Fall is a season rich in foods that help maintain health and stable blood sugar levels. Fruits, vegetables, and seeds are especially beneficial because they contain dietary fiber, which slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and reduces glucose fluctuations after meals.
Apples
One medium apple with skin contains about 4 grams of fiber. The fiber and polyphenols help control blood sugar and insulin levels after meals. Apples can be added to salads, yogurt, or oatmeal.
Pomegranates:
A half-cup serving of pomegranate seeds contains 3.5 grams of fiber. This fruit helps lower fasting blood sugar levels and improves hemoglobin A1c. The antioxidants and polyphenols in pomegranates help reduce oxidative stress.
Pears
A medium pear contains 5.5 grams of fiber. Due to its high water and fiber content, pears help maintain stable glucose levels. They can be baked, added to salads, or baked goods.
Persimmons
One persimmon fruit contains about 6 g of fiber and polyphenols - tannins that slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates. Persimmons can be chopped and added to yogurt, cereals or salads.
Brussels Sprouts
A cup of cooked sprouts contains 4 grams of fiber. It supports a healthy gut microbiome, promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids, which improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.
Sweet Potatoes
One medium sweet potato contains 4 grams of fiber and has a low glycemic index, which helps to raise blood sugar levels more slowly. They are recommended for baking or adding to salads in place of refined starches.
Pumpkin seeds
30 g of seeds contain 2 g of fiber, protein and healthy fats, which help maintain stable glucose levels throughout the day. The seeds can be added to yogurts, cereals, salads or eaten separately as a snack.
Cabbage: A cup
of shredded cabbage contains about 2 grams of fiber. Regular consumption of fiber-rich vegetables reduces insulin resistance and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How Fiber Affects Sugar Levels
Fiber comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble forms a gel in the gut, slowing the absorption of carbohydrates, which reduces the afternoon sugar spike. Insoluble improves metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation.
Experts recommend consuming 25–35 g of fiber daily to maintain stable sugar levels and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.
