6 Iftar Foods for Diabetes Patients, Good to Consume

Kapanlagi.com - Everyday, diabetes patients limit their food intake to prevent a spike in blood sugar levels. Of course, during the fasting month, diabetes patients must pay attention to the food intake given to the body.

Sometimes, when fasting, we have a high appetite during the day and want to consume everything we see for breaking the fast. However, that is not good, KLovers, you must still choose iftar foods specifically for diabetes patients.

Diabetes is a disease experienced by patients in the form of a disruption in the production and function of the insulin hormone, causing an increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, when breaking the fast, we must look for foods that can provide a quick feeling of fullness without suddenly raising blood sugar levels. Therefore, as reported from various sources, here are 6 iftar foods for diabetes patients that are good to consume during the fasting month of Ramadan.

1. Fruit Consumption

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The first iftar food for diabetes patients is consuming fruits. For diabetes patients, it is recommended to consume fruits with low glycemic index, such as oranges, apples, pears, and bananas. Glycemic index is a number that indicates the potential increase in blood sugar levels available in a food. You can make fruits as a healthy snack that can help reduce high sugar levels in the body.

In bananas, there is only 14 grams of sugar content, which is very suitable for diabetes patients. Pears also have low glycemic index and contain flavonoids that are believed to treat diabetes. Apples have a glycemic index of only 38, and oranges have a glycemic index of 44. Not only that, oranges are also high in fiber, which can provide a longer feeling of fullness.

2. Avoid Excessive Salt Consumption

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The second iftar food for diabetes patients is to avoid excessive salt consumption. Salt does not directly affect blood sugar, but for diabetes patients, it can easily lead to complications. One of them is high blood pressure caused by excessive salt consumption. High blood pressure can worsen if you have diabetes, leading to other problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.

You can buy low-iodine salt or health salt sold at pharmacies to reduce salt levels, but remember not to use it excessively, only in moderation.

3. Choose Complex Carbohydrates

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In observing fasting for diabetes patients, choosing foods that contain complex carbohydrates is one option for breaking the fast. Complex carbohydrates provide a feeling of fullness faster, which can help reduce overeating during iftar.

Complex carbohydrates are divided into two types: fiber and starch. For diabetes patients, carbohydrates that contain high fiber are important because fiber helps regulate the digestive system and control cholesterol levels. Some foods that contain fiber include grains, nuts, wheat, vegetables, and fruits.

4. Consumption of Green Vegetables

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In addition to consuming complex carbohydrates, another iftar food for diabetes sufferers is consuming green vegetables. You can combine complex carbohydrates with green vegetables. The benefits of green vegetables are that they can help diabetes sufferers because of their high antioxidant content and enzymes that are useful for digesting starch. In addition, the vitamin and mineral content is very beneficial for health in the body.

Furthermore, green vegetables also have high fiber content, which will certainly give us a feeling of fullness faster and longer. This will give you diabetes sufferers more energy to perform fasting and daily activities. Green vegetables that you can consume include spinach, mustard greens, cabbage, pakchoy, and broccoli.

5. Consumption of Fish

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The food for breaking the fast for diabetes patients is processed fish that contains omega 3. The American Diabetes Association states that consuming fish that contains omega 3 can improve blood sugar control in diabetes patients. In addition, fish with high omega 3 content can also maintain body function and improve heart and brain health.

Fish with high omega 3 content include salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel. It is recommended to grill or bake the fish to reduce saturated and trans fats in the body. This fish can also be combined with green vegetables and complex carbohydrates as iftar and suhoor menus during Ramadan.

6. Coconut Water

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And the last food for breaking the fast for diabetes patients is coconut water. Why coconut water? Because it contains high fiber. 100 grams of coconut water contains 1.1 grams of fiber, which can make us feel full and provide more energy. Coconut water also contains two important salts, potassium and sodium, which are essential for maintaining controlled blood pressure and controlling diabetes.

That's why you can consume coconut water to control diabetes while fasting. It not only provides more energy but is also safe for consumption for diabetes patients.

Those are the 6 foods for breaking the fast for diabetes patients that are good to consume. Remember not to overconsume food, also avoid sugar and fried foods to keep the body healthy and fit during Ramadan fasting.

(kpl/dhm)