Even though type 1 diabetes is not preventable, it is still important to provide our bodies with plenty of nutrients. If someone is planning to focus on a plant-based diet, this is the right choice. Plant-based foods are a great source of nutrients.
These foods have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can boost our overall health and even help us manage our blood sugar levels. Also, they can improve our digestive, cardiovascular, and arterial health.
For those with type 2 diabetes, this plant-based diet could be a powerful weapon against the disease. Since lifestyle plays a huge role in the development of the disease, it is highly important that patients include a healthy diet to help control diabetes.
Here is how to implement a plant-based diet for healthy blood sugar levels.
Plant-Based Diet for Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Food is a simple form of medicine that can be beneficial for our health. Even if we do not have this particular disease, it is still important to consume core nutrients that can help us keep our blood sugar in check.
But, if diabetes runs in the family, it is even more important that we always lead a healthy life in order to avoid it. Despite popular belief, carbohydrates are not the main enemy.
Best Sources of Protein
Of course, animal foods are a great source of protein but are not the only ones. In fact, if we want to start a plant-based diet, we can still get the protein we need. In fact, foods like leafy greens, grains, legumes, beans, and plenty of other veggies contain plenty of proteins.
These proteins can be useful for treating type 2 diabetes. If we still need more sources of protein, nuts and seeds can do the trick. Foods like walnuts, chia seeds, almonds, flax, and hemp contain healthy amounts of protein.
That is why they can help boost heart health. If we want to go vegan, we can definitely rely on these foods. After all, plant-based proteins contain plenty of fiber, proteins, and less inflammatory properties than other foods.
That is why they can be a great addition to our diet.
Magnesium
This crucial mineral is responsible for countless tasks in the body. It has a powerful influence on blood glucose management, along with hosting enzymatic processes that can keep us healthy. Diets rich in caffeine, processed foods, and sugar, usually lack magnesium.
That is why it is important to implement plant-based foods in our diet, especially if we lack magnesium. The reason why magnesium is so important is that it can keep the blood sugar in check and calm the sugar cravings.
Also, it is a great source of energy that can boost our mood. Some people claim that plant-based foods can help us sleep better and treat headaches. Some of the best sources of magnesium are:
- Leafy greens;
- Seeds;
- Nuts;
- Root veggies;
- Cacao;
- Soy;
- Seaweed;
- Grains.
Chromium
This mineral is important for healthy insulin production. It keeps the sugar cravings in check and helps manage the blood sugar. That is why it is important for managing diabetes. But, this mineral is often missing from processed foods and diets rich in sugar.
If you need to implement more chromium in your diet, we suggest eating plenty of:
- Leafy greens;
- Broccoli;
- Seeds;
- Nuts;
- Green beans;
- Seaweed;
- Whole grains;
- Nutritional yeast;
- Cacao.
Of course, we can also find chromium in animal proteins, but if we want to go vegan, we highly suggest implementing these important plant-based foods in our diet.
Chlorophyll
This vitamin might not be the first mineral we consider, but it is a potent nutrient for our health. Chlorophyll reduces inflammation and cleanses the blood. That is why it can be useful for regulating blood sugar levels.
If we want to implement more of this nutrient in our diet, we suggest eating more:
- Spinach;
- Kale;
- Chard;
- Broccoli;
- Arugula;
- Avocado;
- Hemp;
- Pumpkin seeds;
- Cilantro;
- Parsley.
These foods can be great for cleansing the body and preventing dangerous diseases.
Fiber
We all need fiber to function properly. But, this important nutrient can also be used to manage blood sugar and prevent cardiovascular disease. Also, if we eat more foods rich in fiber, we will stay full for a longer time.
Plus, it can get rid of the toxic build-up and excess cholesterol. If we want to implement more fiber in our diet, we suggest eating more:
- Root veggies;
- Nuts;
- Beans;
- Seeds;
- Fruits;
- Unprocessed greens.
