Glycemic Index Food List

List Of Food That Decreases Blood Sugar

Blood sugar levels are the amount of glucose found in the blood. The body uses glucose as a form of energy and also regulates sugar levels. There are many factors that can cause blood sugar levels to elevate or increase. When high blood sugar occurs it can be potentially life threatening if not handled properly. It is always best to eat five small meals throughout the day to effective regulate blood sugar levels. To avoid potential problems with high blood sugar it is recommended that you do not overeat or skip any meals during the course of the day. There are some foods that can help decrease blood sugar levels and help to increase energy levels as well.

Avocado

Avocados are commonly mistaken for a vegetable when it is however, a fruit. According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, avocados should be incorporated into daily food intake as opposed to other high fat diet choices like lard and margarine. Avocados have a seven-carbon sugar that is capable of regulating blood sugar levels in patients with hypoglycemia. It does this by depressing the production of insulin with its natural sugar. Including small snacks between meals can also help stabilize blood sugar levels in between meals.

Whole Wheat Crackers

Whole-wheat crackers are rich in fiber, which helps reduces fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Fiber is able to lower blood sugar levels during a hypoglycemic episode. Whole-wheat crackers are also complex carbohydrates, which mean they will turn into sugar at a much slower rate in the bloodstream. Complex carbs however, can help stabilize blood sugar levels over a longer time frame than simple carbs. According to Alabama Cooperative Extension System overeating should be avoided as it can elevate blood sugar levels over the recommended 300-mg. Whole wheat crackers are one of many complex carbs that take longer to be digested, which means insulin secretion is reduced and does not stress the body during digestion.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are filled with many nutrients that are good for overall health. It is considered a complex carbohydrate due to its fiber content. It provides a healthy dose of vitamins A and C as well as calcium and iron. According to NC State University the sweet potato has been linked to fighting diabetes and high blood sugar. It is a low Glycemic Index food that releases sugar into the body much slower than foods with refined sugar. According to recent research by North Carolina state the flesh of the sweet potato as well as the skin play a vital role in lowering blood sugar and glucose levels within the body.