These 5 vegetarian foods are no less than medicine, control blood sugar, a desi way to increase insulin

leafy greens

Leafy greens are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them ideal for managing blood sugar. Vegetables like spinach, kale, collard greens, fenugreek leaves and mustard leaves are rich in fiber, antioxidants and magnesium, all of which help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Pulses and Legumes

Pulses and legumes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and plant-based protein. Chickpeas, lentils, black beans, kidney beans and peas are high in soluble fibre, which slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and prevents blood sugar spikes.

To control diabetes, patients must eat soaked almonds

Whole grains

Whole grains are rich in fibre and have a low glycemic index (GI), which means they don’t cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. The fibre in brown rice, quinoa, barley, millet, oats and whole wheat slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, helping to stabilise blood sugar levels.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein and fibre, all of which help manage blood sugar levels. Almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds reduce insulin resistance and slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream due to their low carbohydrate content and healthy fats.

Bitter gourd

Bitter gourd is a traditional vegetable used in Ayurvedic medicine to control blood sugar levels. It contains compounds such as charantin and polypeptide-P, which have been shown to lower blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion.