Food plays a significant role when it comes to managing diabetes. Processed foods, bread, and even certain fruits and vegetables may increase one’s blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to monitor what you eat. Here’s a list of foods that one must eat and avoid for diabetes.

What to eat
When it comes to diabetes and foods, fewer sugars and carbs and more fiber is ideal. Here are a few veggies that help people with diabetes.

1. Broccoli
This delicious cruciferous vegetable is very low in carbs and high in fiber, vitamin C, and iron. It has a glycemic index of 15, making it a fantastic veggie for people with diabetes. Stir fry, grill, or add it to other preparations, and it takes the nutrition level of your food up a notch!

2. Green leafy vegetables
Vegetables like spinach and kale are super-healthy for those with diabetes. Spinach is extremely low in calories and contains only one gram of carbs per cup. Moreover, it contains a healthy amount of vitamin A. Similarly, kale is low in carbs and high in fiber and other nutrients.

3. Asparagus
Fresh asparagus is packed with wholesome nutrients and vitamins and is super-low in carbs. It is also a pretty tasty veggie when roasted, baked, or even stir-fried. Including just one cup of asparagus in one’s daily diet can help control blood sugar levels substantially.

4. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a non-starchy, low-carb vegetable that is easy to incorporate in almost any preparation. It is super low in carbs and full of nutrients like folate, protein, and fiber. These days, cauliflower rice is gaining significant popularity as it makes a much healthier and tastier alternative to white rice.

5. Cabbage
A cup of raw cabbage contains only up to five grams of carbs and is loaded with nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamins A, B, C, and K. Moreover, it contains zero sugars. This makes it a superfood for those with diabetes. One can easily use cabbage in stir-fries, grills, and soups.

What to avoid
Vegetables that are starchy and high in carbs may not be helpful for those with diabetes. Here are a few vegetables one must avoid.

1. Potatoes
Despite being one of the most popular foods worldwide, potatoes are not the best vegetable for people with diabetes. It is high in carbs and low in fiber and can get extra starchy when fried. So, if one really wants to eat a potato, boiled ones are much better than fried ones.

2. Corn
It doesn’t matter whether it’s fresh or canned; corn contains over 20 grams of carb per half-cup. Moreover, it is very low in fibers. Therefore, when consuming corn, make sure it is paired with lean protein or something that provides high nutritional value and low sugars.

3. Peas
Although peas are less starchy than other veggies on this list, they are a no-no for people with diabetes. Nevertheless, if one still wants to consume peas, it is wise to keep the portion small and entirely avoid canned pea soups.