Diabetes is one disease which can be well controlled by making changes to your life-style and diet. All you need is a little patience and a lot of effort so that you can avoid any complications related to this disease. There are different foods which need to be included in your diet and other foods need to be eliminated. Here we talk about cucumber, which works beneficial not only for controlling diabetes but offers many health benefits.
Cucumber is high in nutrients and also anti-oxidants. This promotes hydrations and can be ideal for the hot summer months. Research has proved that intake of this vegetable can help in losing weight and control the blood sugar level. You are spared from the discomfort of constipation with regular consumption of cucumber. Finally, cucumber is considered as a ‘super food’ for diabetes.
Cucumber for Diabetes:
Research has proved that regular intake of cucumber can bring down the level of blood sugar. This means, this vegetable works well for those who are diabetic. This is due to the plant nutrients and chemicals present in cucumbers. The low GI (Glycemic index) of cucumber does not contribute to the high blood sugar. The GI of cucumber is only 15, which is considered to be on the lower side. These have negligible amount of carbohydrates and this works well for those suffering from diabetes.
Another reason for adding cucumber to your diabetic diet is due to the high content of fiber. Fiber can slow down the ability of the body to absorb glucose, which in turn lead to low levels of blood sugar. One medium sized cucumber contains almost 1.5 grams of fiber.
Tips to include Cucumber in Diet:
- Cucumber Noodles:
You can replace the noodles made of white flour with strips of cucumber. You can them cook this in the regular way you make noodles, adding different veggies.
- Cucumber Sandwich:
A cucumber sandwich works well not only for a snack but also for breakfast. All you need to do is slice a cucumber and one tomato and set these between two slices of whole grain bread.
- Cucumber Salad:
Make a delicious salad with small pieces of cucumber, tomatoes and other vegetables. You can sprinkle some line and pepper for added flavor.
- Cucumber Raita:
Add shredded cucumber to a bowl of whipped yogurt. You can temper this with a little mustard seeds.
The recommended foods for diabetics includes fiber rich foods like whole grains, legumes, nuts and fruits and vegetables, healthy carbohydrates like low-fat dairy, fish which is heart-healthy. You need to eliminate certain foods from your diet. This includes trans-fats, saturated fats, sodium and cholesterol.
Make definite changes to your life-style to escape from the clutches of diabetes. Include exercise in your daily routine and ensure your intake of water is well above the recommended mark. Besides this, you need to ensure you get your quality sleep for a minimum of 7 to 8 hours. A few changes and you can observe the difference in your overall health.
