Try incorporating these 8 foods into your diet to regulate blood sugar and help prevent heart disease and other diabetes-related health complications.
1. Whole Grains
Whole grains like oats, brown rice, buckwheat, and farro are filling dietary staples for boosting heart health. They provide tons of fiber and will give you the energy to keep you going all day. However, be sure to limit the amount of processed grains you eat, as those commonly contain added sugar. Eating oats in the morning, for example, is a great switch from sugary cereal.
2. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens including kale, spinach, and chard are the source of an abundance of vitamins and nutrients. These versatile vegetables can be added to soups, salads, or smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition.
3. Beans
Beans are an excellent source of fiber, as we all know, and recently that have been proven to be wonderful for blood sugar control and lower blood pressure in diabetics. Beans and legumes are a great source of lean protein and are a good vegetarian substitute in meat dishes.
4. Flax Seeds
These little seeds are an outstanding source of lignans, an antioxidant that research has shown to protect against heart disease. Flaxseeds can help reduce LDL cholesterol in diabetics who supplement a few tablespoons of flaxseeds into their diet each day.
5. Avocados
Avocados are an extremely heart-healthy food. They contain monounsaturated fat, which can improve cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. Avocados have a high fat to carb ratio and can be added to a variety of dishes for some added plant-based flavor and creaminess.
6. Nuts
Nuts are an incredible source of healthy fats and protein. They can be eaten on the go as a healthy snack, or tossed into a salad for an added crunch. Either way, they are a great way to help decrease blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Walnuts are especially good for you and have been shown to lower inflammation and boost brain health.
7. Melons
Melons are a wonderful option for a sweet treat. They are low in saturated fat and high in antioxidants and vitamins to protect eye health. Add them into smoothies or just eat them on their own as a dessert.
8. Garlic
This fragrant vegetable has been used as a natural medicine for thousands of years. Over the years, garlic has been shown to have many proven health benefits including lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and may even prevent certain types of cancer. Garlic can add fantastic flavor to any dish.
Special thanks to Haley Schryver for writing this article.
