Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar in a person’s blood to become too high. The condition causes the body to lose control of the amount of sugar in the blood – the body doesn’t respond to insulin properly and may not produce enough which causes blood sugar levels to become too high.
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When it comes to a healthy diet when dealing with type 2 diabetes, experts say there’s nothing you can’t eat, however, certain foods should be limited including sugar, fat and salt.
When it comes to specific foods for helping with the condition, choosing one’s that have a blood sugar-lowering element is advised.
One such food that has this ability is the adzuki bean.
Adzuki beans, also known as azuki or aduki, are a small bean that is grown throughout East Asia.
The beans come in a variety of colours, however, red adzuki beans are the most well known.
Praised for their health benefits, the beans are linked to helping with heart health and weight loss to improved digestion and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
How the adzuki bean could help with type 2 diabetes
As the bean is rich in fibre it helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar spikes after meals.
Adzuki beans are also rich in antioxidants, which experts believe may have some anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetes effects.
The fibre and antioxidants may help block the absorption of sugars in the gut which potentially contributes to better blood sugar levels and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
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What the studies say
In a study with the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the effect of legumes as part of a low glycemic index diet was analysed and how it could help with type 2 diabetes.
The study noted that legumes, including adzuki beans, chickpeas and lentils are among the lowest glycemic index foods and have been recommended in national diabetes mellitus guidelines.
The study concluded that the incorporation of legumes and beans as part of a low-GI diet improved both glycemic control and reduced calculated risk in type 2 diabetes.
Some evidence have also suggested that adzuki beans can aid in weight loss which is imperative for proper management of type 2 diabetes.
Compounds found in adzuki beans may increase the expression of genes which decrease hunger and increase feelings of fullness.
Other beans with health benefits include kidney beans, pinto beans and black beans.
Beans can be used in a wide range of recipes including stews and soups. It’s strongly advised to always check the label for the salt content.
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