Whether you are pre-diabetic, diabetic, or at risk for diabetes, these 5 superfoods will do you good. Helping to reduce inflammation and steady blood sugar levels, they’re easily available – you probably have them in your kitchen already.
Nuts
Sadly, not peanuts. The real diabetes-busting nuts grow on trees – like almonds. Full of vitamins, minerals, proteins and healthy fats, eating a handful of almonds regularly can reduce the diabetes risk for people with prediabetes. If you have diabetes, including the right kind of nuts in your diet will help you manage your weight and blood sugar levels. To get the most health benefits from nuts like almonds, soak them overnight in water – this sets their enzyme inhibitors free.
Beans
Not just high in fibre, beans are rich in calcium, protein and they’re low in saturated fat. The fibre in beans keeps you full and helps to steady your blood sugar levels. Beans are great in soups, stews and salads, and they don’t cost the earth.
Salmon
Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation, and improve insulin resistance, and salmon is one of the best non-dairy sources of vitamin D around. Substitute salmon for meat or chicken at least once a week.
Extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil had a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation, and studies show that a diet rich in fresh, pure olive oil can help to stabilise blood-sugar levels – both of which are most important for anyone with diabetes or prediabetes. Remember: fresh AND pure. Don’t buy it by the gallon, and check the label to make sure the oil you are buying is not blended with another oil.
Cinnamon
Sure, you have cinnamon in the spice-rack, but did you know that it’s worth more than just a sprinkle on your pancakes? Cinnamon has been shown in studies to help lower blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, and it has a lasting positive effect. So, all the more reason to use it in cooking, in delicious chai tea, and on top of those pancakes.
Source: joybauer.com