You may hate it and find it extremely bitter, spinach or palak is not everyone's favourite. But, it is known as a superfood; all thanks to its high fibre, lutein, folate, iron and calcium content, which makes it great for each one of us. Turns out, spinach is exceptionally good for diabetics even if you eat it in relatively large quantities. This water-soluble veggie has a negligible effect on blood sugar, making it a good food to choose if you are following a diabetic diet that's rich in fibre and protein. In fact, the American Diabetes Association denotes spinach as a superfood for type-1 and type-2 diabetes. So, what is it that makes it a great vegetable for managing blood sugar levels and control diabetes and how to use it best to ensure it keeps your healthy?
(Also Read: Spinach Nutrition: Amazing Cooking Tips And Health Benefits)
Spinach For Diabetes:
- Spinach is a rich source of fibre, which doesn't digest easily. So, spinach does not cause immediate spikes in blood sugar levels. Soluble fibre is, in fact, responsible for reducing blood glucose levels and control diabetes. Each cup of cooked spinach is said to have about four to five grams of fibre.
- Spinach is a non-starchy veggie, which means it does not have much effect on blood sugar levels. So, you can enjoy the green delight as much as you want.
- Spinach is considered a low-glycaemic index food, and foods that have low GI are said to have little or no effect on the blood sugar levels.
- Diabetics are generally recommended to limit their carbohydrate consumption. Spinach is a veggie that is low in carbohydrate content, which keeps diabetes in check.
- Spinach is super-low in calories, and foods that have few calories are generally responsible for stabilising blood sugar levels. Moreover, low-calorie foods also help maintain your weight, which is crucial for diabetics.
(Also Read: 4 Delicious Spinach Recipes From South India: Load Up On Greens)
How To Use Spinach For Diabetes?
One way to use spinach is to make spinach-rich vegetables and curries for your meals. You could toss boiled or steamed spinach in your healthy salads. One of the best ways, however, is to drink a glassful of spinach juice. Here's how you can make spinach juice.
- Take a bunch of spinach and wash it thoroughly.
- Now, chop it and put it in a blender or juicer.
- You could add some mint leaves and coriander leaves to add extra flavours.
- Now, blend the ingredients together to get a smooth mixture.
- Strain the juice using a sieve or strainer in a glass.
- Add some lemon juice and black pepper to it.
(Also Read: 6 Interesting Ways To Include Spinach In Kids' Diet)
Drink up the goodness first thing in the morning or in the evening as snack and manage diabetes in a healthy way. Make sure you consult a doctor before switching to this home remedy.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Waiting for response to load...
FAQs
The antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid, which can help with blood glucose management and reduce oxidative stress in the body, is abundant in spinach.
What is the one vegetable that lowers blood sugar? ›
Plus, eating broccoli and other fiber-rich foods promotes fullness and regularity. The American Diabetes Association recommends people with prediabetes and diabetes follow the Diabetes Plate Method by filling up half your plate with nonstarchy vegetables—broccoli being one of them.
What is the one food that lowers blood sugar? ›
1. Legumes. Studies have shown that protein-rich legumes can help reduce your blood sugar response to meals you eat later in the day. There's also evidence that following a low-GI diet rich in legumes may reduce blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes and improve blood sugar control.
What drink lowers blood sugar quickly? ›
Drinking water is an excellent way to stay hydrated without consuming sugar. Green tea, cow's milk, and fermented milk (kefir) could also help you manage your blood sugar responses. Coffee also contains compounds that may help regulate blood sugar, but confirming this requires more research.
What foods lower blood sugar overnight? ›
Other options include:
- A sugar-free frozen pop.
- One light cheese stick.
- One tablespoon of peanut butter (15 grams) and celery.
- A hard-boiled egg.
- Five baby carrots.
- Light popcorn, 3/4 cup (approximately 6 grams)
- Salad greens with cucumber and a drizzle of oil and vinegar.
Taking garlic powder by mouth seems to reduce pre-meal blood sugar levels by a small amount in people with or without diabetes. It seems to work best if it is taken for at least 3 months.
What is the one fruit that lowers blood sugar? ›
A study in Obesity found that as the number of raspberries eaten increased, insulin resistance decreased. Other studies suggest combining berries with or following starch-heavy meals can also lower blood sugar.
What can I drink before bed to lower my blood sugar? ›
6 Best Drinks to Help Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels
- Water. It's tough to argue with water since it's calorie-free. ...
- Coffee. ...
- Black Tea. ...
- Green Tea. ...
- Milk. ...
- Tomato Juice.
Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.
Does lemon water flush out sugar? ›
The bottom line: Lemon and cucumber water is better than certain drink options (e.g. sugary ones), and it can help you stay hydrated. However, don't reach for lemon and cucumber-infused water with the expectation that it will single-handedly reduce your blood sugars and diabetes symptoms.
Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.
What are the three worst drinks for blood sugar? ›
The 3 worst drinks
- regular soda.
- energy drinks that contain sugar.
- fruit juices.
You limit dairy products, red meat, sweets, added sugars, sodium (salt), and highly processed foods. Some additional guidelines include focusing on seasonal produce and reading food labels to help you avoid added sodium and sugar.
What brings down blood sugar immediately? ›
The fastest way to lower blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin medication. Exercise can also help to bring down blood sugar levels quickly. Diet and lifestyle changes can help manage overall blood sugar levels, but for immediate action, prescription medication or medical assistance may be necessary.
How can I lower my blood sugar in 10 minutes? ›
How to Reduce Blood Sugar Immediately. The quickest way to lower your blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way. However, in severe cases, you should go to the hospital.
What super food lowers blood sugar? ›
According to the Diabetes Plate , non-starchy vegetables should make up half of your meal.
- Dark green leafy vegetables.
- Avocado.
- Beans, Dried Peas, & Legumes.
- Fish High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
- Nuts.
- Berries.
- Citrus Fruit.
- Whole Grains.
Although spinach is known for its blood pressure lowering effect, it is known to sometimes lower blood pressure to an extremely low level. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or chest pain.
How do I bring my blood sugar down quickly? ›
The quickest way to lower your blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way. However, in severe cases, you should go to the hospital. High blood sugar levels are known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose.
What is the only carb that doesn't spike insulin? ›
Low GI foods, like complex carbs, won't raise your blood sugar very quickly. Examples of these include oatmeal, pasta, sweet potatoes, fruits, and carrots.
