BEANS FOR DIABETICS

Fiber is important to the diabetic's diet. Fiber in foods helps to satisfy hunger thus making us full sooner, helps reduce the number of calories the body absorbs, and keeps blood sugar from skyrocketing after meals. Did you know beans are a great high-fiber food and should be eaten often by diabetics. I try to eat some daily, yes daily. Add them to soup, salads, tacos, etc. One cup of black or red beans provides 13 grams of fiber and 15 grams protein. Make beans an important part of your diet. Beans are also good sources of calcium and they contain magnesium, another diabetes fighter. 

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BEANS ARE A DIABETIC 'SUPER FOOD'

One food a diabetic should eat often is beans. I try to eat beans in some form almost every day and they really help me keep my blood sugar under control. Pinto beans work best for me but garbanzo, kidney, etc all work well. In fact, nutritionists tell us that as little as 1/2 cup of any type beans will provide as much protein as an ounce of meat and approximately 1/3 of your daily fiber requirement. Other benefits we derive from beans are magnesium and potassium. If you are diabetic and beans aren't currently a part of your diet, perhaps they should be. Use them to top a salad, add to soups, use in casseroles, or just enjoy a good bowl of beans. Beans are a tasty way to help control your blood sugar.

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PLANT-BASED FOODS SUCH AS NUTS AND BEANS HELP DIAL DOWN INFLAMMATION

When eating to dial down inflammation, be sure to include lots of plant-based foods like beans, nuts, and other whole foods. Whole foods help prevent inflammation due to their high fiber and antioxidants. Nuts also have healthy fats. Research shows nuts and beans are the top sources of anti-inflammatory nutrients. Dr. Rakel uses the following phrase to remember the order of protein sources from best to worse, "Roots, Fins, Two Legs, Four Legs:" Roots (beans, nuts), fins (fish), two legs (poultry), four legs (beef and processed meats).

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