What makes a food “super”? When it comes to type 2 diabetes, it’s not just about foods that have a lot of nutrients. A diabetes-friendly diet also requires foods that help keep blood sugar (glucose) levels in check. There is no single food that is best for type 2 diabetes. Instead, the best diet for type 2 diabetes is one based on whole foods and rich in fiber, protein, and moderate amounts of healthy carbohydrates.
While it’s true that people with type 2 diabetes need to watch their carbohydrate intake, they don’t have to follow any fad low-carbohydrate diets. Conversely, Leah Kaufman, RD, CDCESAccording to registered dietitians at NYU Langone Health in New York City, the optimal diet for people with type 2 diabetes is “a balanced diet with a healthy amount of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and vegetables per serving.” That’s what it means.
Related: 12 popular low-carb diets and their pros and cons
Changing your diet won’t cure diabetes, but it will lower your risk of complications of type 2 diabetes, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and neuropathy (nerve damage). Controlling blood sugar levels is very important, and diet plays a big role in that. In fact, the food you eat can affect type 2 diabetes in several ways, including blood sugar regulation, heart health, weight maintenance, and mood.
How can you tell the difference between good and bad foods when it comes to managing diabetes? “Look for products that contain healthy fats and are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber,” he says. Sue McLaughlin, RD, CDCES, at Burgess Health Center in Onawa, Iowa. It’s also important to eat a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting a healthy combination of macronutrients, phytochemicals, and essential fatty acids.
Related: 10 bad habits to quit when you have type 2 diabetes
Researchers also continue to find evidence of a link between diet and the development of type 2 diabetes. a study studied the effects of nutrition on more than 64,000 women over a 15-year period. Researchers have found that eating foods rich in antioxidants significantly reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Foods rich in such antioxidants are increasingly being referred to as superfoods.
“Superfood is a term used to describe highly nutritious foods that may have health benefits over other foods,” Kaufman says, adding that this is not a medical term. Ta.
You can also see that when it comes to diabetes, all superfoods are whole, unpackaged foods. That means it hasn’t been processed with added sugar, fat, or preservatives.
Don’t know where to start? Check out 11 tips for adding more superfoods to your diabetic diet.
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