Diabetes diet management is crucial for patients with diabetes. Understanding the correct knowledge of diabetes diet is the key to controlling blood sugar, preventing complications, and improving the quality of life.
Diabetes diet one: low sugar
Suitable low-sugar foods
Fruits: Apples, grapefruits, strawberries, citrus fruits not only have relatively low sugar content, but are also rich in vitamins and fiber. For example, the pectin in apples can delay the absorption of glucose by the intestines, which helps stabilize blood sugar; grapefruit contains ingredients such as naringin, which has a certain blood sugar-lowering effect.
Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, lettuce, carrots and other vegetables are low-sugar and nutritious choices. Spinach is rich in nutrients such as iron, vitamin A and folic acid; broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber; lettuce is rich in vitamin B and minerals; carrots contain beneficial ingredients such as carotene.
Beans: Beans such as black beans, red beans, and mung beans are rich in dietary fiber and high-quality protein, which have a positive effect on controlling blood sugar. The anthocyanins in black beans have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; red beans can provide a sense of fullness and help regulate blood sugar; mung beans have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, and their glycemic index is low.
Whole grains: Whole grains such as oats, corn, and sweet potatoes are good sources of low-sugar foods. Oats are rich in beta-glucan, which can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels; corn contains dietary fiber and multiple vitamins; sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber and vitamin A, and have a low glycemic index.
High-sugar foods to avoid
Foods such as white sugar, brown sugar, cakes, ice cream, cheese, chocolate, honey, toffee, cola, candied fruit, jam, etc. contain a lot of sugar and will quickly increase blood sugar. Diabetic patients should try to avoid eating them.
Diabetes diet 2: low salt
Control your salt intake
Diabetic patients should strictly control their salt intake, and the daily sodium intake should be less than 5g. Excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and is not good for the health of diabetic patients.
Suitable low-salt foods
Fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meat, fish, etc. are good choices for low-salt foods. These foods are rich in nutrients and beneficial to blood pressure control. Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure; lean meat and fish are sources of high-quality protein and are low in fat.
High-salt foods to avoid
Pickled foods such as pickles, salted fish, salted meat, pickled mustard greens, pickled cabbage, and high-salt condiments such as yellow bean paste, sweet bean paste, and soy sauce should be avoided as much as possible. These foods contain a lot of sodium, which can increase blood pressure and aggravate the condition of diabetic patients.
Diabetes diet 3: low fat
Control fat intake
Diabetic patients should pay attention to controlling their fat intake. Fat energy should account for 20% – 30% of total energy, and saturated fatty acid intake should not exceed 7% of total dietary energy. Excessive fat intake can lead to weight gain, aggravate insulin resistance, and thus affect blood sugar control.
Appropriate low-fat foods
Low-fat meats such as beef, lean pork, and fish are good sources of high-quality protein with low fat content. Healthy oils such as flaxseed oil are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol levels. In addition, dark-colored vegetables and crude fiber vegetables are rich in dietary fiber and various nutrients, which are good for your health.
High-fat foods to avoid
Animal offal, butter, mutton, lard, fatty meat and other high-fat foods rich in cholesterol should be eaten as little as possible. These foods will increase the cholesterol level in the blood and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes diet 4:high-fiber
Benefits of high-fiber foods
High-fiber foods can help diabetic patients control blood sugar and reduce blood sugar fluctuations. Fiber can delay the digestion and absorption of food, slow down the rise of blood sugar, and increase satiety and reduce food intake.
Suitable high-fiber foods
The skin of cereals, the stems and leaves of vegetables, and the skin of fruits are all rich in fiber. For example, whole-wheat bread retains the skin of cereals and is rich in dietary fiber; the stems and leaves of vegetables such as celery, broccoli, and spinach have a high fiber content; and eating fruits such as apples, pears, and oranges with the skin can increase fiber intake.
Seaweed foods such as laver, kelp, and sea lettuce are rich in soluble fiber, which is beneficial for postprandial blood sugar control. In addition, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are also good sources of fiber for diabetic patients.
Low-fiber foods to avoid
Fried foods, cakes and other foods that are high in oil, fat and low in fiber are not suitable for diabetic patients. These foods can cause weight gain, increase blood sugar and worsen the condition.