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Wondering what causes your blood sugar levels to increase or decrease?  The answer is pretty simple. The more sugar and carbohydrate found in the food consumed, the higher your blood sugar level will be. Some foods help in lowering the levels while others that enter the bloodstream faster, lend a hand at raising them to what may be dangerously high levels, which can result in health problems, including diabetes. Your body is in charge of regulating the sugar levels but it is a task that the body cannot accomplish without your help.

Vinegar: Choose a vinegar-based dressing for your salad, and the rise in your blood-sugar levels after eating will be 55% lower than usual. The acetic acid in vinegar seems to block the enzymes that break down carbohydrates, decreasing the amount of glucose that can enter your blood cells.

Avocado: Unlike most other fruits, avocados are full of mono-unsaturated fat- the same healthy fat that you find in olive oil. Mono-unsaturated fat leaves no impact on blood sugars making it an excellent choice in a sandwich or salad and it will leave you feeling full. The fat in the avocado will also slow down the digestion of the meal, which makes it easier on your blood sugar level. In addition, avocados contain a variety of nutrients and help your body  absorb other nutrients more efficiently.

Bread: Eat the right type of bread. Switching from white bread to whole grain breads can lower a person’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 30%.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been proven to lower blood sugar levels when consumed on a daily basis. If cinnamon is not really your cup of tea, you can opt for cinnamon capsules available at your local health food store.   However, if you are a fan of cinnamon, simply sprinkle six grams of cinnamon over your food throughout the day.

Rice: Plain white rice can raise blood-glucose levels faster than eating straight sugar. Switch to basmati rice, instead. It elevates sugar levels only half as much as regular white rice. The amylose that is found in basmati rice is more difficult for the body to digest, stopping it from hiking up your blood sugar level so dramatically.

Almonds: Still hungry after a meal? Grab a handful of almonds. Studies show that the more almonds that one consumes after a meal, the lower the glycemic index of the meal and the lower the rise in your blood sugars. Almonds also offer antioxidants that serve as a sponge, cleaning up the smaller amounts of free radicals that hang around in your body.

Hummus: Being that hummus is literally loaded with protein, not to mention dietary fiber, it leaves you very satisfied without spiking your blood sugar levels. Hummus also contains a great amount of nutrients such as iron and vitamin C and has significant amounts of folate and vitamin B6.

Cherries:  Cherries contain red-pigmented antioxidants which make them a great pick for lowering blood sugar. Antioxidants help in smothering and deactivating free radicals.

 True, some things are easier said than done but it’s definitely worth the effort before it’s too late.

Filed under: How-To • General

Tags: blood sugar