Many conventional diabetes diets rely on meat or grains as the major calorie source. However, these strategies have serious drawbacks. High-nutrient, low glycemic load (GL) foods are the optimal foods for diabetics. And these foods also help to prevent diabetes in the first place.
1. Green Vegetables Nutrient-dense green vegetables
leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and other green vegetables – are the most important foods to focus on for diabetes prevention and reversal. You can also use some of the best glucose meter to check your sugar level Higher green vegetables
consumption is associated with lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and among diabetics, higher green vegetable intake is associated with lower HbA1c levels. A recent meta-analysis found that greater leafy green intake was associated with a 14% decrease in risk of type 2 diabetes. One study reported that each daily serving of leafy greens produces a 9% decrease in risk.
2. Non-Starchy Vegetables Non-green, non-starchy vegetables,
like mushrooms, onions, garlic, eggplant, peppers, etc. are essential components of a diabetes prevention (or reversal) diet. These foods have almost nonexistent effects on blood glucose and have tons of fiber and phytochemicals.
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3. Beans Lentils, beans, and other legumes are the ideal carbohydrate source.
They’re low in glycemic load due to their moderate protein and abundant fiber and resistant starch, carbohydrates that are not broken down in the small intestine. This reduces the amount of calories from the beans; plus, resistant starch goes through fermentation by bacteria in the colon, forming products that protect against colon cancer. Accordingly, bean and legume consumption is associated with reduced risk of both diabetes and colon cancer.
4. Nuts and Seeds Low in glycemic load,
nuts and seeds promote weight loss, and have anti-inflammatory effects that may prevent the development of insulin resistance. The Nurses’ Health Study found a 27% reduced risk of diabetes in nurses who ate five or more servings of nuts per week. Among nurses who already had diabetes, this same quantity reduced the risk of heart disease by 47%.
5. Fresh Fruit Rich in fiber and antioxidants,
fruits are a nutrient-dense choice for satisfying sweet cravings. Eating three servings of fresh fruit each day is associated with an 18% decrease in risk of diabetes.5 For those who are already diabetic, I recommend sticking to low sugar fruits like berries, kiwi, oranges, and melon to minimize glycemic effects.
