Fruits play a pivotal role in the diet of a diabetic victim. An individual suffering from diabetes should abstain from eating fruits that are rich in carbohydrates and sugar. There are many fruits out there which are low on fat contents and rich in nutrients and vitamins required to lower blood glucose levels. Let’s have a look at some of these fruits.

Strawberries

Strawberries are best for controlling diabetes as they are rich in fiber and water. Carbohydrate and calorie value in strawberries are very low in comparison to candies or chocolates.

Apple

Apples have high pectin content and are very favorable amongst diabetic patients. Apples are also rich in Vitamin B1 which prevents damage of the brain cells that can occur due to diabetic acidosis.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains medicinal properties responsible for bringing down the blood sugar levels within a matter of few days. Nutritionists suggest that individuals dealing with high blood sugar levels should consume grapefruit three times a day.

Rose apple

The contents of a rose apple have a strong and positive effect on pancreas. It resists the development of starch into bad sugar, thus controlling the blood sugar levels. Its seeds can also be dried, powdered and then taken with water. Besides controlling diabetes, it also satisfies thirst and prevents excessive urination.

Avocados

Don’t consider its fat content. A very little of it is inundated. It’s rich in vitamins A, B & E and contains high antioxidant level.

Figs

Black or green, it doesn’t matter. The nutrients of the figs are highest when they are fresh. Figs are very rich in essential minerals especially potassium, calcium, and iron. Avoid dried figs because they can be harmful for your blood sugar levels.

Pomegranates

They may be disorganized when you want to eat, but the nutrients in them make it worthwhile. They have one of the richest combinations of antioxidants of all fruit and vegetables which can protect you from free radicals and chronic diseases as well.

Type 2 diabetes really is not a mystery although many years ago it seemed that way. At that time when someone received their diagnosis of type 2, their choice was:

• to go on medication and
• consult with a dietitian for an hour or two

Really not a choice you might say … thank goodness things have changed. Now thousands of research studies have been carried out on the topic of diabetes. It is so much better to be newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes now than twenty years ago.

Due to research we are now aware:

• there is a gene associated with type 2 diabetes
• diabetes can be created in laboratory animals
• how to measure blood sugar control over a three month period (HbA1c)
• what the ideal fasting blood sugar level is
• of alternate ways to deliver insulin, for example via pumps (type 1 diabetics)
• of the complications associated with diabetes type 1 and type 2
• when the best time is to intervene so complications do not become life-threatening

Where insulin delivery is concerned:

• type 1 diabetics now use insulin pumps to control their blood sugars
• we now know how to prevent problems in those who give themselves insulin injections

All of these are medical and technological advances but it is the nutritional advances that are helping those with type 2 diabetes the most. It is now known antioxidants quench free radicals that are created during infections … diabetics are more prone to infections of all types.

Researchers also found:

• cataracts were the result of excess blood sugars needing somewhere to go
• in the 1980’s, the glycemic index (GI) of carbohydrates were not equal and it was the foods containing the most fiber that delayed the sharp blood sugar rise after a meal
• certain foods and herbs contain medicinal constituents that have the potential to lower your blood sugar levels and if we consistently eat them, our blood sugars can be drastically lower.

Many people with type 2 diabetes have discovered the more they focus on their diet, the more quickly they regain control over their blood sugar levels. The result then is they have less chance of developing any of the diabetic complications which include:

• peripheral neuropathy
• dementia
• cataracts
• infections
• high cholesterol
• kidney damage and high blood pressure.

Whenever you are starting any type of protocol for beating type 2 diabetes, it is absolutely essential you start with your diet:

• reduce carbohydrate foods that are high on the glycemic index (GI) scale
• replace hydrogenated fat foods with those rich in healthy fats such as avocados
• stop eating sugar and processed foods and only allow foods to touch your lips that are wholesome
• take supplements to insure you have healthy levels of all the nutrients your body needs

Why give your body a reason to develop any complications associated with type 2 diabetes?

Superfoods seems to be one of the new “buzz” words… so what exactly does it mean? According to Wikipedia: “superfood” is a term sometimes used to describe food with high phytonutrient content that may confer health benefits as a result…”. In other words, superfoods are a group of wholesome foods that have health giving properties that really pack a nutritious punch!

So let’s look at how several “superfoods” can help improve the quality of your life as a diabetic:

Colorful Vegetables: Free radicals are the age accelerators of your body… they affect your heart, blood vessels, brain and cell membranes. Unfortunately, this destructive process operates at an increased rate in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants block this destruction… the richest source of these antioxidants are found in colorful fruits and vegetables. So, here are a few of the fruits and vegetables your should eat:

• spinach
• collard greens
• broccoli
• tomatoes… the darker the red of the tomato the higher the antioxidant content
• grapes… red grapes are more beneficial than white ones
• raspberries and boysenberries
• strawberries
• green leafy vegetables
• olives

Mix up a bowl of colorful salad vegetables, keep it covered in your refrigerator. Eat a bowl of these at most of your meals.

Grapefruit: Grapefruit is one of the best of all fruits for avoiding sharp rises in your blood sugar level. It also comes to your rescue where heart disease and cholesterol buildup in your arteries is concerned. Dr James Cerda, a professor at the University of Florida found that fiber in grapefruit can definitely lower cholesterol in humans. Grapefruit can interfere with several prescription medications… check with your health care provider if you are on medications.

Garlic: Garlic was first mentioned as a medicine about 6000 years ago and is used extensively in medicines throughout the world today. Garlic may be valuable for helping to reverse both diabetes and its many complications. The debate continues as to the active ingredients but, however it comes: aged, fresh, cooked or in supplement form, it is a healthy addition to your nutrition plan.

Beans: The high amount of soluble fiber in beans is a big help to your blood sugar. If your have insulin resistance or unstable blood sugar levels, beans helps to balance your blood sugar while giving you plenty of slow-burning energy. And the fiber in beans stops your blood sugar from rising too quickly after your meal.

Oats: The benefit of oats on blood sugar levels was first reported way back in 1913… the same soluble fiber that reduces your cholesterol level also benefits people with type 2 diabetes. So if you eat oatmeal, or oat bran rich foods, you will find you have lower and less blood sugar spikes. Soluble fiber slows down the rate at which food leaves your stomach and so delays the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream following your meal.

While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, these “superfoods” are known to improve blood sugar regulation, insulin activity and slow down the complications of type 2 diabetes.