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Some Low Glycemic Foods to Keep Your Blood Sugar Levels Down

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Masuma Parvin:
1. Avocados:
There has been a lot of talk in the media about the fact that avocados represent “good fat” but little explanation of what that actually means. The fats in avocados are primarily polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which can actually improve insulin sensitivity as well as improve blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and increase feelings of satiety after eating.

Avocados are a low glycemic food that researchers believe can lower your risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which is simply a name for a group of risk factors that can lead to diabetes. Except for the steep price tag, there’s no reason not to enjoy avocado every day.

2.Fish With Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Protein is one of the major building blocks of our cells. It allows the body to maintain and repair itself, yet it doesn’t impact blood sugar levels. Protein is also much more filling and satisfying than carb-heavy meals, so it helps manage blood sugar because the urge to snack is reduced.

Fish are a great source of protein with the added bonus of omega-3 fatty acids. That makes fish an ideal protein for a diabetes diet because omega-3 fatty acids have been found to increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin which improves insulin sensitivity and lowers the risk of developing full blown diabetes. The best types of fish for omega-3s include salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, trout, and halibut.


3. Garlic
Garlic could very well be considered THE spice of life. It is very tasty yet has no carbohydrates, so it doesn’t feature on the glycemic index at all. You can use as much garlic as you’d like to flavor your meals without worrying about a bump in blood sugar.

In fact, garlic has been found to lower fasting blood glucose. Studies have shown that onions have a similar effect on blood sugar, probably because both garlic and onions contain a compound called allicin that gives them their distinctive taste and smell.

Masuma Parvin:
4. Sour Cherries
Fruit does contain natural sugar and it will raise your blood sugar, but some fruits still score low on the glycemic index and can be safely eaten on a diabetes diet. Sour cherries are a great example.

They contain a compound called anthocyanin that has been found to protect against both diabetes and obesity. Sour cherries have a relatively low GI score, too. Only grapefruit scores lower, so both of these fruits can be a great substitute for sweeter bananas, pears, and apples.

Masuma Parvin:
5. Leafy Greens

You probably knew this was coming. We are always encouraged to eat our leafy greens, no matter the ailment. That’s because foods like lettuce, spinach, collards, kale, Swiss chard, and turnip greens are high in fiber and critical nutrients. Two in particular, magnesium and vitamin A, can help lower blood sugar.

If you can manage 1.35 servings per day, you’ll get a 14% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Masuma Parvin:
6.Blueberries and Blackberries
Here is another sweet treat you can look forward to. Blueberries and blackberries rank a bit higher on the glycemic index than sour cherries, but are still well within the range of low glycemic foods with GI scores of about 40.

These fruits are also high in fiber and contain those important anthocyanins to prevent a blood sugar spike. One particular study found that adding blueberry to smoothies can improve insulin sensitivity in people who have insulin resistance.

Masuma Parvin:
8. Almonds and Other Nuts
Different varieties of nuts have different GI scores, but most are still considered a low glycemic food. Almonds (with a GI score of 0) are especially good for a diabetes diet because they have been found to regulate blood sugar and limit spikes after eating.

In fact, studies have shown that people who eat 2 ounces of almonds per day have lower fasting glucose and insulin levels. Almonds may also be able to increase insulin sensitivity in prediabetics. Incidentally, the nut with the highest GI score is the cashew, at 22.

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