Surprising Foods That Lower Blood Sugar

Cinnamon for Diabetes?

Did you know that as little as 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon a day can lower your blood sugar by 6% ? It’s a great addition to oatmeal, cereals, yogurt and fruit.

A spicy cinnamon fact: Don’t take more than a teaspoon per day of the most popular cinnamon, “cassia,” also known as Vietnamese or Saigon cinnamons. These have higher levels of coumarin that can irritate your liver. The more expensive Ceylon (or “true”) cinnamon is a better bet for high consumers, as it contains very little coumarin.

Less Sweet with More Sour

Vinegar can also help lower your sugar level. Most studies use white or apple vinegar. One to two tablespoons of vinegar, usually mixed with vegetable oil to make vinaigrette, can cut the rise in sugar levels after a meal by 20-30%. Try a vinegar and olive oil dressing on a spinach/kale/multicolored vegetable salad for the best of all worlds!

Cut the Carbs

The best way to lower your sugar level, of course, is to eat fewer carbs! Surprisingly, starchy carbs (such as bread, potatoes, and rice) can boost sugar levels as much—or more than—sweet, sugary desserts. Best example is that a bagel will bump your sugar level more than a glazed donut!

Even whole grains can be a problem. Although whole grains are much preferred over refined, they are still not low glycemic foods. Lots of whole grains, say more than a cup of brown rice or quinoa, can spike your blood sugar.

References:

Efficacy and Safety of ‘True’ Cinnamon

The Antiglycemic Properties of Vinegar