The diabetes It currently affects tens of millions of people in the world. This stat will increase further, targeting one in 10 by 2030. Blood sugar control is one of the most crucial aspects of this condition. This is how a sweet snack can help.
Fortunately, blood sugar levels can be controlled by simple dietary adjustments.
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A snack that can do the job is appleaccording to nutritionist Rob Hobson, who works with British Apples and Pears.
The expert told Express.co.uk that the reason apples can help lower blood sugar is their fiber content.
He said: «If you’re looking for a snack rather than a sugary snack, the sugar in your apples is locked up in the cells of the fruit.»
The nutritionist explained exactly how fiber lowers blood sugar in our body. When you eat carbohydrates, your body it quickly breaks them down into sugar, which can cause spikes in blood glucose.
Hobson continued: “[Pero] if it contains fiber, it breaks down much more slowly within the body.
“Because the fiber prevents it from breaking down, it slows everything down because fiber takes longer for the body to assimilate.
«It’s really just about how it breaks down, how it slows down the breakdown within the gut.»
However, apples don’t just offer benefits for people with diabetes as a snack.
Hobson also shared that eating them with a meal can help slow the release of sugar.
He said: «If you’re worried about your blood sugar levels, if you eat them with a meal, obviously there’s no risk of having any problems.»
Besides being packed with fiber, another reason apples are a «great choice» for diabetics is its low glycemic index.
Hobson explained: “The glycemic index [GI] it’s an indication of how quickly carbohydrates are broken down in the body, so that’s another good way to think.
«Low GI foods are good if you have type 2 diabetes.»
Although apples can help control the condition, the nutritionist cautioned that a single apple No offers all the fiber you need on a daily basis.
He added: “It’s a way to add fiber to your diet and it’s also a way to have that healthy snack instead of a different snack.
«[Sin embargo]the apple contains about two and a half grams of fiber, it’s not a huge amount, but it helps on the way to counting everything.»
The nutritionist stresses that you should aspire to consume 30 grams of fiber per day.
Other good sources of fiber you listed are oatmeal, whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and lentils.
It recommends following a healthy and varied diet. Hobson concluded: «If you can eat a diet that helps you lose weight and includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, obviously that will benefit your health and may help improve your diabetes.»