Managing diabetes doesn’t mean giving up flavorful foods! With the right choices, you can enjoy delicious meals while keeping your blood sugar in check. Let’s explore the best foods, drinks, and plants that can help you stay healthy, Naija-style.
What to Eat
Diabetes-friendly meals are surprisingly easy to find. Okra soup with guinea corn fufu (a sorghum-based swallow) is a satisfying option. Moi moi, your favorite savory bean pudding, is another low-sugar choice packed with nutrients. Efo (spinach) is a staple vegetable with almost no sugar, making it a perfect addition to any meal. And don’t forget garden eggs – they’re rich in fiber and low in carbs, making them ideal for managing blood sugar.
What to Drink
Water is always best, but there are other options too, like unsweetened zobo. Soya bean drinks like Vitamilk Strawberry Low Sugar or Chivita’s Chi soya milk are great too, as long as you include daily exercise too. For a more traditional taste, try Joro (millet kunu) or Dawa (guinea corn kunu), both popular choices. If you’re a fan of milk, Three Crowns milk is a low-cholesterol option endorsed by the Nigerian Heart Foundation, making it a heart-friendly choice. And if you’re at a party, choose something like Amstel Malta Ultra with No Sugar or alcohol. All the taste, minus the sugar!
Medicinal Plants for Extra Support
Nigeria’s rich heritage of medicinal plants offers powerful support in managing diabetes. African cassia (or Drumstick tree) is widely used to help regulate blood sugar. Neem, Sandpaper fig and
West Indian nightshade have been trusted for generations. Bitter leaf, Blackjack, Papaya, Lime, Scent leaf, Bitter melon and Brimstone tree are still popular today for supporting diabetic management.
Conclusion
Managing diabetes Naija-style is all about making smart, delicious choices. With healthy foods, drinks, and traditional medicinal plants, you can keep your blood sugar under control. It’s all about balance—and with these options, you can live well without missing out on the flavors you love.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26117532/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19013225/
https://www.allnigerianrecipes.com/beans/moi-moi-moin-moin/
https://www.radianthealthmag.com/healthy-eating/9-nigerian-swallows-every-palate/
https://www.semichealth.com/fitness-nutrition/16/nigerian-foods-that-can-lower-blood-sugar?page=1
https://addide.com/products/amstel-malta-sleek-canno-sugar
https://www.threecrowns.com.ng/770g-family-pack/
https://www.fitnigerian.com/no-sugar-nigerian-foods/
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/grocery-shopping.html
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https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/guides/1095212-how-kunu-drink/
https://nimedhealth.com.ng/2019/06/11/120-nigerian-foods-for-diabetics/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6291410/
