A new study has discovered that kale juice can help lower blood sugar levels. Researchers say it could even help lower blood pressure in patients with subclinical hypertension.
For the study, participants consumed 300ml of kale juice per day for six weeks. The results showed they blood sugar levels significantly lowered. One of the reasons for this drastic effect might be because kale is a rich source of antioxidants. Spinach, cabbage and bok choy are also some of the leafy green vegetables that can reduce blood sugar levels.
Lowering blood pressure levels is important especially for type 2 diabetes patients as it can cause these levels to spike. This could lead to more severe health issues. Need to run to the toilet frequently, feeling dehydrated, and exhausted are some of the symptoms of the condition.
"Diabetes increases the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and dietary intervention has been proven to help lower that risk," Lori Wolf, a patient education advisor for the American Heart Association in Dallas, told a news portal. Adding, "Since diabetes is a major risk factor for CVD, you should protect your heart with diet and physical activity."
Eating a well-balanced diet packed with nutrition can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, as well as protect against diabetes. Regular meals should include fruit, vegetables, as well as starchy foods like pasta. You should also reduce your intake of sugar and fat. Some studies have also found turmeric, a popular spice can be extremely effective in reducing blood sugar levels. This is because of its high curcumin content.
Another study suggests cheese could help reduce blood sugar levels. Researchers from the University of Alberta found cheese can reduce insulin resistance, which helps to maintain good blood sugar levels. "Insulin resistance is a condition that commonly develops with ageing and obesity, leading to high blood glucose, and risk factor of CVD and Type 2 diabetes," study authors told a news portal.
Previous research has warned against drinking water with sweets as it can cause your blood sugar levels to spike. "A quick search on the internet reveals that the abundance of sites encourage the drinking of water during or shortly after our meals," researchers of the study, which was published in the journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, told a news portal. Adding, "We suggest that drinking during and shortly after meals should ideally be kept to the minimum."
