No one food is the proverbial magic bullet that will shoot down diabetes before it starts, but these superfoods are a great place to start to help prevent type II diabetes. Plus these foods are heart healthy and diet friendly.
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Popeye ate his spinach everyday, can you remember the last time you ate spinach? Spinach, kale and collards are the dark horses in the leafy green vegetable race to be superfoods. All fresh vegetables are essential for overall health and weight management, but spinach kale and collards are the diabetes superfoods.
Low-Fat Dairy Foods
If you’ve been avoiding the dairy isle because of the calorie laden offerings, you may want to reconsider your shopping strategy. Low fat dairy foods, like yogurt, cottage, cheese and lowfat milk are protect against type II diabetes and are worth the small amount of extra calories. Dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamin D, both of which helps protect against developing diabetes. Soy based dairy products are a diabetes friendly option for those who are lactose intolerant.
Fish Rich in Omega-3s
Salmon, tuna and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial for protection against developing diabetes. The same fish rich in omega-3s are also essential for good heart health. If you can’t tolerate the taste of fish, talk to your doctor about taking an imega-3 fish oil supplement.
Sweet Potatoes
Something sweet help prevent type II diabetes? Yes, as long as it’s sweet potatoes. Very few foods contain vitamin A, an essential vitamin for diabetes protection, and sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A and fiber, another important dietary element for preventing diabetes. Prepare sweet potatoes with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon to increase the antioxidant properties and the sweet treat flavor.
Whole Grain Foods
Whole grains are the super superfoods of the lot. High fiber whole grain foods (oatmeal, cereals, etc.) have a huge role in the prevention of diabetes. The high fiber whole grain foods keep you feeling fuller longer so you eat less and can keep weight within a healthy range. Fiber rich foods slow down the digestive process so the body can absorb the nutrients more readily, helping the body to work more efficiently and promote overall health. And fiber captures excess fat eaten during meals and carries it out of the system before it can clog arteries and cause heart disease.
Source: American Diabetes Association