6 days Ago By [email protected] (Ben Hurst)
A humble vegetable, often overlooked and not universally liked, has been praised for its ability to lower blood sugar levels. Broccoli, readily available in all supermarkets, is packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve glucose control. Specifically, sulforaphane, a compound released when chopping or chewing broccoli, has demonstrated antidiabetic properties.
Hyperglycaemia, the condition of having high blood sugar levels, can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed. Research published by Science Translational Medicine found that sulforaphane can lower blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This is due to its ability to enhance insulin resistance and protect pancreatic cells, which are responsible for producing this hormone.
Another study published on PubMed revealed that people with type 2 diabetes who consumed broccoli sprouts daily for four weeks experienced a significant decrease in insulin resistance and an improvement in blood sugar levels. These findings support the use of this often-unappreciated vegetable as a natural aid in managing diabetes and highlight the importance of including it in a healthy diet. Broccoli is not only low in calories but also a rich source of fibre, making it an ideal choice for those needing to regulate their blood glucose levels.
This characteristic slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, thus preventing sudden spikes that can. For those with diabetes, the consumption of broccoli could be beneficial due to its high content of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. These nutrients not only enhance overall health but also bolster the immune system and aid in blood pressure regulation.
To retain sulforaphane, a compound known for its antidiabetic properties, it's best to consume broccoli raw or lightly steamed as prolonged cooking can diminish its content along with other heat-sensitive nutrients. Broccoli's impact extends beyond glucose management; it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases, often prevalent among individuals with diabetes. The fibre found in this vegetable supports digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
The antioxidants in broccoli safeguard cells from oxidative damage, crucial in preventing complications such as diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy. Despite its lack of popularity, broccoli holds significant potential in enhancing overall health. Nutritional scientist Professor Tim Spector champions the benefits of broccoli, stating: "Onion, garlic and brassicas including broccoli and cabbage are good sources of sulforaphane, a beneficial chemical that has been shown to help keep you healthy, improving glucose control, cholesterol levels and even fighting cancer cells.
" While cooking these vegetables destroys the myrosinase, from which the sulforaphane is derived, by chopping then stopping for 10 minutes, the sulforaphane is activated and survives the cooking process. Symptoms of high blood sugar usually come on gradually and may only start when your blood sugar level gets very high. Common symptoms include: Common causes of high blood sugar in people with diabetes include: You can also get high blood sugar if your diabetes medicine is not working well, you're taking certain medicines (such as steroids) or you recently had an operation.
If you have diabetes, it's important to try to stop your blood sugar level getting too high. take any diabetes medicine you've been prescribed, as advised by your doctor or care team avoid eating too much sugary or starchy food try to find ways to manage stress exercise regularly lose weight if you're overweight follow advice from your doctor or care team about what to do while you're ill (sometimes called "sick day rules") do not skip or change doses of your diabetes medicine unless advised by your doctor or care team For more information on high blood sugar from the NHS click here ..
