8 Diabetes-Friendly Foods

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Non-Starchy Vegetables

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Since diabetics are at risk of uncontrolled high blood sugar levels, a balanced diet is essential for managing this disease. Diabetics should consume foods that help lower blood sugar. Non-starchy vegetables help keep blood sugar levels stable, are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and satisfy people's appetite. Diabetics can enjoy non-starchy vegetables in almost any amount because they contain very few calories and carbohydrates.

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Some tasty non-starchy vegetables that diabetics can start to incorporate into their diet include alfalfa sprouts, artichokes and artichoke hearts, asparagus, bean sprouts, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes, and zucchini. Non-starchy vegetables, such as the ones on this list, are better for diabetes than starchy vegetables, which cause a spike in the blood sugar and creates cravings for sugary foods.

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Cinnamon

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Cinnamon contains methyl hydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP), a substance that helps the body remove glucose. Taking only one to six grams of cinnamon every day can help reduce glucose levels by up to twenty-nine percent. Cinnamon also has numerous other health benefits. Regular intake of cinnamon is known to help lower cholesterol and thus reduce the risk of heart disease. Cinnamon also has antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammation effects, which help boost the immune system and protect against various diseases. Cinnamon is even thought to help boost brain function and defend against degenerative neural conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Cinnamon can be particularly helpful for women during menstruation because of its anticoagulant and analgesic effects. Cinnamon can help reduce cramping and pain experienced during menstruation as well as help reduce the severity of blood flow. It is important to be careful not to overconsume cinnamon because its active ingredient, coumarin, can cause serious damage to your liver. Some experts recommend two to four grams of cinnamon powder per day.

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Non-Starchy Vegetables

Cinnamon

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