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How effective is a vegan diet for preventing and treating diabetes? Plant-based diets are increasingly recognized as some of the healthiest and most sustainable diets. Because they tend to be high in fiber and low in saturated fat, vegan diets are being actively studied for their preventive and therapeutic effects on high blood sugar.
So far, the results look promising. However, poorly balanced plant-based diets can contain large amounts of carbohydrates and sodium, two substances that diabetics should avoid. Understanding how to properly structure a vegan diet is important for successfully preventing and treating this chronic disease.
Diabetes is a condition in which there are abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. In healthy people, the hormone insulin helps transport glucose into cells, providing them with the fuel they need. In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to heart disease, kidney problems, blindness, and other complications. Eating right is one of the keys to helping prevent and manage this condition.
In this article, we look at the pros and cons of a vegan diet for diabetes and provide helpful recommendations. However, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, especially if you have diabetes.
Vegan Diet for Diabetes: How It Works
According to the Vegan Society, a vegan diet excludes all animal products. This includes:
There are many aspects of the vegan diet that promote healthy blood sugar metabolism. “Because vegans make a conscious choice to avoid certain foods, especially animal products, they tend to be more mindful of their diet, which leads to more informed food choices,” says James Collier, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Huel.
James Collier, BSc (Hons), RNutrSocial Link NavigationRegistered Dietitian
After graduating with a first class honours degree in nutrition with dietetics from the University of Surrey, UK, in 1995, Collier spent seven years working as a clinical dietitian in the National Health Service in various hospitals and dietetic specialties. He is the co-founder and developer of Huel, a complete nutritional supplement.
“Many plant foods are not only nutrient-dense, but also filling. For example, fibrous whole grains provide slow-release carbohydrates, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. Plant-based diets are also rich in phytonutrients, which often have antioxidant properties that may help protect against heart disease and some types of cancer.”
On the other hand, regular vegan foods such as fruits, grains
Sourse: www.livescience.com
