4 Best Foods for Diabetic Patients

Are you a diabetic patient planning to incorporate healthier food choices into your daily life? Do you want to learn more about dietary balance for an individual with diabetes? Then you have come to the right place. Diabetes alone was the cause of death of around 1.5 million people worldwide in 2019. Thus, to assist you in following the correct nutritional regimen for your bodily needs, we have compiled a list of the four best foods for diabetic patients. Let’s dive in!

1. Green, leafy vegetables

Green, leafy vegetables are nutritious and rich sources of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C. Their low digestibility in carbs means they only have minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Moreover, they contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, which are helpful for diabetic patients.

Thus, green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, collard greens, cabbage, and kale may be beneficial if you have diabetes. They can be consumed as salads, soups, side dishes, etc.

2. Fatty Fish

People with diabetes are more prone to heart disease and stroke. The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA in fatty fish have immense benefits for heart health. Thus, making it a suitable eating choice. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats can help regulate blood sugar control and blood lipids.

The following fish are rich sources of fatty acids:

• Salmon
• Trout
• Mackerel
• Herring
• Sardines

3. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds contain high antioxidant and omega-3 contents. They are also rich sources of plant-based protein and fiber. Therefore, they can help lower blood sugar levels by reducing the speed at which food is absorbed by the body.

Moreover, fiber is also helpful in weight control by reducing hunger and making the individual feel nourished. Research in 2017 revealed weight loss in 77 overweight adults simply by incorporating chia seeds into their diet. That was especially true for people with type 2 diabetes.

4. Greek Yogurt

There are numerous benefits of eating Greek yogurt for diabetic patients. It promotes weight loss and helps in maintaining healthy body composition. That is because it contains fat known as conjugated linoleic acid, which helps make the individual feel well-fed for long periods.

Moreover, it is also rich in protein which assists in weight loss by reducing appetite. That minimizes calorie intake. It essentially helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which is your ultimate goal as someone with diabetes.

Conclusion

It is worthy of noting that weight loss, although a sensitive issue, can be important for diabetic patients. Precaution is necessary for them owing to their predisposition to complications such as heart disease and stroke. However, you need not worry. Making small changes in your dietary habits one step at a time can be extremely rewarding and help you reap the benefits of a healthier body and high-quality life!