Diabetes is a health problem that has been in the news a lot over the years. Millions of people are affected by this disease and have to learn to live a different type of lifestyle when it comes to food. People living with diabetes are always looking for healthy answers to healthy eating. They need to eat foods that do not affect their blood sugar levels too drastically, and thanks to many doctors and researchers, there may be an answer. Pistachios have been studied in diabetics and have been found to have positive benefits for them. Eating some pistachios every day may aid you in controlling your diabetes.
What is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar is the amount of blood glucose you have present in your system. Blood glucose is the energy source that is fed to cells to give us energy. Before meals, blood glucose levels are normally low, especially in the morning. After eating, the levels rise, and for people with diabetes, they may rise too much. This is known as hyperglycemia. Glucose levels that are too low is known as hypoglycemia. People who cannot keep their blood glucose levels normalized are said to have diabetes.
What is a Pistachio?
Pistachios are nuts that originated in the Middle East. They grow on trees in a hard shell, and the nut is typically a green color. They are extremely nutritious with high levels of protein and vitamins. Over the years studies have shown that diets rich in pistachios can lower cholesterol levels, reduce incidents of heart attacks and, most recently, it has been discovered that pistachios help keep blood glucose levels normalized.
Pistachios Help Blood Sugar
Blood sugar levels can fluctuate after eating, especially with certain foods. Too much fluctuation is not good. Blood sugar levels need to be kept as normal as possible. Blood sugar levels tend to spike after eating foods rich in carbohydrates. However, studies have shown that eating pistachios along with these higher carbohydrate foods tends to help keep blood sugar levels lower. There are no extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels after eating pistachios, so they can be eaten alone or with other foods.
How Pistachios Work to Lower Blood Sugar
Pistachios work to slow the absorption of blood glucose into the bloodstream. This means that blood sugar levels will not spike too quickly. Foods that are rich in carbohydrates tend to be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly, and if the body is not producing enough insulin to counteract the glucose, the glucose levels rise. Pistachios slow this process. Many doctors recommend that diabetics include pistachios in their everyday diet, not only for their nutritious value, but also for their positive benefits on glucose levels.
Considerations
When deciding manage your blood sugar, it is always best to discuss your options with your doctor. If you are considering changing your diet by adding or eliminating certain foods, let your doctor know so he can advise you. Talk to your doctor about pistachios and ask him if he would recommend adding them to your diet. He may want to do tests to see how pistachios affect your blood glucose levels, and make sure they are right for you.
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