Short Answer: Salmon is good for diabetes because it contains omega-3 fatty acids that can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose).
Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It’s also the brain’s main source of fuel.
In diabetes, your body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.
One of the key factors in managing diabetes is diet.
What you consume can affect your insulin sensitivity, which is how well your cells respond to insulin and use glucose.
Therefore, salmon can be good for diabetes because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, a type of heart-healthy fat that can decrease inflammation and support brain health.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also help lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked wild or farmed salmon has 2.3 grams of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, while the same portion of wild salmon contains 2.2 grams.
That means salmon can provide about 85% of the daily value (DV) of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for many bodily functions.
To effectively manage diabetes, you should consume salmon and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseeds, walnuts, and salmon oil.
You should also avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt, as they can increase blood glucose levels and worsen diabetes complications.
Now, salmon is a type of fatty fish and fatty fish is good for diabetes because it contains omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that can benefit your heart, brain, and blood vessels.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also help lower inflammation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a common complication of diabetes.
You can eat salmon up to twice a week as part of a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
More than that can cause excess calories and sodium intake, which can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure.
That’s why I suggest you limit your salmon intake to 3 to 4 servings per week and stick to the healthy cooking methods like baking, grilling, or broiling.
You should also avoid adding too much butter, cream cheese, or sauces to your salmon dishes, as they can increase the fat and calorie content.
Also, you shouldn’t eat salmon if you have an allergy or intolerance to it or any other fish.
Because some people may experience allergic reactions or digestive issues after eating fish.
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Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing diabetes effectively.
I always recommend my diabetes patients to follow a diabetes-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.
