Figuring out the best foods to eat when you have diabetes can be tough.That is because your main goal should be controlling your blood sugar levels.However, it is also important to eat foods that help prevent diabetes complications like heart disease.Your diet can have a major role in preventing and managing diabetes.
Here are some best foods for people living with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2.
Fatty Fish
Some people consider fatty fish to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet.
Salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies and mackerel are great sources of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which have major benefits for heart health.
Getting enough of these fats on a regular basis is especially important for people with diabetes, who have an increased risk for heart disease and stroke
Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables are rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, as well as antioxidants that protect your heart and eye health.Leafy green vegetables are extremely nutritious and low in calories.
They are also very low in digestible carbs, or carbs absorbed by the body, so they will not significantly affect blood sugar levels.
Spinach, kale and other leafy greens are good sources of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C.
Some evidence suggestsTrusted Source that people with diabetes have lower vitamin C levels than people without diabetes and may have greater vitamin C requirements.
Vitamin C acts as a potent antioxidant and also has anti-inflammatory qualities.
Avocados
Avocados have less than 1 gram of sugar, few carbohydrates, a high fiber content, and healthy fats, so you do not have to worry about them raising your blood sugar levels.
Avocado consumption is also associated with improved overall diet quality and significantly lower body weight and body mass index (BMI).
This makes them an ideal snack for people with diabetes, especially since obesity increases your chances for developing diabetes.
Avocados may have properties specific to preventing diabetes.
Eggs
Eggs provide amazing health benefits.
In fact, they are one of the best foods for keeping you full and satisfied in between meals.Eggs may improve risk factors for heart disease, promote good blood sugar management, protect eye health, and keep you feeling full.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a wonderful food for people with diabetes.
They are extremely high in fiber, yet low in digestible carbs.
In fact, 11 of the 12 grams of carbs in a 28-gram (1-ounce) serving of chia seeds are fiber, which does not raise blood sugar.
The viscous fiber in chia seeds can actually lower your blood sugar levels by slowing down the rate at which food moves through your gut and is absorbed.
Beans
Beans are cheap, nutritious, and super healthy.
Beans are a type of legume rich in B vitamins, beneficial minerals (calcium, potassium, and magnesium), and fiber.
They also have a very low glycemic index, which is important for managing diabetes.
Beans may also help prevent diabetes.