Vegetables should be a big part of everyone’s diet, but for diabetics they are a really wonderful ally. That’s because they’re naturally low in the sugars and refined carbohydrates that sufferers must avoid, but high in fiber, which fills us up and helps to regulate blood glucose levels. And of course, they’re packed with vitamins, minerals and other vital nutrients.
We’ve all heard the advice that we should “eat the rainbow”, including a wide variety of different coloured veg in our meals. That said, some vegetables are especially recommended for diabetics because they combine a super-low carbohydrate count with super-high levels of nutrients, including those that have specifically been shown to promote healthy glucose metabolism.
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Try these star veg, if possible raw or lightly cooked - eg steamed or grilled - to keep all their goodness in!
© GettyImagesBroccoli
Broccoli provides vitamins A, C and K as well as iron.
© GettyImagesAsparagus
Green asparagus contains vitamins A and K.
© GettyImagesCucumbers
Cucumbers provide vitamin K and C.
© GettyImagesCabbage
Cabbage is a great source of vitamin B6, antioxidants, potassium, calcium and manganese.
© GettyImagesSpinach
Spinach is rich in vitamin K, folate and beta-carotene, which are important for eye health, often an issue for diabetics. It is also a surprisingly good source of protein.
© GettyImagesCauliflower
Cauliflower is high in vitamin C, potassium and folic acid.
© GettyImagesBrussels
Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin A and folic acid.
© GettyImagesTomatoes
Tomatoes are a superfood, whose host of nutrients include powerful disease-fighting antioxidants, including the lycopene that gives them their colour.
