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Considered to be a “very low glycemic index [GI] food”, by Diabetes Meal Plans, the green trimming will cause only a gradual rise in blood sugar levels over time. “Low GI foods, which cause your blood sugar levels to rise and fall slowly, may help you feel fuller for longer,” the NHS says. “This could help control your appetite and may be useful if you’re trying to lose weight.”
Weight loss is key in the management of type 2 diabetes, with the leading charity Diabetes UK stating that shedding the pounds could lead to remission.
The charity elaborates: “If you have obesity, your diabetes is more likely to go into remission if you lose a substantial amount of weight.”
Adding specifics, Diabetes UK says it needs to be “15kg (or two stone 5lbs)” for obese diabetics, which should be done “as quickly and safely as possible following diagnosis”.
Experts at Diabetes Meal Plans note: “Brussels sprouts seem to have an anti-diabetic effect.”
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Classed as a “cruciferous vegetable” by the School of Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan, Brussels sprouts contain:
Research, conducted by scientists at The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, China, found that the consumption of cruciferous vegetables had a “protective role” in diabetes management.
The study noted: “Higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables, but not citrus fruits, is associated with a significantly decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.”
This is likely due to the high fibre content in Brussels sprouts, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasises: “Fibre is part of a healthy diet and can provide a range of health benefits.
“It can be especially important in preventing or managing diabetes.”
The CDC explains that fibre isn’t broken down in the body, thus it “doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar” levels.
While Brussels sprouts are nutritious and beneficial to blood sugar levels, it matters how they are cooked.
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Steamed Brussels sprouts are likely to be the healthiest way to cook the vegetables.
Yet, if you do choose to roast Brussels sprouts, be mindful of what you roast them with.
Take, for example, butter; roasting Brussels sprouts in butter is a sure-fire way to ingest more saturated fat.
High amounts of saturated fat can be dangerous, as it is linked to heart disease.
A more healthy option would be to roast the Brussels sprouts in olive oil or avocado oil.
There are other Christmas trimmings that can be healthy too, such as cabbage and carrots.
Anybody who has type 2 diabetes would benefit from adding in festive walks this Christmas with family and friends.
Moving around is one of the key ways to help control blood sugar levels this December.
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