Top 15 beneficial foods for Diabetics
1. Fenugreek (Methi): Fenugreek has this unique property to stabilize glucose levels in the body. Dried Fenugreek leaves can be used as a spice while cooking vegetables. It provides a wonderful aroma and flavour to your food.
Also, fresh fenugreek leaves (methi) can be cooked with/as a vegetable.
A wonder tip for diabetics: Soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds at night in a glass of water and consume this water empty stomach in the morning.
2. Holy Basil (Tulsi): Dried Basil leaves can be added to vegetables, snacks and curd as a spice to enhance flavour and food value.
Take 5 pepper corns (Kali Mirch) along with 5 Basil leaves empty stomach in the morning. It is a wonderful remedy for curing diabetes.
3. Channa Dal or Besan: Channa daal has this amazing tendency to utilize the sugar in the body which further reduces the intake of Insulin. Besan also helps to reduce weakness in the body. It can be cooked as a pulse or can also be cooked with vegetables like Bottle gourd (Louki), Tinda etc.
4.Garlic: Garlic also helps to maintain Blood sugar level. It also acts as an Antiseptic. As garlic is extremely rich in potassium and potassium stimulates Pancrease
5. Jambu Fruit/Blackberry (Jamun): Jambu Fruit also helps in reducing Blood sugar level. Seeds of Jambu fruit contains a glucose called Jamboline which curbs the conversion of starch into sugar thus helps to controlling diabetes.
6. Bitter Gourd (Karela): Bitter gourd acts as a wonder drug for Diabetics as it is extremely rich in Beta Carotene, Iron, calcium, potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, B2 and B3. It is also a very good source of Phosphorous and fibre.
Bitter gourd contains several compounds which down regulates Insulin, lowers blood sugar and has absolutely No side-effects. Apart from these benefits, bitter gourd also prevents Weight Gain.
7. Almonds: Almonds are extreme rich source of copper, phosphorus which aids the circulation of oxygen to blood vessels. Almonds are also a good source of dietary fibre which helps to fight diabetes, heart disease, cancer and constipation.
8. Indian Gooseberry (Amla): Tremendously rich in Vitamin C, Amla also helps to lower down blood sugar level. Amla also helps in free flow of urine in case of any obstruction and aids digestion.
9. Guava (Amrood): Guava is a considered good for diabetes as it is a very good source of Iron and Vitamin C. It is also an effective Anti-oxidant and helps in digestion.
10. Cinnamon (Dalchini): Researchers claim that a pinch of cinnamon in a day helps in effective reduction of LDL cholesterol and Serum glucose in people suffering from TYPE 2 Diabetes.
Just add a pinch of Cinnamon to lukewarm lime water and consume it empty stomach in the morning. You will notice the wonder effects in just a short span.
11. Zinc and Chromium: Zinc plays a significant role in Insulin metabolism as in it’ synthesis, secretion and utilization. Also, chromium is said to increase Insulin production by the body and also helps to stabilize blood sugar. Chromium is found in almost all whole grain cereals and mushrooms.
12. Oats: Oats are a rich source of soluble fibre which helps to regulate sugar metabolism in the body. It also aids digestion and keeps bowls regulated and stomach healthy.
13. Soya beans: Being a rich source of calcium, zinc and proteins, Soya is extremely effective in lowering urinary sugar and helps in preventing the neurological complications of Diabetes.
14. Fibre: Fibre helps in preventing sudden rise in blood sugar levels and further, lowers blood sugar levels. Fibre can be consumed in the form of green veggies, fruits and wheat bran. Also, whole grain cereals like brown rice, whole wheat flour and whole lentils are a rich source of fibre.
15. Brown Rice: Brown rice is also a very good source of fibre and helps in improving digestion.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic which has a powerful antioxidant effect. Consuming small quantity of garlic on a regular basis can help to protect the body against damaging free radicals. This herbal medicine is most effective when consumed in raw or crushed form. Also, raw garlic acts as a potent antibiotic. 2 to 4 grams of fresh finely chopped garlic is advisable to eat everyday.
Some of the everlasting benefits of Garlic are:
1. Raw garlic can be used to treat symptoms of acne
2. Raw garlic also acts as a natural mosquito repellent which reduces itching caused due to bug bites
3. Garlic is a wonderful remedy for reducing bad cholesterol levels (LDLs) in the blood stream
4. Cooked garlic adds a distinct taste and aroma to the dishes
5. Few drops of garlic drops along with 2 teaspoon honey helps in naturally curing asthma
6. Swallowing a garlic clove with water in the morning (empty stomach) is also effecting in curing bloating and constipation
7. Garlic is very rich medicine consisting of many vitamins and minerals, some of them being Vitamin A,B,C,B2, Zinc and Calcium
8. Consuming moderate amount of garlic everyday can help in keeping your heart healthy hence cutting down the risk of heart attacks in heart patients
9. Garlic has a remarkably positive effect on the immune system which protects the body against many kinds of viral and bacterial attacks
10. Garlic also promotes increased bile production in the body which helps in reducing fat levels in your liver
And, finally the good news is that if consumed along with a little lemon juice or a few slices of lemon, we can get rid of that bad garlic breath! ?
Medicinal benefits of Garlic:
1. Allicin, a powerful medicinal compound is produced when garlic is finely chopped or crushed.
2. Allicin has antibiotic properties and acts as an effective anti fungal. It is also helpful in treating skin infections.
3. Diallyl sulphides, obtained from crushed garlic helps in lowering the levels of “bad” cholesterol thus benefiting the heart and cardiovascular system
4. Diallyl sulphides are also beneficial in boosting the immune system
Despite of its numerous benefits, garlic is very strong in nature. As they say, what helps one person may harm another. Some of us are allergic and intolerant to it.
Some cautions to be maintained:
1. Do not overdo the consumption of garlic as eating too much raw garlic could damage the digestive tract.
2. Allergies caused due to consumption of garlic can often result in flatulence, heartburn etc.
3. Excessive consumption of garlic can also cause skin reddening, soreness, irritation and even burns.
4. Also, avoid too much contact with crushed garlic can cause skin blistering.
5. People who have to undergo a surgery or deliver a baby should also maintain caution while consuming it.
Note: If you are on some medication or suffer from garlic allergy, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before using it.
Garlic can be made a part of healthy lifestyle and can work wonders when consumed in moderation along with regular workout and a healthy diet.