If you’re on the lookout for foods that lower blood sugar, try adding lentils to your diet.
According to Jonny Bowden, PhD, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, these examples of legumes are chock-full of soluble fiber—one of nature's niftiest gifts for keeping blood sugar in check.
A Slow, Steady Drip
Lentils and other foods high in soluble fiber have a low glycemic load; the fiber in them delays digestion. That in turn triggers a slow, steady release of sugar and insulin into the bloodstream. And that's way better for your body—and your diabetes risk profile—than the sudden spikes you get from eating quickly digested, low-fiber foods like white pasta, white bread, and sugary cookies.
Other Blood Sugar Stabilizers
Lentils are great examples of legumes and serve as one of the best foods that lower blood sugar. But there are other simple strategies to add to your steady-as-she-goes efforts:
- Try a little resistance. A strength-training regimen could steady your blood sugar fast.
- Spice it up nice. Try spices for healthy blood sugar.
- Beat the blues. How to manage your depression.
Medically reviewed in October 2018.
