Key to effective diabetes management include regular medication/insulin, regular exercises and a meaningful diet. Let us understand which foods containing carbs are the most beneficial for diabetics.
Apples
One medium-sized apple has 30 grams of carbohydrates. They are also rich in fiber. If you have diabetes, eating fiber-rich foods is highly advisable. With apples, you reduce the chance of having type 2 diabetes.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and vitamin A. One serving of sweet potato has 26 grams of carbohydrates and is considered very safe for individuals with diabetes. It also makes your skin healthy.
Oats
Besides the rich amount of fiber, oats help in lowering cholesterol levels. Eating this nutritious food prevents heart disease and controls blood sugar levels. A ¾ cup serving of this food is enough to balance your blood glucose as it contains only 21 grams of carbohydrates.
Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit with lots of fiber. It is also rich in potassium. Potassium in the body prevents high blood pressure, episodes of constipation and helps in digestion. Besides fiber and potassium, papaya also contains a small number of carbohydrates. One cup of papaya is equal to 16 grams of carbs.
Barley
Fiber slows down digestion, which is helpful for individuals with diabetes. If you are looking for a high in fiber food, then barley is the right one for you. This whole-grain food can balance the blood sugar levels. One cup of barley has 40-50 grams of carbohydrates. While many will say this amount is already high. The presence of fiber in this food equalizes carbohydrates intake.
Blueberries
This variety of berries is a smart choice to prevent diabetes and heart disease. They contain antioxidants. These compounds are necessary for fighting oxidative stress. You can enjoy these hearty berries, which contains only 21 grams of carbohydrates in each cup.
Yogurt
This dairy product is not only rich in carbs, which contains 17 grams in one cup. It is also a good source of Vitamin D, calcium, and protein. These are the type of nutrients you need if you have diabetes. You can add it to your daily meal and even consume as a midnight snack.
Quinoa
This healthy food is a perfect substitute for rice. It is rich in fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. This magic food has a rich balance of all the nutrients that are favorable for diabetes management. A half cup of cooked quinoa has 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Pumpkin
This food is sumptuous when pureed or prepared as a smoothie. Compared to other squash varieties, a pumpkin has a fewer number of carbohydrates. A half cup of this enjoyable food contains only 10 grams of carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamin A and antioxidants. It is safe for individuals with diabetes.
Avocados
A generous serving of avocado contains folate, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, and potassium. Avocados are low in sugar, so they will not affect your blood glucose. It reduces the risk of cancer and arthritis. A whole serving of avocado only composes 17 grams of carbs.
Takeaway
Adding any of these foods to your daily diet can help control your blood sugar levels. While carbs play a major part in the development of diabetes, taking them in moderation is a must. Discuss your daily diet with your healthcare professional. Only include the one that is safest for you under medical supervision.
Doctor’s Recommendation
In the ideal case scenario, it is best to forgo carbohydrates whenever possible when someone is diagnosed with diabetes to ensure minimal day-to-day variation in glucose spikes, which allows the patient to more accurately titrate medicines to have lower mean blood glucose while mitigating the risk of hypoglycemia. In general, berries are excellent. Common foods that should be avoided are bananas, mangoes, and nectars of juices.
