The benefits of a diabetic diet are manifold. Most lifestyle-related ill effects can be controlled to a great extent by eating right and eating healthy. And a diabetic diet helps you do just that. Not only is such a diet beneficial for people suffering from diabetes, but it is also excellent for those who want general good health. This diet eliminates all the bad foods and restricts itself to those that benefit your health. The key to a diabetes diet is eating in moderation, sticking to regular mealtimes, and eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. There is no emphasis on ‘special’ foods; instead, it is a healthy eating plan that is high in nutrients, low in fat, and moderate in calories. Go through the lines below and learn what are the benefits of a diabetic diet.
Advantages Of Diabetic Diet Plan
- The goal of diabetic diet is to control the progress of diabetes. So, it greatly benefits those who are suffering from the ailment.
- A strict diabetic diet brings the blood glucose levels to normal level. This is essential in warding off any future problems. The diet regulate the sugar level by not allowing it to drop too low (hyperglycemia) and also preventing it from going too high (hypoglycemia).
- The diet helps the body to absorb glucose, by making cells respond to it.
- It protects the heart by reigning in the cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Diabetic diet helps control blood pressure.
- It increases the metabolism rate, allowing the body to manage and utilize food effectively.
- Such a diet is relatively free of fats and so, it helps in maintaining reasonable weight. Those who are overweight can go on a diabetic diet to effectively lose weight.
- Diabetic diet reduces the risk of heart and kidney diseases.
- It promotes overall health.
Characteristic Of A Diabetic Diet
- A diabetic diet is low in fats. It does not include saturated fats and trans-fatty acids. The diet consists more of monounsaturated fats like olive and canola oil and polyunsaturated fats like sunflower and rapeseed oil.
- Low in cholesterol, the diet consists of whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, dry fruits, seeds and legumes, which are rich sources of fibers. As a result, the quantity of cholesterol is minimized. This diet is also low on sugar content.
- Meats, though rich in protein, are avoided. Instead, the diet consists of fish and soy, which are rich in protein.The salt content is also low.
Daily Diabetic Diet Plan
- Take oatmeal for breakfast, as it is very good in lowering cholesterol.
- Take plenty of nuts like pecans, walnuts, and almonds throughout the day, as they are rich in monounsaturated fats.
- To reduce the Low Density Lipoprotein or ‘bad’ cholesterol, include pasta, stews, beans, and leafy salads.
- Milk, yogurt, and cheese should be fat free.
- Egg whites are low in fats and can be taken.
- Take chicken once in a while and have more of fish.
- Take at least one whole raw onion every day and a cup of dried beans and peas.
- Increase the fiber content by adding wheat bran to your diet. You can also mix one part of wheat bran to one part of wheat flour.
- Add flaxseed and fenugreek seed in your diet.
- Have a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables and six servings of whole grains each day and two weekly servings of fatty fish.
- Take cinnamon, garlic, onion, bitter melon, and guar gum, as they considerably reduce blood glucose level.
Regularly Have:
- One medium- sized fresh fruit.
- Two small fruits.
- A cupful of berries.
- A bowlful of salad.
- A large slice of a large fruit.
- Three serving spoons of tinned or stewed fruit.
- Half a serving spoon of dried fruit.
- A small glass of unsweetened fruit juice.
- Three serving spoons of small vegetables.
- Two serving spoons of green or root vegetables or pulses.