An article provided by the American Diabetes Association about ten diabetes superfoods provided a great start to planning my weekly diet for type 2 diabetes. The ten best foods included on their list all had a low glycemic index and included other key nutrients such as calcium, fiber, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, C and E which are often missing in a typical diet.
Beans
½ cup a day can provide as much protein as an ounce of meat without the saturated fat! They also provide almost a third of your daily fiber requirement as well as potassium and magnesium. You may eat many different kinds such as kidney, pinto, black or navy beans – whichever you prefer. If you have canned beans, be sure to rinse to remove as much sodium as possible.
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
You can eat as much as you want of spinach, collards, kale; low in both calories and carbs.
Citrus Fruits
Choose from grapefruit, lemons, oranges or limes for both vitamin C and soluble fibers.
Sweet Potatoes
These are a lower GI choice than regular potatoes and are full of vitamin A and fiber.
Tomatoes
Containing iron, vitamins C and E, tomatoes are a good choice in any form; pureed, raw or in sauces.
Fish High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is super! Try not to eat the breaded or deep fat fried types.
Whole Grains
A better alternative than wheat flour breads, they contain more nutrients like magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, chromium and potassium. Barley and oatmeal are also good sources of fiber and potassium.
Berries
Any kind are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. They can make a great dessert!
Nuts
A good snack which can help alleviate hunger and provide magnesium and fiber. Walnuts and flax seeds also provide omega-3 fatty acids.
Fat-free Milk and Yogurt
Calcium and vitamin D (if fortified)
These ten Diabetes super foods would be a great addition to any diet plan. A well thought out diet and exercise plan will dramatically affect your overall health and wellbeing. Life insurance for diabetics whether it be for type 2 or for diabetics type 1, is often times dependent on a history of good diabetic control.