Health Benefits of Red Spinach for Diabetics

To stay healthy and avoid any complications, it is important for diabetics to constantly monitor their blood sugar levels.

Although doctors and nutritionists always emphasize that people with this lifestyle disorder can still eat everything in moderation depending on their personal medical history, they are however advised to consume more foods with a low glycemic index as they do not cause a sudden increase in glucose levels in the body.

“Such foods also help keep you fuller for longer and aid in weight loss. One of the foods that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and has the above properties is red spinach (related to amaranth),” said Sushma PS, Head of Nutrition at Jindal Naturecure Hospital (India).

Commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, this leafy vegetable is rich in nutrients and is also a source of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which give the vegetable its characteristic color.

Why should diabetics choose red spinach?

Highlighting the low calorie and high fibre content of red spinach, Ms Sushma PS said, red spinach can be a very healthy option for diabetics because of its low glycemic index and high nutritional content.

The glycemic index measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels, with the lower the number, the better for diabetics. Red spinach has a low glycemic index, so it is less likely to raise blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, red spinach is high in dietary fiber, which can help reduce glucose absorption and improve blood sugar regulation. It also contains healthy plant chemicals such as flavonoids, which have anti-diabetic properties.

Agreeing, Mr. Guru Prasad Das, senior nutritionist at CARE Hospital Bhubaneswar (India) added: "The fiber in red spinach can help slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood, thereby helping to regulate blood sugar levels."

Health Benefits of Red Spinach

According to Guru Prasad Das, red spinach has many health benefits including:

- It is a rich source of iron, which is essential for healthy blood and energy levels.

- Rich in vitamin C, helps strengthen the immune system.

- Contains antioxidants that may help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.

- Rich in fiber, helps promote healthy digestion.

What is the best way to consume red spinach?

The best way to consume red spinach is to eat it raw or moderately cooked to retain maximum health benefits. However, it can be consumed in various ways, depending on personal preferences and recipes. Here are some ways you can consume red spinach, shared by Guru Prasad Das:

- Raw: Add red spinach leaves to salads or use as a sandwich filling. They can also be added to smoothies for an extra nutritional boost.

- Cooked medium: Cook red spinach with garlic and olive oil for a stir-fry, or add to soups, stews or casseroles.

- Boil: Boil red spinach leaves and serve as a side dish.

Source: https://laodong.vn/dinh-duong-am-thuc/loi-ich-suc-khoe-cua-rau-bina-do-voi-nguoi-bi-tieu-duong-1373523.ldo