Blood sugar refers to the glucose in our bloodstream, which is an important source of energy for the human body, providing power for the normal functioning of various organs in our body. Since blood is distributed throughout the body, the normality of blood sugar is crucial, as both high and low levels can impact people’s health. In our country, the normal range for blood sugar in adults is 3.9-6.1 mmol/L. It is essential to pay attention if the levels exceed this range and to promptly control blood sugar; otherwise, it can lead to persistently high blood sugar levels and even diabetes.
So, how can individuals with high blood sugar control it? Apart from adequate exercise, dietary adjustments can also be beneficial. These few food items are natural “insulin” hidden around us. People with high blood sugar can stabilize or even reduce their blood sugar levels by consuming a small amount of these foods daily. Here are some examples:
1. Wax gourd
Wax gourd contains tartrate acid and Momordica saponin, which can effectively inhibit the conversion of sugars to fat in the body, particularly beneficial for obese middle-aged and elderly Type 2 diabetics. Furthermore, wax gourd is a high-potassium, low-sodium vegetable with low sugar content, exerting minimal impact on blood sugar.
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a well-known food. Despite its sweetness, it is different from regular sugars as it contains pectin, serving as a natural “insulin.” Consuming pumpkin helps cleanse the intestines and subtly lowers blood sugar levels. It is an ideal food for individuals with high blood sugar.
3. Kelp
Kelp is rich in nutrients and has certain medicinal value, containing abundant minerals such as iodine. With low calories, long-term consumption of kelp can replenish the body with essential nutrients. Kelp not only provides ample nutrition but also possesses the function of lowering blood sugar, making it suitable for individuals with high blood sugar.
4. Seaweed
Seaweed is rich in seaweed polysaccharides, proteins, fats, carotenes, and vitamins, with seaweed polysaccharides notably reducing fasting blood sugar levels. Consuming seaweed before meals can help lower blood sugar levels for individuals with high blood sugar.
5. Konjac
Konjac is a natural “insulin” and the glucomannan contained in konjac has significant effects in lowering blood sugar levels for individuals with high blood sugar. Consuming an appropriate amount daily can effectively lower postprandial blood sugar, maintaining a healthy sugar metabolism cycle.
6. Spinach
Spinach contains insulin-like substances that help lower blood sugar levels, with better effects on blood sugar reduction at the root. The enzymes in spinach enhance pancreatic secretion function, promoting pancreatic secretion and intestinal motility, aiding digestion, and benefiting sugar and fat metabolism in individuals with diabetes.
7. Apple
Apples have a cooling nature and sweet taste with some varieties being slightly sour. They possess various medicinal properties and are beneficial for heart and lung health, relieving thirst, promoting digestion, and alleviating irritability and heat. Due to the slow and steady absorption of sugars in apples, they can lower blood sugar levels, especially postprandial blood sugar, exhibiting good therapeutic effects.
