As a health professional, one of the most common conditions you may encounter is diabetes. Since diet and blood sugar control are closely intertwined, chances are your clients with diabetes are seeking advice on the best foods to eat. One common question from clients may be: “Is avocado good for people living with diabetes?”
In celebration of Diabetes Month, we’re answering this question and sharing the benefits of avocados for blood sugar control. You’ll also find tips to offer your clients regarding how to include avocados in their daily routine.
Is Avocado Good for People Living with Diabetes?
For your clients with diabetes, it can be confusing for them to navigate how to eat for blood sugar control. If they ask you, “Is avocado good for diabetes?” the answer is a resounding yes.
Here are a few of the nutritional benefits avocados offer for individuals who have diabetes:
Fiber
Avocados are a delicious fresh-fruit option to help boost fiber intake. Fiber slows down food digestion, which prevents rapid rises in blood glucose following a meal. Just one avocado contains 10 grams of fiber to help clients meet their daily goals.
Unsaturated Fats
Nutritious eating patterns associated with improved blood sugar regulation include plenty of fruits and vegetables and unsaturated fats. Avocados are a fruit and contribute 6 grams of unsaturated fats.
Encouraging your clients to include an avocado daily as one of their healthy fat sources can help increase their overall unsaturated and omega-3 fat intake.
Potassium
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans list avocados as a food source that contains potassium (6% DV). Low potassium intake can increase the risk of illness and may be involved in hypertension and stroke, kidney stones, bone health, blood glucose control, and type 2 diabetes.
Therefore, consuming avocados can help your clients obtain more potassium as part of a healthy diet for blood sugar regulation.
Ways to Add Avocado to Your Meals and Snacks
If your clients are not currently eating avocados regularly, they may wonder where they may fit into their diet.
Here are a few easy ways avocados can be incorporated into anyone’s daily routine:
- Make a guacamole
- Add it to a salad
- Top it on eggs
- Make avocado toast
- Mix it into brownies instead of oil
- Blend it into a smoothie
- Mash it onto a sandwich or turkey burger
- Swap for mayo in chicken salad
With all of these options, your clients will have endless opportunities to enjoy their daily dose of avocado and support their blood sugar control.
