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Healthy, Science-Backed Foods That Can Help With Diabetes
A Few Berries Can Go A Long Way
Whether you prefer strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, all help to combat diabetes. In the journal Obesity, researchers from the Illinois Institute of Technology stated that berries benefit insulin resistance. In particular, those who ate two cups of raspberries a day had lower glucose concentrations.
Even a small amount of berries can help reduce the risk of diabetes. In a Chinese study, those who ate 17 grams of berries had a 5% drop in their risk of type 2 diabetes. That's equal to 13 blueberries, nine raspberries, two blackberries, and one large strawberry.
Peanut Butter Can Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes Later On
Natural peanut butter is a low glycemic food, and it's quite filling. Registered dietitian Erin Spitzberg recommends peanut butter because it "will slow digestion and keep you full a little longer." The gradual digestion will also prevent blood sugar spikes later in the morning.
During a pilot study in 2018, adults who ate two tablespoons of peanut butter with white bread and apple juice experienced a less extreme blood sugar spike. However, Spitzberg recommends spreading peanut butter over your favorite whole grain toast or oatmeal.
For Healthy Fats, Cook With Olive Oil
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Although olive oil has a lot of calories, it reduces cholesterol more effectively than other types of fats. Olive oil contains healthy fats that regulate the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. During a 2015 study, researchers from Sapienza University in Rome discovered that olive oil reduces the harmful cholesterol, LDL.
Credit goes to olive oil's antioxidants, called polyphenols. According to the journal Cardiovascular Diabetology, these antioxidants lower inflammation and protect your blood cells. This way, olive oil may help regulate blood pressure.
What About Whole Grains?
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Although some diabetic diets discourage bread, you don't have to cut out grains. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating whole grains if you have diabetes. Scientists from Chalmers University say that "there hasn't been a single study which has shown negative health effects" of whole grains on diabetes.
In 2018, these same researchers found that whole wheat reduces the risk of diabetes. Those who ate 50 grams a day (one bowl of cereal or one slice of bread) had a 22% - 34% lower chance of developing diabetes. So don't be afraid of whole-grain bread.
