The Secret Ingredient In A Type 2 Diabetes Diet
If you are someone that follows a type 2 diabetes diet, you know that ‘brown’ foods, such as whole wheat breads and pastas, are highly beneficial to you over the white types. Whole grains should always be selected over white because they are unrefined and so contain the natural fiber that is removed from white wheat, rice and other grains.
There are high amounts of carbohydrates in white grain foods, which are digested quickly, and converted to glucose, which can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, the unrefined carbohydrates in fiber-rich whole grains is digested slower and is less likely to raise your blood sugar levels. Diabetics can use fiber to keep the blood sugar levels stable after eating, but fiber is also necessary for the overall health of everyone.
Dried beans, millet, quinoa, rice, some nuts and other foods that are really seeds of a plant are sold dried for a reason. In their dried state, these types of foods contain growth inhibitors, which keeps them from sprouting in conditions where it would be too dry for them to possibly grow. But where the germ has not been removed or damaged by refining or excessive heat, you can make these foods healthier to eat by soaking them before you cook them.
Soaking the grains washes away the inhibitors and allows the seeds to begin growing, which then releases the nutrients and proteins that are important for a healthy body. Each type of food has different requirements for the length of time they should soak; but generally, you can count on soaking beans and rice for 8 hours, or overnight, while seeds and lentils require just 2-4 hours.
Brown rice that has been soaked before cooking has an extra special ingredient that may actually reduce the damage to nerves and blood vessels associated with diabetes. There is research which suggests that brown rice that has been germinated by pre-soaking can help to normalize blood sugar levels. Pre-soaking can also help to increase the neurotransmitter that is known as GABA, which adds the additional benefit of helping to reduce high blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the more common ailments that people with type 2 diabetes suffer from, and it can lead to vascular problems and strokes, so this is a huge benefit for diabetics.
If you’re trying to manage your type 2 diabetes, then taking that extra step to soak your brown rice before cooking will help you immensely. All it takes is one helping a day, made the right way, and you can manage your type 2 diabetes better than ever!
Diabetes is a severe medical condition which can create devastating health problems and can even be fatal. In many situations, it can be managed by making alterations to your diet. If you’re looking for a diabetic weight loss diet or other tips on managing the condition, check out the Diabetes Treatment site.
