Certain foods that diabetics are recommended to avoid, such as simple carbohydrates, sugar-sweetened beverages, processed foods, and fried foods, increase the risk of high blood sugar levels and pose some health risks in the long run. This is because it can cause complications. . However, certain foods, while not spiking blood sugar levels, can reduce insulin sensitivity, increase cholesterol, and slow metabolism. In a recent Instagram post, the Ayurvedic expert talks about three foods that diabetics should avoid to prevent long-term complications. (Also read | Ancient Wisdom Part 33: Eating sesame seeds can lower cholesterol and manage diabetes; know all the benefits)
“Just because these foods are bad for diabetes doesn’t mean you should never eat them. They can still be consumed from time to time in moderation. This is not just a random list of foods. It is specifically stated in the Ayurvedic classics that foods should be avoided if you are “diabetic/insulin resistant,” says Dr. Diksa Babusar Savarya.
1. Card
Dr. Sabarija says curd can increase kapha dosha in the body, which can promote weight gain and slow down metabolism. According to Ayurvedic experts, curd can affect the absorption of nutrients and may also increase cholesterol levels.
“According to Ayurveda, curd is heated in nature and not cooled down as people believe.It is also naturally heavy (guru) and sticky (sticky) to digest. It increases kapha dosha in the body.The more kapha you have, the more weight you gain.”Kapha also causes malabsorption of nutrients (nutrient deficiencies) and even increases cholesterol and triglycerides. It is best to avoid the card if you have diabetes, obesity, or cholesterol. Instead of curd, you can sometimes consume buttermilk prepared with more water,” says an Ayurvedic expert.
2.White salt
Dr. Savarya said that while white salt does not directly lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, it can increase the risk of blood pressure in diabetics and further lead to heart complications, kidney disease and stroke.
“People with diabetes are more likely to be affected by high blood pressure, which increases their risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications of diabetes. Salt intake has no effect on blood sugar levels. If you limit it or switch to rock salt, Himalayan pink salt can definitely help prevent and control high blood pressure, heart disease, and other diabetic complications,” say experts.
3. Jaggery
Although jaggery is considered a safer alternative to sugar for diabetics, Dr. Savarya says it can still cause sugar spikes.
“We all know that sugar should be avoided, but when jaggery is consumed in equal or higher amounts than sugar, it can cause a sugar spike and make it an unhealthy alternative for diabetics. Did you know that? Yes, it’s true. Jaggery is 100% healthier than sugar. “Sugar, jaggery is made through natural processes without the use of chemicals and is rich in nutrients.” So, you need to consume jaggery and it is important to consume it in moderation (and not in excess),” she says.
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