Currently, over 4.9 million people in the UK have diabetes. And that statistic is set to explode in the coming years, affecting one in 10 people by 2030. This prediction means that prevention could be key. Express.co.uk spoke to an expert about a small food item that could help.
Whether you love Brussels sprouts or hate them, you might not want to cross them off the menu again after Christmas because they can help lower your risk of diabetes and keep your blood sugar in check.
How do Brussels sprouts affect blood sugar?
Dr. Brewer, who also works with the supplement to maintain healthy glucose levels CuraLifesaid: “They will not lower blood glucose levels on their own, but may help slow the rise in glucose levels seen after eating when included in a meal.”
The main benefit contained in small green vegetables is fiber.
Fiber moves slowly through our bodies and can slow the absorption of sugar into the blood.
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This mechanism therefore helps to improve blood sugar levels.
The type 2 diabetes expert added that apart from fibre, sprouts also contain ‘key vitamins’, such as K, folate, C, E and minerals including potassium, calcium , manganese, as well as antioxidants.
One of the antioxidants in Brussels sprouts called alpha-lipoic acid has been linked to increased insulin sensitivity, according to a study.
The team of researchers suggested this could be due to alpha lipoid acid allowing insulin to work more effectively to lower blood sugar.
So anything from making a coleslaw to ensuring the vegetable stays bright green and crisp while preparing it will do the trick.
She added, “Don’t overcook [them] or you will lose some of the vitamin and mineral content.
“Vitamin C will break down, for example, minerals will leach into cooking water.”
As for the ideal portion, Dr. Brewer reminds that aiming for five servings of vegetables and fruit a day remains the key to any varied and healthy diet.
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