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Having diabetes doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of all the foods and drinks you love. Instead, one needs to make healthier food choices! As a diabetic, one cannot drink beverages without caution. That’s why most juices and drinks are off the charts, mostly because they can spike blood sugar levels.
But should they give up on drinks completely? Daljit Kaur, Head – Dietetics, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, shares with HealthShots, “Juices are not good for diabetics; they are deficient in fibre and are a form of simple sugar, so it is better to avoid them.”
But as we’ve mentioned, the right choice of ingredients can save you. So today, we are going to highlight some refreshing drinks that are low on sugar, and rich in healthy fats and other nutrients. Plus, they can help to stabilise your blood sugar levels.
Kaur adds, “The best alternative options are lemon water, coconut water, vegetable juice, and smoothies.”
Here’s why these drinks are safe for you:
1. Lemon water
There are so many people who can’t do without lemon water. For diabetic patients, lemon water doesn’t impact their blood sugar levels directly. In fact, this drink is rich in antioxidants, and low in carbohydrates and calories. Plus, there’s no doubt lemon water can help you stay fresh, and comes with a refreshing, tangy taste. So, a diabetic can enjoy lemon water without any worry.
2. Coconut water
Your blood sugar levels are responsible for ensuring you feel energetic throughout the day. They shouldn’t be low, and neither should they be too high. Hence, we need to devise ways of managing blood sugar levels effectively.
Coconut water, more commonly known as nariyal paani, is a naturally refreshing drink with a sweet, nutty taste. Not only is it tasty, but is also packed with nutrients and minerals needed by the body to keep blood sugar levels under control. Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food also suggests that coconut water improves diabetes.
3. Vegetable juice
Green juices are highly recommended for people suffering from diabetes. They help you stay energetic and fresh. Not just for diabetes, they are great for heart conditions, hypertension, and all other lifestyle diseases. Plus, they can strengthen your immune system as well.
Try to focus on non-starchy vegetables like celery, kale, broccoli, and cucumber, which won’t have a big impact on your blood sugar levels.
4. Smoothies
Preparing smoothies for a diabetic patient can be an excellent way to get fibre and other nutrients from fruits and vegetables. However, the wrong kind of smoothie can worsen your situation. So, add avocado or chia seeds to your smoothie.
The American Diabetes Association recommends adding an avocado to morning smoothies, as a replacement for dairy.
Kaur explains, “These drinks are best to consume,\ as they contain vitamin C, potassium, and other minerals and vitamins. They also contain very few calories, and are therefore good for diabetic people.”
