What is the best food for diabetes patients?

Ayurvedic Doctor reveals 3 natural power foods for Diabetes Management. Read on!

Every year, about 2 million people hear the words, “You have diabetes.”

The monstrous disease brings along a troop of complications.

Diabetes can make every day a bitter challenge.

There is no permanent cure for this chronic ailment.

However, with proper Ayurvedic management, one can contain its impact.

Here is a clinical study that highlights the role of diet in diabetes management!

Diabetes Management: A Clinical Study

A few days back, Tejeshwar visited my clinic. A 57-year-old diabetic patient. He has been following my treatment since diagnosis.

It’s been more than a decade. Tejeshwar has successfully managed the symptoms and its cause. With proper treatment and care, he was able to regulate his blood glucose levels.

But of late, he reported high blood sugar levels.

His post-prandial glucose levels were more than 250 mg/dl. This was in spite of medications and a healthy walking regime. That’s what brought him back to my clinic.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Diabetes

This time Tejeshwar requested I not increase the dosage.

‘Sir, it’s difficult to remember these pills.’

He urged me to help him with home remedies and natural tips.

His colleague told him about diabetes management through diet. And the internet taught him about power foods. With this knowledge, he came to me seeking a natural remedy!

I checked his overall condition. Beating diabetes with diet is a famous concept in Ayurveda. Karela juice, Neem curry, and cinnamon Ayurveda are treasure houses of anti-diabetes foods.

Similarly, here are 3 more powerful foods for diabetes management.

3 Power foods for Diabetes Management

Managing diabetes with diet and exercise is the best approach. Ayurveda has always emphasized the medicinal value of foods. And now researchers too are agreeing to this!

I suggested Tejashwar 3 following superfoods –

1. Sprouted methi

Sprouted methi is a great superfood. It offers a plethora of health benefits. But its role in the management of diabetes has gained huge popularity. Clinical evidence established its efficiency in preventing and controlling diabetes. 

Methi seeds are rich in fiber. It contains chemicals that slow digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and sugar. The seeds also boost the body’s sugar use and increase the amount of insulin released.

Besides this, sprouted methi also has an unusual amino acid. The amino acid shows anti-diabetic properties. It enhances insulin secretion under hyperglycaemic conditions and increases insulin sensitivity.

How to consume?

Soak the fenugreek seeds in water and cover the jar with a cloth. Keep the seeds still until tiny green shoots appear. Add the sprouted fenugreek seeds to any kind of salad.

Sprouted methi (fenugreek) can have the following health benefits:

1. Low Glycemic Index: Fenugreek has a low glycemic index, making it a good option for people with diabetes who need to monitor their carbohydrate intake.
   
2. Fiber: Fenugreek is a good source of fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.
   
3. Lowers Blood Sugar: Fenugreek has been shown to have antidiabetic effects, including reducing fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels.
   
4. Antioxidants: Fenugreek is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress, a contributing factor in the development of diabetes and related complications.
   
5. Supports Cardiovascular Health: Fenugreek has been shown to improve lipid profiles, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, a common complication of diabetes.
   

2. Okra-soaked water

Okra water is another amazing superfood for diabetes management.

Scientific studies have confirmed the anti-diabetic properties of Okra. Drinking Okra soaked water can decrease blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. 

This superfood boosts digestion and cuts hunger pangs. Moreover, the superior insoluble fiber contained in okra helps stabilize blood glucose. Increased dietary fiber in Okra promotes better glycemic control and improve insulin sensitivity.

In addition, Okra exerts antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Thus, it can prevent damage to pancreatic tissues.

How to consume?

• Cut the okra into pieces and soak them in water overnight.
• Drink the water the next morning.

Soaking okra in water can have the following health benefits for people with diabetes:

1. Low Glycemic Index: Okra has a low glycemic index, which means it doesn’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people with diabetes.
   
2. Fiber: Okra is a good source of fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.
   
3. Antioxidants: Okra is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress, a contributing factor in the development of diabetes and related complications.
   
4. Reduces Inflammation: Okra has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
   
5. Regulates Blood Pressure: Okra is a good source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, a common complication of diabetes.
   

It’s important to note that while drinking okra-soaked water can provide health benefits, it should not replace other diabetes management strategies such as proper diet and exercise, and medications as prescribed by a doctor.

3. Cauliflower fried rice

Researchers say Cauliflower rice is the world’s healthiest rice. Low in carbs and high in fiber. Cauliflower fried rice is a great replacement for normal rice.

How to consume?

It is rich in nutrition and simple to make!

• Cut the cauliflower into pieces.
• Place it in the food processor using the grating attachment.
• Pour olive oil into a hot pan
• After that, add ground cauliflower rice and let it cook.

Cauliflower rice can have the following health benefits for people with diabetes:

1. Low Carbohydrates: Cauliflower rice has fewer carbohydrates than the traditional rice, making it a good option for people with diabetes who need to monitor their carbohydrate intake.
   
2. High Fiber: Cauliflower is high in fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.
   
3. Low Glycemic Index: Cauliflower has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
   
4. Antioxidants: Cauliflower is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress, a contributing factor in the development of diabetes and related complications.
   
5. Weight Management: Cauliflower is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help support weight management for people with diabetes.
   

It’s important to note that while cauliflower rice can be a nutritious alternative to traditional rice, it’s still important for people with diabetes to monitor portion sizes and balance it with other nutrient-dense foods as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Tejeshwar has followed this diet for one month. And exactly after 30 days, he came back to my clinic. His postprandial glucose was marked at 130mg /dl. He thanked me for introducing him to this diabetic diet. He could control his blood glucose.

In conclusion, an anti-diabetic diet is one of the best natural ways of diabetes management. More doctors should talk about it and emphasize the role of diet in diabetes. Even modern courses in diabetes management should focus on the diet!