fbpixel

Foods that lower blood sugar & A1C

foods that lower a1c

Table of Contents

If you have diabetes, it can be daunting to manage your diet and control your blood sugar level levels. Certain foods cause massive spikes, while others lower blood sugar levels. It can still take individuals time to experiment before discovering what works for them. Scientific research can help determine what foods are much better than others. Let’s explore some of the foods to lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes.

Consider diabetic meal planning to get the most out of your food. Preparation and preparing meals ahead of time will minimize the possibility of snacking or unhealthy eating and will help you save energy and time throughout the week.

Foods that lower blood sugar

  • Fatty Fish.
    Fatty fish should become part of your diet regardless of A1C level concerns. It has a myriad of benefits: and is one of the healthiest foods that you can eat. Fatty fish like salmon and anchovies offer you a substantial serving of the omega-3 fats DHA and EPA, which can help secure your heart against future issues from diabetes. DHA and EPA both decrease inflammation, protect your blood vessels, and improve the function of your arteries after intake. Since your danger of cardiovascular disease and stroke are nearly doubled if you have diabetes, including fatty fish into your diet can lower your chances of severe complications. Fatty fish is also an exceptional source of protein that will help you manage your weight.
  • Natural Fats.
    Extra-virgin olive oil has constantly been understood to have a myriad of health benefits. It is one of the best oils at lowering the threat of heart disease. It includes several antioxidants that help decrease inflammation, secure your cells, and reduce blood pressure. Pick pure extra-virgin olive oil to get all of the health advantages and sprinkle it on salads, utilize it in a marinade, or cook meats and vegetables with it. Other natural fats helpful at managing diabetes include coconut oil, avocado oil, nut oil, duck fat, chicken fat, and coconut milk.
  • Leafy Greens.
    A lot of the best leafy greens are considered non-starchy vegetables. However, they deserve their area. Leafy greens are jam-packed full of nutrients and are lower in digestible carbohydrates than other vegetables. This indicates that your blood sugar will not rise very much no matter how much you eat. A few of the best leafy greens to incorporate into your daily diet are spinach and kale, as they have high levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to handle diabetes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and can assist promote an overall sense of wellbeing. Leafy greens likewise include specific antioxidants that help to safeguard your eyes from diabetic issues.
  • Non-Starchy Veggies
    Non-starchy veggies are among the very best foods you can eat as a diabetic. Not just will they fill you up, however, they have plenty of necessary minerals and vitamins that assist control your blood glucose. They have high levels of fiber with trace amounts of sugar, making them worth feating on without needing to fret about high blood glucose spikes. Select fresh, canned, or frozen vegetables that have no added salt or sauce. Some examples of non-starchy veggies consist of cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, onions, artichokes, zucchini and more.
  • Probiotic Packed Dairy Products.
    If you add any dairy to your diet, make sure that it’s packed with healthy probiotics for the most significant advantages to your health. Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative given that it’s low in sugar and high in probiotics. Studies have found Greek yogurt to improve blood sugar level control and even minimize heart disease dangers. Go for unflavored Greek yogurt as the flavored variations are processed, have a lot more sugar, and increase blood glucose.
  • Low-Fat Yogurt.
    Excess fat in whole milk and milk products can slow down your digestion. This makes it harder for your insulin to work and can cause high blood glucose levels a couple of hours after your meal. Fats can result in weight gain, too, as they are high in calories. Choosing low-fat or reduced-fat alternatives gets around those issues.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar.
    Apple cider vinegar is popular among health food fanatics for a good factor. The fermented acetic acid assists in improving insulin level of sensitivity, lower fasting blood sugar level levels, and decrease blood sugar response by as much as 20% when coupled with meals rich in carbohydrates. As apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, it’s best to take it by the tablespoon combined with water. This helps to avoid damaging your teeth and esophagus.
  • Berries.
    Berries have a low glycemic index (GI). It is a scale utilized for the rate at which food gets absorbed by the body to form glucose and help manage blood sugar levels. Berries also have a low sugar content, which assists in weight loss and avoids spikes in blood sugar levels. Blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries have fewer than 5 grams of sugar per cup. Berries are rich in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, reducing risks connected with diabetes like heart disease. Berries are likewise high in fiber and slow down the body’s breakdown of carbohydrates and absorption of sugar. This helps in preventing a sugar spike.

See: Herbs For Diabetes That Lower Blood Sugar

  • Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and help reduce cholesterol and insulin levels after a meal. You can also select raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, which tend to have lower sugar than other fruits like apples and bananas.

  • Winter Squash.
    This savory vegetable is an excellent addition to a diabetic meal plan. Studies indicate that squash includes polysaccharides, a kind of indigestible fiber, which prevents blood sugar levels from increasing after eating. The unsaturated oils and protein and in the seeds may also have a moderating effect on blood sugar.

See: Insulin Plant Benefits & Precautions For Diabetes

  • Kale.
    Kale is high in vitamin C, which may decrease fasting blood sugar level levels for people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it is high in fiber, low in calories, and has a low glycemic index. It also consists of vitamins A, E, and K and folate, calcium, and iron. Besides kale, it is suggested that diabetics increase their intakes of other leafy vegetables like spinach, bok choy, mustard greens, and broccoli.

See: Milk for diabetics

  • Brown Rice.
    Wild rice, a coarsely ground grain, takes longer to digest than white rice, a carefully ground grain, and avoids blood sugar level spikes. It has more fiber than white rice, which, as mentioned previously, manages blood sugar levels. This is why it is wise for diabetics to change white rice with wild rice in their diet. Other refined grains like instant oatmeal, cornflakes, and white pasta can be substituted with whole-grain pasta and steel-cut oats.

See: Nettle & walnut leaves benefit for diabetes

  • Eggs.
    Although eggs are high in hydrogenated fat, one research study has revealed that eating two eggs a day in a high-protein diet lowers blood glucose levels in diabetics. They serve as great breakfast and treat alternatives as they can keep you full for a long time.
  • Legumes.
    Legumes are high in antioxidants and have a low glycemic index. They are a premium source of protein that can replace red meat, which is linked to greater blood sugar level levels in your diet. They likewise do not include any saturated fat or cholesterol, which most types of animal meat are well-known for.
  • Garlic.
    Research studies state that garlic aids in managing blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. And while this study made use of 300 mg garlic tablets daily, you could just include garlic-rich food into your diet or speak to a professional about the perfect dose. Double down on garlic in your hummus, pasta, soup, and curry.

See: Keto Diet For Women to Lose Weight

  • Turmeric.
    Research studies specify that curcumin (a yellow chemical in turmeric) lowers blood sugar level levels in diabetic patients. In addition to this, it likewise reduces the threat of diabetes-related heart and kidney problems. To increase the bioavailability of turmeric, combine it with black pepper.
  • Chia Seeds.
    This “superfood” has a high fiber material and low glycemic index, which makes them ideal for diabetics who’re aiming to manage their blood glucose levels. The fiber content in chia seeds can also reduce the number of calories you soak up from other foods eaten at the very same meal and make you feel fuller for longer, which together prevent overindulging.

See: Is Peanut butter good for diabetics

  • Flaxseeds.
    Flaxseeds can keep you full for longer and have a low glycemic index. In addition to this, they consist of insoluble fiber (which adds bulk to your stool) with lignans (antioxidant) that enhance blood sugar control. Individuals with diabetes type 2 in one study who took flaxseed lignans for 12 weeks discovered a considerable improvement in their A1C levels. Because our bodies can’t absorb whole flaxseeds, make sure to purchase ground flaxseeds.

See: Honey And Diabetes

  • Nuts.
    Nuts like almonds, pistachios, peanuts, and walnuts do not cause blood sugar spikes as they are high in fiber. The fiber slows down the body’s breakdown of carbohydrates and sugar absorption. They also have a greater satiety point, which keeps you fuller for longer and decreases your general calorie usage, making them a perfect replacement for carb-heavy treats.

See: Foods To Avoid With Diabetes

  • Shirataki Noodles.
    Shirataki noodles are known to be diabetic-friendly. You may have seen them widely featured in low-carb, gluten-free, and weight-loss programs. Research studies show that konjac in shirataki noodles minimizes blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

See: Bitter Melon & Diabetes Benefits and Side Effects

  • Cinnamon.
    Using cinnamon in your recipes can help you lower your A1C levels. Studies state that consuming simply one gram of the spice, in addition to taking other preventive measures, reduces HbA1C in patients with type 2 diabetes.

See: Broccoli Nutrition & Health Benefits Diabetes, Cancer, Heart

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
    All fats are not made equal. Extra virgin olive oil is known to minimize the occurrence of heart disease and cholesterol, conditions that are connected with diabetes. Whereas high-fat food can increase blood sugar levels, experts advise diabetics to get 25-30% of their daily calories from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated healthy fats. Extra virgin olive oil has primarily monounsaturated fatty acids and has been shown to reduce blood sugar. Furthermore, when combined with other foods, olive oil may decrease the conversion of starch to sugar.

See: Moringa Powder Benefits For Diabetes

Summary

Diabetes does not suggest that you can’t eat your favorite foods, but you need to monitor your blood glucose levels to remain safe. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you’ll be able to lower your A1c without hesitation. They can give your body the nourishment it needs so you can indulge a little every so often.



1. Rylander, C., Sandanger, T. M., Engeset, D., & Lund, E. (2014, Feburary 24). Consumption of lean fish reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A prospective population based cohort study of Norwegian women. PloS One, 9(2) http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0089845
2. Chen, M., Sun, Q., Giovannucci, E., Mozaffarian, D., Manson, J. E., Willett, W. C., & Hu, F. B. (2014, November 25). Dairy consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: 3 cohorts of US adults and an updated meta-analysis. BMC medicine, 12, 215 https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-014-0215-1
3. Diabetes diet, eating, & physical activity. (2016, November) https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity%20
4. Carbohydrate counting & diabetes. (2014, June) https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity/carbohydrate-counting
5. Glycemic index and diabetes. (2014, May 14) http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html
6. Thorup, A. C., Gregersen, S., & Jeppesen, P. B. (2015, February 10). Ancient wheat diet delays diabetes development in a type 2 diabetes animal model. The Review of Diabetic Studies: Journal of the Society for Biomedical Diabetes Research, 11(3), 245–257 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5397290/
7. Wolever, T. M. S. (2017, June 14). Yogurt is a low–glycemic index food. The Journal of Nutrition, 147(7), 1462S–1467S
https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/147/7/1462S/4743655
8. Hou, Q., Li, Y., Li, L., Cheng, G., Sun, X., Li, S., & Tian, H. (2015, December 10). The metabolic effects of oats intake in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 7(12), 10369–10387 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4690088/
9. Jenkins, D. J. A., Kendall, C. W. C., Augustin, L. S. A., Mitchell, S., Sahye-Pudaruth, S., Mejia, S. B., … Josse, R. G. (2012, November 26). Effect of legumes as part of a low glycemic index diet on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA Internal Medicine, 172(21), 1653–1660 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1384247
10. Afshin, A., Micha, R., Khatibzadeh, S., & Mozaffarian, D. (2014, July 1). Consumption of nuts and legumes and risk of incident ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(1), 278–288 https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/100/1/278/4576571%20
11. Muraki, I., Imamura, F., Manson, J. E., Hu, F. B., Willett, W. C., van Dam, R. M., & Sun, Q. (2013, September 28). Fruit consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: Results from three prospective longitudinal cohort studies. BMJ, 347 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3978819/
12. Ooi, C. P., & Loke, S. C. (2013, December 12). Sweet potato for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,9 https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009128.pub3/full
13. Kumar, R., Chhatwal, S., Arora, S., Sharma, S., Singh, J., Singh, N., … Khurana, A. (2013, January 19). Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory and adenosine deaminase–lowering effects of garlic in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with obesity. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 6, 49–56 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3554227/
14. Mohanraj, R., & Sivasankar, S. (2014, June). Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) – a valuable medicinal food: A review. Journal of Medicinal Food, 17(7), 733–741 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Remya_Mohanraj2/publication/263096030_Sweet_Potato_Ipomoea_batatas_L_Lam_-_A_Valuable_Medicinal_Food_A_Review/links/54ee2b8b0cf2e55866f22c1a.pdf
NOURISHDOC
THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING

Have a Question?