Being diabetic is difficult. A balanced, nutritious diet is important for all human beings, but it’s essential for diabetics. When you have diabetes, when you eat, how much you eat, and especially what you eat plays a big part in staying healthy. So if you’re diabetic or are having a diabetic friend over for dinner, you should do research on what they can and can’t eat. So, as you’re preparing your entree, you might be asking; can diabetics eat seafood?
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. This is your body’s main source of energy; your body can make glucose, glucose also comes from the food you eat.
When your blood sugar goes up, your pancreas releases insulin to let the glucose into your body’s cells to use as energy. Diabetics can’t make enough insulin or their body can’t use it as well as it should. This results in too much glucose staying in your body, which can cause serious health problems over time, including heart disease.
Because managing blood sugar is the key to living well with diabetes, and eating well is the key to managing blood sugar, it’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
Is Fish Good for Diabetics?
Yes, because fish and seafood are good sources of protein and are full of fatty acids. These fatty acids can reduce insulin resistance, body inflammation, and the risk of heart disease. As managing a healthy diet is essential for diabetics, they should follow the American Heart Association’s recommendation of eating 3 ounces of fish at least twice a week.
What Seafood is Best for Diabetics?
There are several seafoods that are great for diabetics to maintain a balanced, healthy diet. It’s likely best to avoid fried fish, though so long as you balance the rest of your day carefully, you could likely have it as an occasional treat. Healthier cooking methods like grilling, baking, and poaching are better to keep a balanced diet.
Salmon is perhaps the highest-recommended fish for diabetics, as it’s one of the most abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids you can eat. It’s savory, meaty, and flavorful so it makes a delicious entree, especially when paired with sweet and spicy sauces. You can get whole fresh salmon to cook right away, or stock up on frozen salmon portions so you’ll always have it ready for dinner.
Tilapia is also considered a really good option for diabetics as it’s high in protein but low in calories. It’s a lean fish with a mild flavor so it pairs well with an assortment of healthy sides, and it’s extremely easy to cook. You can prepare a tilapia fillet any number of ways and season it to taste so you’ll always have the perfect lunch or dinner.
Diabetics can eat seafood and regularly should to maintain a healthy diet to manage their blood sugar. Fish is a nutrient-rich, easy-to-cook entree that will be a delicious addition to any meal.
