Top 5 Foods That Are Better For Blood Sugar

An expert breaks down how refrigerating some basic cooked foods can support better blood sugar balance. Managing diabetes is not just about avoiding sugar or reading nutrition labels like a hawk. It is also about being smart with how you cook and consume your food. In fact, what happens to your food after cooking could significantly impact your blood sugar levels. We are talking about cooling simple, everyday foods before eating them. While it might sound like a hack for lazy leftovers, cooling some cooked foods can actually be a smart dietary move for diabetics. If you are someone trying to manage diabetes more effectively, this article could change the way you approach your plate. Here is what nutrition experts suggest.

1. Cooked Legumes

Legumes such as rajma and chhole should be cooled in the refrigerator after cooking. According to the expert, “Cooling these legumes will increase the amylose content and resistant starch.” This helps keep post-meal blood sugar levels steadier. No wonder hummus with carrot sticks is often recommended as a healthy snack for diabetics.

2. Cooked Carrots

Cooked carrots should be cooled before consumption. The expert explains that cooling carrots enhances carotenoid bioavailability and gives them fibre-like effects. For diabetics, this not only improves nutrient absorption but also supports overall health.

3. Steamed Cabbage

Cooling cabbage after steaming improves its benefits for diabetics. “Cooled cabbage has better stability of glucosinolates, which helps in liver detox and your gut health,” says Panchal. A quick tip: serve it as a chilled salad on the side.

4. Cooked Green Peas

Green peas, when cooked and then cooled, undergo starch retrogradation. This process increases their fibre and protein content. The result? More stable blood sugar levels and longer-lasting satiety.

5. Cooked Millets

Millets such as jowar and ragi, once cooked and cooled, show a rise in starch that mimics fibre. This helps regulate blood glucose and makes them ideal for anyone managing diabetes.