Bitter cold and cold winds increase the risk of many seasonal diseases. People who already have chronic diabetes need to be extra careful this season.
Blood sugar levels of diabetic patients may rise in winter. The main reason for this is the faster metabolism in cold weather. Digestion is often better in winter and we eat more food.
However, there are some seasonal fruits and vegetables that can be included in your diet to control blood sugar levels.
So today In work news We will talk about which fruits and vegetables are beneficial for diabetics to eat in winter? You will also learn that-
- What causes blood sugar levels to rise in winter?
- How to control blood sugar level?
Expert: Dr. Abhinav Gupta, Endochronologist, Narayan Hospital, Jaipur
Q- Why is there a risk of blood sugar level increase in winter? Answer: As the temperature drops in winter, the production of insulin in the body decreases, while the need for it is more in the cold. This is the reason why blood sugar levels rise in winter. Apart from this there are some other reasons too. such as-
- Physical activity of people decreases in cold. Often people stop exercising. Due to which calories are not burned and blood sugar level may increase.
- Blood sugar levels can also rise due to changes in diet in winter.
- Thirst is less in cold weather. Due to which people drink less water. In such a situation, blood sugar levels may increase due to dehydration.
Question- What is Glycemic Index (GI)? Answer- The glycemic index is a scale by which we know how quickly a food raises our blood sugar levels. After we eat anything, the blood sugar level in the body increases.
Green vegetables have the lowest GI index. After eating them, blood sugar levels rise very slowly. While the glycemic index of glucose is 100. After entering the stomach, it immediately raises the blood sugar level. Foods with a high rating on the glycemic index have a high carbohydrate content. These are quickly and easily digested in the stomach and raise the blood sugar level immediately.
At the same time, foods that rank low on the glycemic index take longer to digest and have a much slower rate of rise in blood sugar levels after eating them, such as fiber, protein, and high-quality fats.
Question- Glycemic What is load (GL)? Answer- Glycemic load tells how much sugar a food contains and how high it raises blood sugar levels. This indicates its glycemic load.
Q- Which fruits are beneficial for diabetic patients in winter? Answer- There are many seasonal fruits in the winter season, which act as a panacea for diabetics. It is helpful in controlling blood sugar levels in winters. Know about them from the graphic below-
Question- Can we drink juice instead of eating fruit? Answer- Many people think that fruit juices are just as nutritious as fruits. While this is not the case at all. This is just a myth. When juicing fruits, their fibers and minerals are removed. For this reason, fruit juices raise blood sugar levels. So diabetic patients should eat only seasonal fruits instead of drinking fruit juice.
Question- What things must be taken care of while eating fruit? Answer- There are some important things to keep in mind while eating fruits. such as-
- Do not eat any fruit with meals.
- Always eat fresh fruits. Avoid eating frozen and cut fruits.
- Cut the fruits when you want to eat them. Keeping it chopped for a long time reduces its nutritional content.
Q- Which vegetables are beneficial for diabetic patients in winter? Answer- Some green vegetables available in winter are helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. Understand this from the graphic below-
Let us understand the above mentioned vegetables in detail.
parent
Spinach has a low glycemic load. You can prepare greens and eat them. It contains nutrients like fiber, vitamins, calcium and iron, which help control blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is considered very beneficial for health. It is rich in fiber and amino acids, which are beneficial for diabetics. Blood sugar levels can be controlled by including fenugreek leaves in the diet.
Eggplant
You can eat brinjal by cooking or boiling it. It is helpful in controlling blood sugar levels.
Broccoli
It is a superfood. It contains antioxidants and anti-diabetic properties. Hence it is helpful in controlling blood sugar levels.
Mustard green vegetables
Mustard green vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. It works to control blood sugar levels. Mustard vegetable is beneficial for diabetic patients.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
