Legumes, beans and leafy greens: REVERSE diabetes with food
03/24/2020 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
Legumes, beans and leafy greens: REVERSE diabetes with food

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders, which affects millions of people around the world. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 34.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. There are many readily available synthetic treatments for diabetes, such as insulin injections and oral medications, but these have been known to cause dangerous side effects, from kidney complications to liver disease. Unfortunately, there is little to no natural treatment available for people with diabetes beyond exercising and cutting back on sugar, which often leaves them no choice but to avail over-the-counter prescriptions.

But according to an article published in The Daily Mail, a plant-based diet may help ease the symptoms of diabetes significantly. In his article, Dr. Michael Greger emphasized the importance of adding nutritious, low-calorie foods like legumes, beans and green leafy vegetables in order to “reverse” the symptoms of diabetes. Greger is a clinic nutritionist and a founding member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine known for his strong opposition to animal-derived food products and whole food advocacy. According to Greger, significant dietary changes may even reduce diabetic individuals’ reliance on insulin injections in as little as two weeks.

The benefits of a plant-based diet

For diabetic individuals, Greger said the more plants present in your diet, the better your chances at overcoming diabetes. In his article, Greger called for a healthier, plant-based diet that may help diabetic individuals maintain a healthy weight (or even lose extra weight) without starving themselves. Most plant foods are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients, which may help ease, if not completely “reverse,” the symptoms of diabetes. Moreover, a plant-based diet makes for an ideal, natural treatment for diabetes without the use of synthetic pharmaceuticals.

According to Greger, foods like legumes, beans, whole grain oats, nuts and green leafy vegetables have been shown to aid weight loss and lower blood sugar levels. Legumes and beans, in particular, play important roles in regulating bowel movement and lowering blood pressure levels. Cashews, almonds and pistachios, on the other hand, are healthy sources of protein, good cholesterol (HDL) and unsaturated fats especially when eaten raw. Additionally, whole grain oats may help improve liver function, while green leafy vegetables, like kale, spinach and cabbage, can reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease.

Fast facts on diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are elevated. It is prevalent in older adults whose bodies may struggle to regulate blood sugar levels due to aging. But it can also affect adolescents and young adults whose diets include plenty of artificially sweetened foods and beverages.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, occurs when the pancreas fails to produce the hormone insulin that regulates blood sugar levels. In most cases, Type 1 diabetes is heavily influenced by genetic risk factors. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body no longer responds to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of diabetes, since it can develop as a result of unhealthy eating habits. In fact, approximately 90 to 95 percent of Americans with diabetes are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes specifically. Still, physicians diagnose about 1.5 million new cases of Type 2 diabetes each year. Additionally, many healthcare professionals consider diabetes to be a potentially fatal condition due to the damage it can cause. If left untreated, diabetes can cause irreversible health problems, like blindness, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.

Sticking to a plant-based diet loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients can go a long way in lowering the risk of diabetes and “reversing” its symptoms.

Sources:

DailyMail.co.uk

Diabetes.org

MedicalNewsToday.com

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