Amazing Antidiabetic Foods That Will Change Your Life

Antidiabetic foods,It’s not uncommon for people to experience major fluctuations in their blood sugar levels due to spikes and drops in the amount of carbs they consume, as well as how much insulin their bodies produce after eating specific types of food. If you’re someone who wants to keep your blood sugar levels balanced while still being able to enjoy healthy meals and snacks, then you’re going to want to learn about these seven amazing antidiabetic foods that will change your life.

1) Berries

Berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, which is why they’re great at controlling blood sugar levels. Berries are also low on the glycemic index (GI) scale, which measures how quickly a food releases sugar into your bloodstream.

Typically, foods that have a high GI will leave you hungry again soon after eating them. Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are all good examples of antidiabetic foods to incorporate into your diet. These delicious berries can be enjoyed as a tasty snack or in main dishes like smoothies, salad or oatmeal. Just make sure to take in reasonable portions; too many of these guys can cause diarrhea!

2) Beans

Legumes are a top choice for antidiabetic foods. These foods are packed with fiber, protein and nutrients that will help keep your blood sugar levels in check. In addition, beans can be used to make pasta-like dishes as well as soups. Adding beans to your daily diet is also a good way to get more protein into your meals; there’s about 15 grams of protein per cup of cooked lentils and black beans. One study even found that eating a bowl of lentil soup after dinner lowered glucose levels significantly more than eating some low-fat yogurt (1).

3) Soy Products

Soy is extremely effective at reducing your risk of diabetes, thanks to its isoflavones. Research shows that soy can slow down and even stop type 1 diabetes from developing. Isoflavones lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. When it comes to eating soy, research shows that fermented products have a stronger effect than non-fermented products (i.e., tofu versus tempeh).

One 2011 study showed that women who ate about 25 grams of soy per day had lower fasting glucose levels and higher insulin sensitivity after 10 weeks compared to women who didn’t eat soy (besides fish and vegetables). To incorporate more fermented soy in your diet, incorporate foods like tempeh into your diet on a daily basis.

4) Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an excellent source of medium-chain triglycerides, which help your body burn fat instead of storing it. Coconut oil is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that’s especially effective in people with diabetes. Studies show that a diet rich in coconut oil can help control blood sugar and keep blood pressure levels low.

Add 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to smoothies, stir fries, or vegetable soups; sauté vegetables in coconut oil; or use as an alternative cooking oil (about 100 calories per tablespoon). Always purchase organic virgin coconut oil and avoid refined varieties (e.g., liquid) that have been stripped of their nutrients.

5) Whole Grains

There’s a reason why whole grains are an important part of any diabetes diet. Whole grains, like barley and brown rice, contain loads of fiber and help to stabilize your blood sugar levels. In fact, research from Tufts University shows that people who eat whole grain are 49% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t. Opt for items such as brown rice instead of white rice, or wheat bread instead of white bread—both have significantly more nutrients than their refined counterparts.

6) Lentils

A type of bean, lentils are high in fiber and protein. They’re also a low-calorie food—1 cup cooked lentils has just 230 calories. This legume is rich in vitamin C, K and folate; it’s also a good source of iron and copper. Add lentils to your diet for heart health and for weight loss. They can be added to any meal or used in casseroles, soups, salads or on their own with some seasoning. You can even make your own vegan meatballs with lentils!

7) Fruit Juice

It’s no secret that consuming a lot of sugar can wreak havoc on your health, especially when it comes to your blood sugar levels. When you drink fruit juice, however, you’re getting all of these benefits in liquid form and there’s no added sugar and that makes all of the difference in how your body responds to what you’re eating.

What many people don’t realize is that fruit juices contain dietary fiber, which slows down digestion, helping keep glucose levels stable. And when it comes to weight loss, high-fiber foods are essential because they fill you up without providing too many calories. Consuming fiber can also aid in lowering cholesterol and reducing some risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes.