Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD
As a doctor, I have seen firsthand the detrimental effects that a diet high in carbohydrates can have on a person’s health. Carbs are a quick source of energy, but consuming too many can lead to weight gain, inflammation, and a host of other health issues. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my expert picks for the 25 Best Low Carb Foods List for 2023.
These foods will not only satisfy your taste buds but also keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply live a healthier lifestyle, incorporating these low-carb options into your diet is a great place to start. So, let’s dive in and discover the delicious and nutritious foods that will help you achieve your health goals in 2023.
25 best low-carb foods list for diabetics that steady blood sugar
Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for diabetics, and incorporating low-carb foods into your diet is a great way to stabilize them – here is the 25 best low-carb foods list for diabetics.
1. Berries
Berries are the best fruits for lowering blood sugar levels. They are also high in vitamin C, which adds immunity to the body. You can mix berries in your salads and cereals to enhance the goodness of the meal.
Half a cup of berries like – blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries is a great addition to your daily diet. They are rich in many minerals that help with protecting the body.
2. Greek yogurt
This is one of the best foods that help keep the metabolism well functional due to probiotics. It is rich in plenty of minerals as well.
Greek yogurt is made from skimmed milk and thus is lower in calories, carbs, and fat. It can provide calcium as well as protein, which is a healthy source of energy.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is an all-rounder green veggie. The numerous benefits of this cruciferous vegetable make it a great choice. Broccoli is very low in carbohydrates and thus, helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels.
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Broccoli also contains fiber that helps in preventing high spikes in the body’s blood glucose levels.
Broccoli is also rich in many antioxidants. This assists in fighting against free radicals and oxidative stress that give rise to internal health complications.
4. Chia seeds
These are magical seeds that help in lowering your blood sugar levels. They are low in carbs and help with keeping blood glucose levels under control.
Chia seeds are also good for weight loss and have a lot of fiber. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids that keep the heart healthy and out of risk.
5. Kale
Like broccoli, kale is another great green veggie option rich in minerals and fibers. These nutrients combine to combat diabetes.
Including kale can also benefit your diabetic level management and reduce blood sugar levels. Moreover, the fiber in kale helps keep you full for a longer time and reduces unhealthy cravings.
6. Cucumbers
Cucumbers fall under the many low-carbohydrate foods. It has a very low Glycemic index, which proves its safety for being included in one’s diabetic diet.
Moreover, it is filled with many minerals and vitamins that add plenty of nourishment to the body. Cucumber is also a hydrating agent that keeps the body cool and soothed.
You can have a whole cucumber without worrying about your blood sugar levels or even add it to salads.
7. Asparagus
This delicious crunchy vegetable is versatile to use as well as rich in many beneficial nutrients. Asparagus has been recommended to be safe for diabetics. It is also low in carbs and calories.
This vegetable is high in folate and fulfills a lot of your daily folate requirements. The consumption of asparagus is also associated with lowering the risk of heart issues among diabetic patients.
8. Bell peppers
Bell peppers have very few carbohydrates. In addition to this, they are also rich in fiber which helps the body to manage blood sugar levels better.
The consumption of bell peppers also enriches the body with many vitamins that are needed daily. Green bell peppers are the best and lowest in carbs.
You can have them in salads, curries, or other dishes.
9. Cabbages
Leafy and green vegetables always top the list of healthy foods for all health ailments. They are especially excellent as a diabetic choice because of their low-carb quality.
Cabbages have many antioxidants and vitamin K. This helps boost mental functioning and prevents diseases.
10. Carrots
Carrots are often a keto favorite because of their low-carb quality. Apart from just that, carrots are also rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A which helps in improving the immunity of the body.
Carrots make a nutritious addition to your salads, soups, side dishes, pickles, sandwiches, and so on. You can have them raw or cooked.
11. Green tea
This is a medicinal beverage that you can include as a substitute for your other daily sugary beverages. Green tea is low-carb and has numerous health benefits.
It is especially known for its blood sugar-lowering properties. Besides, green tea also strengthens the metabolism and aids in weight loss. These factors promote diabetic management.
12. Cauliflower
Cauliflowers are exceptional for diabetes management. It is low in carbs as well as calories and high in many helpful nutrients.
Finely diced cauliflower is also a great rice substitute that can help in lowering blood sugar levels.
13. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are very rich in a lot of nutrients that are necessary for diabetic patients. It is full of antioxidants and phytonutrients that protect the body from harmful diseases and risks.
Tomato juice is said to be a great daily morning drink to reduce diabetes. It detoxifies and fights inflammation.
14. Pumpkin
This vegetable is also a great one for diabetic patients as it is filled with fiber. Fiber nullifies the harmful effects on blood sugar levels.
Overall, pumpkin is also low in carbs and can fit rightly in your diabetic diet.
15. Green beans
Green beans make a good fresh and healthy snack option. It is low in carbs and high in necessary nutrients such as vitamin K, Vitamin B, and calcium.
They are versatile and can be included in soups, salads, rice dishes, and so on.
16. Mushrooms
These plant treats are very low in carbs and thus great for diabetic consumption. They make a tasty and nutrient-rich meal.
They have very few calories and a lot of fiber and protein that can significantly benefit diabetic health. Moreover, it also supplies the body with many antioxidants.
17. Olives
Olives are little powerhouses for health. They are great for diabetic patients and help in keeping blood sugar levels low. Olives are added for extra flavor and taste, and at the same time, they also enhance nutrition.
18. Eggplant
Eggplants, commonly known as brinjals, are great for the body as they are low-carb, non-starchy vegetables.
It is loaded with fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Diabetics can enjoy eggplants and also benefit from their nutritional compositions.
19. Celery
This green leafy vegetable is almost calorie-free and so low in carbs that it can help bring down your overall carbohydrate consumption.
It has an alkalizing effect and also helps in improving the metabolic functions of the body. It also provides us with fiber, anti-inflammatory nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
20. Brussels sprouts
This is often not a favored veggie, but its nutritional goodness would make you want to add it more to your diet. Brussels sprouts are great for managing diabetes as they have very few carbohydrates.
Besides, it is also a rich source of vitamin C that helps with improving the immunity of the body.
21. Okra
Okra has a special place on the list for diabetes management. It is very nutritious and rich in fiber. Okra water is a drink that is often recommended to diabetic patients as it helps lower blood sugar levels and, over time, leads to the prevention of diabetes.
Including okra in your diet also improves the functioning of the nervous system.
22. Bitter gourd
This is a major necessity to bring into your diabetic diet. The bitter taste may be unpleasant, but its effects on lowering blood sugar levels are exceptional.
Bitter gourd is also rich in other nutrients that help with stomach issues, skin problems, and so on.
23. Watermelon
This is a sweet fruit but amongst the lowest-carb options as well. It is good for diabetic patients to have watermelons. The fiber and minerals in it can be very helpful to the body.
It is also a hydrating food choice that keeps the body cool.
24. Avocados
Avocados have been appreciated much for their blood sugar-lowering effects and great nutritional composition.
It is excellent for diabetics when taken in the right limited amounts. They are rich and creamy with lots of fiber as well.
25. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are among the healthiest choices with low carbohydrates for diabetic patients. They have a lot of protein and fiber that help lower blood glucose and keep the body energetic.
Chickpea salads are a great snack idea that nourishes the body with several vitamins and minerals. It is also good for weight management.
REFERENCES:
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/748608/nutrients
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6262453/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6544578/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34704503/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27172913/#
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/7/5/63
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118635551.ch14/summary
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972101785X
NEED MORE INFORMATION ON LOW CARB FOODS.
Hi Helen, you can get all the details about low-carb foods from my eBook on 100 Diabetes Superfoods.
Link: Download 100 Diabetes Superfoods