4 great ways to benefit your heart and blood sugar
Change can be hard, and taking the first step the biggest challenge of all, but the health and lifestyle benefits will be worth it both in the short and long term.
Fruits, with their natural sweetness and vibrant flavours, are a delightful addition to any diet, even for those managing diabetes. The key lies in making informed choices that align with your health goals, ensuring that these treats contribute to your well-being rather than posing challenges. Let’s understand how fruits feature in a diabetes diet.
When it comes to choosing fruits, being mindful of their carbohydrate content and glycemic index can make a world of difference. Opt for fruits that are low in carbohydrates, have a low glycaemic index, or boast abundant fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Fibre is a formidable ally, not only keeping you satiated but also aiding digestion and blood sugar control. Meanwhile, vitamins and minerals play a pivotal role in glucose metabolism.
Among the roster of fruit options that can harmonise with diabetes management, consider including:
- Berries: Bursting with antioxidants and fibre, berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are a flavourful choice that supports stable blood sugar levels.
- Peaches: These juicy gems bring a medley of vitamins and minerals to the table while offering a satisfying natural sweetness.
- Apples: With their fibre-rich content and crisp bite, apples make for an excellent snack that doesn't lead to rapid blood sugar spikes.
- Oranges: High in vitamin C and fibre, oranges are not only refreshing but also contribute positively to glucose management.
- Kiwis: Packing a punch of vitamin C, fibre, and potassium, kiwis are a vibrant addition to your fruit repertoire.
As with any culinary indulgence, moderation is the compass. Even though fruits offer an array of health benefits, excessive consumption can tip the balance. This holds true for individuals managing diabetes as well as for the general population.
Here are some guiding principles for incorporating fruits into your diet while managing diabetes:
- Do Choose Whole Fruits: Opt for whole, unprocessed fruits to ensure you're getting the full spectrum of nutrients without added sugars.
- Don't Succumb to Processed Fruits: Avoid processed variants laden with added sugars, fruit syrups, or fruit juices that can spike blood sugar levels.
- Do portion control: Keep carb intake in check by adhering to portion control, aiming for no more than 15 grams of carbs per serving.
While integrating fruits smartly into your diet for diabetes can certainly help manage sugar cravings and support your diabetes management efforts, it's important to remember that weight management is a one of the cornerstones of diabetes care. Excess weight can exacerbate the risk of diabetes complications, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach. Therefore, your approach needs to include solutions for both - diet and exercise.
If you're navigating diabetes with the additional challenge of weight management, explore newer possibilities available in diabetes care. These possibilities, in tandem with mindful dietary choices and active lifestyles, can pave the way to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Together let’s lower the weight of diabetes
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