Selecting the Best Vegetables for Type 2 Diabetes

Selecting the Best Vegetables for Type 2 Diabetes
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Diabetes Diet

Knowledge of what to eat and what to avoid helps a diabetic plan his dietary regimen. It is essential for a diabetic to take care of his food intake because anything that can cause blood sugar levels to rise can be devastating. Consuming a regulated amount of carbohydrates, low calorie food is important for diabetics. When deciding a menu, a diabetic should know which are the best vegetables for type 2 diabetes. Vegetables rich in nutrients and fiber must be a part of a diabetic’s routine menu. High fiber foods are digested slowly, thus do not threaten to raise the blood glucose levels in the body. Less oily, non-greasy, low carb and easy digestible foods are useful for a diabetic’s health.

Best Vegetables

Green vegetables are useful for all and one irrespective of age. Vegetables play a vital role in determining the diet of type 2 diabetics. Green leafy vegetables have nutritional value, which in turn provides necessary strength to fight many diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

Fiber-Rich Vegetables

Type 2 diabetics must choose vegetables that contain low amounts of carbohydrates. Spinach, green beans, carrots, celery, tomatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers, chilies, eggplant, zucchini, lettuce, cauliflower, turnips, soybean sprouts, mushrooms, broccoli and radishes are advised by dietitians as the best vegetables for people with type 2 diabetes.

Salads

Consume vegetables in the form of salads. Chopped onions and garlic mixed with vinegar or lemon juice are helpful for type 2 diabetes. Sprinkle and change the flavor of your vegetables with herbs, peppers and spices. Use canola and olive oil for some amount of fat.

Importance of Vegetables

By consuming green and fibrous vegetables, you can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. According to a research published in the British Medical Journal, green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage, cucumbers, onion, okra, spinach and broccoli, significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Importance of a Fiber-Rich Diet

Fiber is very important for a diabetic. A diabetic person should consume vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts in his diet because fiber slows down digestion and controls blood glucose. Fiber also keeps the cholesterol production limited due to its capacity to absorb bile acid. Vegetables are low in fat and rich in minerals and vitamins. Diabetics should select their vegetables which are low in sugar. Carrots and beans have a great amount of soluble fiber. A diabetic should eat no less than five parts of fruits and vegetables per day.

Vegetables Diabetics Should Avoid

Diabetics should avoid eating vegetables that are rich in sugar, such as broad beans, Swede, potatoes, parsnip, yam, corn, peas and sweet potatoes.

Bottom Line

A diabetic should check his blood sugar routinely because inadequate insulin increases the amount of blood glucose. Diabetics should eat fresh or frozen vegetables and drink low-sodium vegetable juices, which would keep blood glucose levels in check. The best vegetables for type 2 diabetes keep the sugar levels under control.

Exercise is as important for diabetics as diet, because daily workouts, such as cycling, walking and swimming, are useful in reducing your blood glucose, calories and weight. Regular physical workouts and a balanced diet are two of the best ways to help control diabetes, heart problems and dementia.

References

1. Green leafy vegetables reduce diabetes risk: https://www.physorg.com/news201461765.html

2. Eating Right With Diabetes: https://www.diabeteslibrary.org/View.aspx?url=Diabetes_Healthy_Diet

3. Non-starchy Vegetables: https://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/non-starchy-vegetables.html

4. Green Leafy Vegetables Reduce Diabetes Risk, Study Finds: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100819214607.htm