Diabetes is a common chronic disease, and its occurrence is closely related to diet. Therefore, there is a stricter control over food, and if not actively managed, it can lead to complications that pose more significant risks to health. In the diet, certain types of food are known as natural blood sugar reducers, and regular consumption may subtly change the body.
1. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon can lower blood sugar and reduce fat. Bitter melon extract has a significant effect on lowering blood sugar levels. Bitter melon can be prepared as soup or salad, or it can be juiced or dried and brewed as tea. Bitter melon has medicinal and health benefits such as lowering blood sugar and lipids, anti-tumor properties, preventing osteoporosis, regulating endocrine function, providing antioxidants, having antibacterial effects, and boosting the immune system. Regular consumption of bitter melon can also help prevent diabetes.
2. Yam
Yam is a low-sugar food that provides a strong feeling of fullness. It is also rich in fiber, which can delay the absorption in the stomach and prevent spikes in blood sugar. The main component of yam is starch, part of which can be converted into its breakdown product, dextrin, which aids digestion, making yam a suitable food to eat raw. Diabetic patients can eat a little yam if they feel hungry between meals. Yam can be used to treat diabetes and is an excellent dietary choice for diabetics. Additionally, yam has effects of regulating endocrine function and replenishing qi (vital energy), improving blood circulation, and treating coronary heart disease and angina.
3. Green Tea
Tea leaves are rich in tea polysaccharides, and tea polyphenols can eliminate excess free radicals in the body, thus having an anti-aging effect. This substance is composed of pectin proteins, and its main effects are lowering blood lipids and blood sugar. Diabetics can often drink green tea, which helps control blood sugar levels. High cholesterol patients can also reduce cholesterol by drinking green tea. Additionally, green tea contains fluoride, which can effectively inhibit calcium reduction, benefiting the prevention of cavities and dental health.
Diabetic patients should often choose to eat foods that are beneficial for diabetes to help them stay healthier. Their diet should primarily consist of light meals, with less salt and oil, and an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Increasing physical activity can enhance the body’s sensitivity to insulin, reduce weight, lower body fat, boost stamina, and improve work capacity and quality of life. The intensity and duration of exercise should be based on one’s overall health condition, and it is essential to find an appropriate level of exercise and activities of interest. Exercise can take various forms, such as walking, brisk walking, aerobics, dancing, tai chi, running, swimming, and more.
