I had a request from a friend of mine who’s had a triple bypass cardiac procedure and is currently dealing with diabetes. He asked me to send him a list of supplements which would help his situation. Well, supplements are great, but they are just that; supplements-they are meant to supplement the diet. So here are a few foods known to both heart-healthy and good at blood sugar control.
BEANS: Any beans really. They are chock-full of fiber and protein, which digest slowly and prompt stable blood glucose levels. They also help prevent constipation, a common complaint with aging.
Dates: These fruits have more antioxidants per serving than oranges, grapes, and broccoli. They are good for the heart as well as neuropathy, which frequently occurs with diabetes.
Nuts: Again, any kind of nuts or seeds. High in fiber, good fats and protein, nuts and seeds can lower blood glucose levels. The poly- and mono saturated fats help the body’s ability to use insulin. Nuts are also heart healthy-they help control cholesterol levels. My favorite snack food, I eat 1 to 1 1/2 cups most days. Plus they are filling. Nut butters are also a good choice.
Sardines: These little fish pack the highest levels of omega-3 fats (great for the heart), and have a good protein content, which blunts blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon: An excellent for blood sugar control. Available in capsules or in powder or stick, just 1/2 tsp to 3 tsp/day can reduce glucose levels by 25%.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV): 1-2 tbsp with 4-8 oz of water shortly before a meal can significantly slow the absorption of sugar into the blood.
*I gleaned this information from Bonnie Taub-Dix, RD, owner of BTD Nutrition Consultants in New York City. She has a book, Read It Before You Eat It (Plume), she has advised patients on the best ways to control diabetes for more than three decades.
If you think you like fast food, check out the information on food-additive activist Vani Hari’s Foodbabe.com
I think you’ll reconsider…..
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.