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As a nutritionist, I have come into contact with a large number of diabetic patients in my years of work. In the process of helping them control blood sugar, I found that certain natural foods recommended by traditional Chinese medicine have significant effects on stabilizing blood sugar and blood pressure. Here are six natural foods commonly recommended by traditional Chinese medicine for diabetic patients, along with their roles and dietary suggestions in diabetes dietary management.
1. Oats
Oats are a highly nutritious whole grain with abundant dietary fiber, especially soluble fiber beta-glucan, which can effectively reduce postprandial blood sugar and cholesterol. The dietary fiber in oats can slow down the emptying speed of food in the stomach, thus stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Dietary suggestion: Diabetic patients can choose oatmeal for breakfast, paired with some nuts and fresh fruits, to provide rich nutrition and help stabilize blood sugar.
2. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is known as the “plant insulin” due to its content of bitter melon glycosides, which have insulin-like effects and can help lower blood sugar. Additionally, bitter melon has the efficacy of clearing heat, detoxifying, and relieving thirst, suitable for diabetic patients to consume.
Dietary suggestion: Bitter melon can be stir-fried, stewed, or eaten cold, but caution should be taken not to add excessive oil and salt.
3. Chinese Yam
Chinese yam contains mucoprotein, yam polysaccharides, and other components that can effectively lower blood sugar. Additionally, Chinese yam has the functions of tonifying the spleen, nourishing the stomach, moistening yin, and tonifying the kidneys, suitable for diabetic patients with weak spleen and kidneys.
Dietary suggestion: Diabetic patients can replace part of their staple food with Chinese yam, such as steamed Chinese yam or Chinese yam porridge, but be mindful of the intake quantity.
4. Black Fungus
Black fungus contains rich black fungus polysaccharides, which can lower blood sugar and cholesterol. Moreover, black fungus has the functions of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and anti-thrombosis, which can help prevent diabetic complications.
Dietary suggestion: Black fungus can be eaten cold, stir-fried, or stewed, but should not be consumed excessively to avoid indigestion.
5. Kudzu Root
The puerarin in kudzu root has hypoglycemic effects and can improve insulin resistance. Additionally, kudzu root has the functions of reducing fever, generating fluids, and quenching thirst, suitable for diabetic patients.
Dietary suggestion: Kudzu root can be used to stew soup or brew tea, but be cautious not to consume it with cold-natured foods to avoid discomfort.
6. Green Tea
Green tea contains abundant tea polyphenols, with antioxidative, hypoglycemic, and lipid-lowering effects. Green tea also has the benefits of clearing heat, detoxification, and relieving thirst, suitable for diabetic patients to drink.
Dietary suggestion: Diabetic patients can moderately drink green tea, but avoid drinking it on an empty stomach to prevent stomach mucosa irritation.
These six natural foods recommended by traditional Chinese medicine have good auxiliary effects on stabilizing blood sugar and blood pressure in diabetic patients. However, food is not a medication and cannot completely replace drug therapy. Diabetic patients should rationally combine dietary intake under the guidance of a doctor, consume these foods in moderation, and maintain good lifestyle habits. Only through regular blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring, can they better control the condition, prevent complications. As a nutritionist, I recommend that everyone pay attention not only to dietary adjustments but also to lifestyle changes, making diabetes a manageable chronic disease rather than a burden in life.
