Foods That Lower Blood Sugar

Blood Sugar, also know as blood glucose, is the main fuel that body uses to produce energy. It also feeds brain tissues and the nervous system. The human body could not function properly if normal levels of blood sugar is not maintained in the blood. As all of us know, the body makes glucose from ingested carbohydrates, proteins and fats. A balanced blood glucose level is vital for the normal functioning of human body.

Glucose produced from the ingested carbohydrates, proteins and fats is directly absorbed into the bloodstream. This procedure always results in an increase in sugar level. Insulin, a natural hormone produced by pancreas, maintains the glucose level and also helps in the process of absorption of glucose into the cells.

What is a normal blood sugar range?

The volume of sugar in the bloodstream changes throughout the day according to your food intake. Levels may vary if you take lot of sugary food or food items which are rich in carbohydrates. However, healthy blood glucose levels fall between 70 and 120 mg. Blood glucose levels are usually less in the morning and it will increase after taking food. In normal case, fasting glucose level falls between 70 and 100 mg/dL. If the fasting glucose level is between 100 and 199 then it is considered as pre-diabetic stage. A level over 200 suggests that you are diabetic.

If the glucose level in your blood falling consistently above 150 mg/dL, it will be high blood sugar or hyperglycemia. The condition in which the level falls below 70 mg/dL is named as low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is considered as a very dangerous condition and hyperglycemia may sometime results in diabetes mellitus. There is a chance to develop eye, kidney and nerve damage in diabetic patients. It is recommended to check the glucose level once in every 2 weeks, if you experience a one high or low reading once.

Foods that lower blood sugar

Maintaining a healthy glucose level in the bloodstream is very important for the healthy functioning of the body. The following foods below can help lower blood glucose levels:

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a carbohydrate which has high fiber content. If you ingest foods which contain a higher fibre content it slows down the process of digestion and results in the slow release of glucose. All high fiber whole grains like barley are good for maintaining the blood glucose level.

Non starchy vegetables

Vegetables which have less or no starch like broccoli, beans, peas and spinach can help in maintaining the sugar level in your blood. These vegetables have high fiber content and fewer amounts of carbohydrates.

Strawberries and other high fiber foods

Strawberries are good for controlling the diabetes because they are rich in fiber and water content. The carbohydrates and calorie content in strawberries are very low when compared to candies or chocolates.

Lean meat

Turkey meat, skinned chicken breast and fatless cuts of meat have high protein content. Lean meat does not have a vital role in controlling diabetes but they do they have low glycemic index and it take more time to digest it. This helps release glucose more slowly to the bloodstream.