Foods to Help You Control Diabetes

Keeping your sugar levels under control can be a tough job. In addition to having medicines you need to take care of your diet too. Here are some foods that will help you control diabetes.

1 Bitter gourd (Karela)

"If you have type 2 diabetes, you must have a glass of karela juice daily. The bitter gourd can help reduce blood sugar levels. Have it the first thing in the morning," says Dr T Devarajan, a general physician at Apollo Hospital, Chennai.

2. Fenugreek
Like bitter gourd, fenugreek is also bitter, though less in intensity. You can make a vegetable dish out of its leaves or use the seeds in your food. "It's advisable to soak a teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds in a tumbler of water overnight. Filter it and drink it first thing in the morning. You can even drink it with the seeds. It helps lowering your sugar levels," says Dr Deepali Shastri, an ayurvedic doctor at Ayushakti, Mumbai.

3. Aloe vera
The gel of this plant is a good home remedy for diabetes. "Mix ½ a teaspoon of roasted and ground bay leaf with ½ teaspoon turmeric and 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel. Have this mixture an hour before lunch and dinner. It can control your sugar levels," says Dr Shastri.

4. Basil
Tulsi or basil too helps control diabetes. Dr Shastri says, "Take a handful of basil leaves and crush them. Soak them in a glass of water overnight and drink the filtered mixture first thing in the morning." You can also chew on a few leaves through the day.

5. Mango leaves
Mango leaves help you control blood sugar levels too. Boil 3-4 mango leaves. "Let the leaves stay in the water overnight. Filter the water and drink it in the morning before breakfast," says Dr Shastri. Mango leaves are easily available. Make sure you clean them well before using. Mango leaves also help lower blood pressure.

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Prachi Desai, Aayush Jindal - Author of this post, TheWebCrunch

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