodstream. For example, apples contain high pectin levels. Pectin can reduce the utilization and metabolism of insulin, and help the body maintain blood sugar levels. Bananas, mangoes, papayas, melons, and many other types of fruits provide essential minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, which support the biochemical reactions necessary for healthy bodily functions.
Fats
Selecting and consuming certain types of fats can help to reduce the symptoms of diabetes and support the management of blood sugar levels. It is important to choose diabetic-friendly monounsaturated fats for cooking and eating while reducing or eliminating saturated fats from the diabetic diet. Olive oil, vegetable oils and canola oil are good sources of monounsaturated fats.
