Type 2 diabetes: The Japanese delicacy proven to lower blood sugar

Type 2 diabetes is characterised by the body being unable to metabolise glucose, leading to high levels of blood glucose. Over time, this can cause damage to the organs in the body, and result in complications such as kidney failure, heart disease and stroke. To prevent type 2 diabetes or keep blood sugar levels in check, experts recommend making a number of lifestyle changes, including eating a heathy diet. There’s noting you cannot eat if you have type 2 diabetes, but certain foods should be limited.

As a general rule, you should eat a wide range of foods, including vegetables and some starchy foods like pasta, keep sugar, fat and salt to a minimum, and eat breakfast, lunch and dinner every day – no skipping meals.

But certain foods have also been found to have blood sugar lowering properties, one being shirataki noodles.

Shirataki noodles are thin, translucent traditional Japanese noodles made from konjac yam.

The word ‘shirataki’ means white waterfall in Japanese, which refers to the noodles’ appearance.

These noodles are high in the fibre glucomannan, which helps people feel full and satisfied.

It also lowers levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin.

Both these traits can aid weight loss, which is important in preventing type 2 diabetes, particularly if you’re overweight or obese.

But studies have also shown glucomannan have a positive impact on blood sugar levels.

It’s been found to reduce blood sugar levels after eating and improve heart disease risk factors in people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. 

Alongside shirataki noodles, apple cider vinegar has been shown to help blood sugar levels. 

Research has suggested consuming apple cider vinegar can slow the emptying of your stomach, preventing are spikes in blood glucose. 

It’s also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity which can lower blood sugar. 

Drinking apple cider vinegar before meals or before bed may benefit blood glucose levels the most.

One study in people with type 2 diabetes found taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar at bedtime for two days reduced fasting blood sugar levels by up to 6 per cent.

When it comes to breakfast, another drink has been found to be beneficial to blood sugar levels – coffee.

Research published in 2012 found drinking coffee may help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

source: express.co.uk