Previously Published on Timesnownews.com– Although diabetes can be managed with medication, experts recommend trying to do so by adopting lifestyle changes such as following a low-carbohydrate, sugar-free diet and getting ample workouts. In this article, you’ll learn how blueberries can help combat diabetes.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells absorb glucose obtained from food as energy.
- Diabetes refers to a state wherein the body experiences problems with insulin – be it resistance, shortage, or absence of the hormone altogether.
- Rich in antioxidants, cancer-preventing properties, vitamin C and a plethora of other nutrients, these bite-sized fruits are a powerhouse of health benefits.
New Delhi: Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells absorb glucose obtained from food as energy. Diabetes refers to a state wherein the body experiences problems with insulin – be it resistance, shortage, or absence of the hormone altogether. Released by the pancreas, insulin prevents blood sugar spikes by helping sugar enter the cells instead of accumulating in the blood.
Although diabetes can be managed with medication, experts recommend trying to do so by adopting lifestyle changes such as following a low-carbohydrate, sugar-free diet and getting ample workouts. Among its types, type-2 diabetes happens to be the most common one, which, in some cases can be prevented or reversed with a low-carb diet and weight loss surgery.
Can specific foods help with diabetes management?
Several studies have stressed food groups that help combat diabetes. However, a new study published in the Nutrients journal has named a fruit that can not only help with blood sugar management but can also support diabetes prevention. And this food has earlier been deemed effective for urinary tract infections as well – it’s blueberries.
Rich in antioxidants, cancer-preventing properties, vitamin C and a plethora of other nutrients, these bite-sized fruits are a powerhouse of health benefits. And a recent study explored the effect of blueberries on diabetes risk, prevention, and treatment.
For this, participants were divided into three groups – one that had blueberries with a slice of bread (source of carbohydrates) and the other that had 150 grams of blueberries for a six-day period followed by bread on the seventh day. The last group of participants was only given bread without any blueberries.
After this, their blood samples were taken, and within only 15 minutes, patients who had blueberries with bread witnessed low spikes in blood sugar thereby proving that blueberries can support blood sugar management after intake of simple carbs. They also discovered that eating blueberries for six days is linked to lower insulin levels after bread intake implying that daily intake of the fruit can improve insulin sensitivity.
How do blueberries work for blood sugar control?
The impact of blueberries on diabetes management can be credited to their nutrient content and their effect on the digestive tract after consumption. A study published in the British Medical Journal also stated that weekly intake of whole fruit, blueberries being the best one, can slash type-2 diabetes risk.
Apart from blueberries, the following fruits work best for diabetes management:
- Kiwi
- Pears
- Berries
- Plums
- Peaches
- Grapefruit
- Apples
- Cherries
Hopefully this article enlightened you as to how blueberries can help combat diabetes.
Previously Published on Timesnownews.com
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