Different conditions like prediabetes and diabetes are known to affect the human body by causing a significant increase in blood sugar level.
Although there are various ways to lower and maintain normal blood sugar levels such as checking body weight and everyday activities, consuming a healthy and adequate diet has proven beyond all odds to be extremely important for regulation and control of sugar in the blood.
Particular food items must be included in our diet in order to optimize blood sugar control and promote overall health.
Check out a few of the amazing food items that can help to regulate sugar in the blood.
- Broccoli
Broccoli contains sulforaphane (a type of isothiocyanate that has blood sugar-reducing properties) and it is produced when broccoli is chewed or even chopped because of a reaction between glucoraphanin (a glucosinolate compound) and an enzyme called myrosinase, both of which are of high concentration in broccoli.
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- Seafood
Seafood such as fish, salmon and shellfish are a rich and valuable source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants which can assist in blood sugar control.
- Okra
The main polysaccharide in okra called rhamnogalacturonan is a strong antidiabetic compound. In addition, okra contains some flavonoids (isoquercitrin and quercetin 3-0-gentiobioside) that help to lower sugar in the blood by inhibiting some particular enzymes.
- Lentils and beans
They are very high in soluble fibers and resistant starch which unlocks slowing down digestion and improving blood sugar response after consumption.
- Avocados
Among its many significant benefits, avocados regulate blood sugar when added to meals. They contain healthy fats, vitamins, fiber and minerals that make this possible.
- Citrus fruit
Citrus fruits are identified as ‘low glycemic fruits’ due to the fact that they do not affect blood sugar as much as other fruits like pineapple and watermelon. Consuming a whole citrus fruit has been said to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce HbA1c and also protect against the occurrence of diabetes.
Eggs and apples also contain nutrients and compounds that assist in protecting against diabetes and lowering high sugar level in the blood.