With age, we start to be concerned about the problem of the “three highs”. No matter which high it is, it is unfavorable for health, and blood sugar is one of these three. If the blood sugar level is high, diabetes will follow. Not only will you have to control your diet in the future, many delicious foods will no longer be an option, and there may also unknowingly trigger some complications, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and retinal abnormalities.
For diabetes patients, the common belief is that they should avoid sweets and some sweet foods like watermelon and can eat everything else. This misconception has led to many foods that may not taste sweet but can still raise a patient’s blood sugar unknowingly. If your blood sugar is unstable or if you already have diabetes, there are three foods that you should avoid, or else you might trigger a series of complications.
1. **Potatoes**
Potatoes can be considered a versatile ingredient, used to make various dishes like shredded potatoes, mashed potatoes, and French fries, each with its unique flavor. Potatoes don’t taste sweet and are classified as a vegetable. Many people may think that eating potatoes won’t affect blood sugar levels, but this is incorrect. Although not sweet, potatoes contain high starch content, which when consumed in excess, can elevate blood sugar levels. Therefore, it’s best for diabetes patients to reduce potato intake.
2. **Melon Seeds**
Many people have the habit of snacking on melon seeds while watching TV or chatting. Even though melon seeds are not sweet but flavorful and seem like a light snack, they are high in fats. People enjoy munching on them continuously, and the high fat content can aggravate the condition for diabetes patients when consumed excessively.
3. **Fried Chicken Legs**
Fried chicken legs are crispy on the outside and tender inside, leaving a fragrant aftertaste. However, fried foods are not friendly to diabetes patients, especially those already overweight. The high calorie content of fried chicken legs can easily lead to weight gain and further increase blood lipids if consumed frequently.
The above three foods are on the “forbidden menu” for diabetes patients. While we should stay away from these foods, we can opt for foods with lower sugar content that benefit blood sugar control:
1. **Soybeans**: Black beans or yellow beans are excellent choices for diabetes patients as bean products are high in protein and sugar-free, allowing consumption of items like bean curd, soy milk, and tofu. However, the cooking method should be simple and light.
2. **Oats**: Many use oats for breakfast as it provides a sense of fullness and contains various vitamins. For diabetes patients feeling hungry, oats can serve as a nutritious snack to avoid excessive intake of staple foods and stabilize blood sugar levels.
3. **Onions**: Onions enhance flavor and have the potential to lower blood sugar levels. Consuming onions regularly not only stabilizes blood sugar but also promotes softening of blood vessels.
