The 5 Best Foods to Help Regulate Your Blood Sugar Levels

Individuals with prediabetes or diabetes need to eat a healthy, balanced diet that will help regulate their blood sugar levels within the body to avoid adverse health effects.

Individuals with prediabetes or diabetes need to eat a healthy, balanced diet that will help regulate their blood sugar levels within the body to avoid adverse health effects. There are other factors such as weight, activity, stress, and family history that play a role in blood sugar management, but following a balanced diet is necessary for blood sugar regulation. Some foods that are high in added sugar and refined carbs can add to a blood sugar rise while others can lower blood sugar levels and promote overall better health.

According to Healthline Media, here are the five best foods that will help you lower your blood sugar levels.

Berries

Foods like blueberries are high in fiber and antioxidants. This will help lower blood sugar and inflammation within the body. One study found that strawberries helped reduce diabetes complications such as kidney disease and nerve damage.

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios can be an effective way to help regulate blood sugar levels. A study with 25 individuals with type 2 diabetes who consumed peanuts and almonds during the day as part of their low carb diet saw lower post-meal blood sugar levels.

Seafood

Seafood such as fish and shellfish provide protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help regulate blood sugar levels. Proteins are important for blood sugar control because it helps slow down digestions, which prevents post-meal blood sugar surges. It can also help eliminate overeating and promote excess body fat loss, two essential aspects for healthy blood sugar levels.

Beans and lentils

These are rich in magnesium, fiber, and protein, all that can help lower blood sugar. Beans and lentils are also high in soluble fiber and resistant starch, which slows down digestions and helps against post-meal blood sugar spikes. Eating beans and lentils can not only benefit blood sugar regulations, but it can also help against the development of diabetes.

Kale

Kale is known as a “superfood” because it is packed with substances that can help lower blood sugar levels such as fiber and flavonoids antioxidants. A study including 42 Japanese adults showed that eating 7 to 14 grams of kale-containing foods matched with a high carb meal can lower post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Following a well-balanced and healthy eating plan is important for optimal blood sugar control. Whether you have prediabetes, diabetes, or want to lower your blood glucose levels, including the food items listed above can help jumpstart your nutrition goals. It is important to talk to your Primary Care Provider and Registered Dietician to begin making your personalized meal plan

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