Are you suffering from diabetes? It must be very difficult to manage your blood sugar level to avoid further health complications.
It is a well-known fact that the food that you eat has the power to heal. If you eat the right kind of food then it can help you manage this problem in the long run.
Here are certain rules that every diabetic patient must follow.
1. Don’t fall for the so-called diabetic food
With more and more people becoming diabetic, the market has started to overflow with food options that label themselves as diabetic-friendly.
However, there is no proof that these food items are genuinely fit for our health or not. Whether these foods have more health benefits than eating healthy or not.
In reality, they might hold as many calories as any other packaged food, which can affect your blood sugar levels.
2. Choose whole foods over supplements
No one knows if the minerals and vitamin supplements can help you manage diabetes.
Therefore, take supplements only if your doctor recommends them. Do not start taking them on your own.
It’s rather best to get your vital nutrients from foods as supplements can affect your metabolism and make diabetes complex.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a very good option. Fruits contain vitamins, minerals and fibre.
But if you think that fruits have sugar and should be avoided then you are wrong. Whole fruits are good for everyone, even for diabetics.
It consists of natural sugar which does not harm the body. Consume whole fruits instead of fruit juices.
4. Have healthy fats
Since fat gives us energy so it is equally important to consume in order to stay healthy.
But be careful – different types of fat affect our health in different ways.
Eat food that contains healthy fats such as unsalted nuts, seeds, avocados, oily fish, olive oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.
Saturated fats found in red and processed meats, ghee, butter, lard, cakes, pies, biscuits and pastries can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
5. Eat less salt
Adding too much salt to your food can increase your risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
And when you are suffering from diabetes, you are even more at risk of all these conditions.
6. Eat less processed and red meat
Red and processed meat like ham, bacon, sausages, lamb and beef can increase your risk of heart problems and cancers.
Instead eat pulses, eggs, fish, poultry and unsalted nuts. These items are rich in fibre and do not affect your blood glucose levels too much.
Moreover, you can also consume salmon and mackerel. These are rich in omega-3 oil, which helps protect your heart.