Good Foods for a Parent with Diabetes
If you or a loved one has diabetes, you’ve undoubtedly been informed about the necessary dietary changes required to insure a healthy and productive lifestyle. What you may not be aware of are the unique foods that have a direct affect on blood sugar by reducing sugar absorption or improving insulin resistance. Here are just a few of the foods you’ll want to include in your parent’s diet.
Foods Containing Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral involved in blood pressure regulation as well as blood sugar control. Foods exceedingly high in this important nutrient include almonds, cashews and spinach. Magnesium also plays an important role in calcium absorption, another important mineral associated with increasing insulin resistance.
Green Tea
Unless you’ve been living in self-induced isolation, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of drinking green tea. Green tea is packed with polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins which function as powerful antioxidants. A study conducted on over 17,000 individuals found that those who drank 6 or more cups of green tea per day showed a 33 percent less chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for a host of health-related benefits. In addition to promoting healthy cholesterol and reducing acid reflux, this vinegar has been shown to reduce glucose uptake into the bloodstream.
Fenugreek
This popular herb is native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, and Western Asia and a common ingredient in Indian curries. Its health benefits are many and include improving digestive problems and reducing inflammation. In addition, several components of Fenugreek are shown to improve blood sugar control.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known as one of the healthiest spices on the planet. It has been in use since ancient times and was used as a medicinal herb as well as an embalming agent. Its active components have been shown to interfere with digestive enzymes, slowing down glucose absorption. This, in turn, minimizes sugar spikes.
Home Care Provider
Adding these interesting components to your loved one’s diet is just one step toward limiting the effects and possible complications of diabetes. In addition, promoting a diabetic-friendly diet and scheduling regular exercise into their daily activities is paramount to their long-term health. A home care provider can not only assist with the daily activities of living, they can go grocery shopping, prepare healthy meals and share those meals with your parent. They can accompany your parent on their daily walk or provide transportation to their favorite exercise class at the local senior community center. They can provide that all-important companionship that helps your loved one live a balanced and productive life.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Anderson, OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16618952
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21538147
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