Incorporating herbs and spices is good for diabetes. Coriander, cumin, mustard, black pepper, ginger – all are good for health. Learn to how to use them and how to incorporate in your daily diet. Some of them have blood sugar-lowering properties. Cinnamon and turmeric are two best examples.
Healthy fats can improve insulin sensitivity. Before using them understand the nutritional value of these nuts and seeds.
Nuts and seeds (in moderation) Almonds, walnuts,chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
Avocado (in moderation) – good fruit, understand nutrients and how much calorie it supplies. Major source of monounsaturated fats.
Probiotic rich foods
Probiotics may support better blood sugar regulation.
Yogurt (unsweetened) and buttermilk Opt for plain yogurt or curd.Masala buttermilk is a good source to control thirst and it aids digestion. Consider including buttermilk in your lunch.
Fermented foods Homemade fermented dosa, Kimchi, sauerkraut, or tempeh.
Vegetarian friendly foods that could help to lower HbA1C levels.
Low-Glycemic Index (GI) Foods
Foods with a low GI release glucose slowly and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Whole grains Quinoa, oats, barley, and whole wheat. Puffed paddy called “laja” is a lighter version of rice and aids in good digestion.
Legumes – Include tadka dal, spicy dal, rasam in your diet. Use legume sprouts to get your daily dose of protein. Lentils, chickpeas, green gram, kidney beans, and black beans.
High fiber Foods
Fiber slows sugar absorption and improves glycemic control.
Vegetables – According to Ayurveda one must consume minimum 500 grams of vegetables in diet. Consume more curry or vegetables and reduce rice portion. Leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Fruits (in moderation) Berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries), apples, guava, papaya and pomegranate.
Unlike daily blood sugar tests, which show immediate levels, HbA1c reflects your overall blood sugar control over time. Maintaining a healthy HbA1c reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as:
What Is HbA1c And Why It is Important To Maintain HbA1c Level
HbA1c, also known as Glycated Hemoglobin, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is a key marker used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes.
What does HbA1c measure? Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. When glucose (sugar) circulates in your blood, some of it attaches to hemoglobin. The higher your blood sugar levels, the more glucose binds to hemoglobin, forming glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
The HbA1c test shows the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated.
What are normal HbA1c levels?
Normal: Below 5.7%
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
For people with diabetes, the goal is often to keep HbA1c below 7%, but this can vary based on individual health needs.
A cup coffee with spicy evening snack during rainy season lifts our mood. Try Madduru vada for a rainy day. Madduru is a small town in Karnataka State of Southern India. This famous snackMadduru vada was invented in this place by Ramachandra Budhya a century ago, in order to fulfill hungry stomach of passengers who come by evening train. Now this snack is available in most restaurants and also one can prepare at home easily. Madduru town is situated on the highway between Bengaluru and Mysore cities.
Madduru vada is an evening snack served with hot coffee in this part of the world.The aromaof the Madduru vada wafts as soon as one reaches Madduru.
In a mixing bowl, add rice flour, semolina and all purpose flour
Combine all the other ingredients in another mixing bowl – coriander, green chili, cut curry leaves, chopped onions, groundnut halves – mix well and add it to flour bowl
Mix well by adding 3 Tbsp oil and salt. Onion will release moisture, hence water is not needed to mix the contents.
Knead and let the flour mix sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Knead dough again. Now the flour mix will have moisture to make flat vada. In case, you feel moisture is not enough to prepare vada, then add few drops of water.
Prepare lemon size balls with dough.
In a deep frying pan heat oil on medium heat.
To make Maddur vada you can use Aluminum foil piece or banana leaf. Grease palms and banana leaf(or aluminum foil) with little oil. Take dough ball and pat it flat on the leaf using fingers. Do not make it too thin.
Slide the flattened Maddur vada in heated oil and fry both sides till it turns golden to slightly darker brown.
Transfer hot Maddur vada on paper towel to drain excess oil.
Serve Maddhur vada as evening snack with coconut chutney and hot coffee or tea!
