Pumpkin. Pumpkins are high in antioxidants and fiber, making them an excellent choice for managing blood sugar levels. Pumpkin has long been used to treat diabetes in several countries, including Iran and Mexico. Pumpkins are high in polysaccharides, a type of carbohydrate that has long been investigated for its ability to manage sugar levels. Pumpkins are also high in protein and healthy fats, making them ideal for managing blood sugar levels.

Seafood. Seafood contains healthful fats, vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants, which can help to reduce blood sugar levels. Protein reduces postmeal blood sugar surges, delays digestion, and increases the sense of fullness. Regular consumption of fatty fish, such as sardines and salmon, can also improve blood sugar management. One research of 68 obese people found that consuming 750 grams of fatty fish per week resulted in lower postmeal sugar levels than those who ate lean fish.

Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a plant component that can lower blood sugar levels when chewed or chopped. Broccoli extract is high in sulforaphane and has been demonstrated to have powerful antidiabetic properties in animal, test tube, and human investigations. These features improve insulin sensitivity and lower oxidative stress indicators. Broccoli sprouts are high in glucosinolate, which can help enhance insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Beans and lentils. Both lentils and beans have elements that can help lower blood sugar levels, such as fiber, protein, and magnesium. They also include considerable amounts of resistant starch and soluble fiber, which help to slow digestion and improve post-meal blood sugar response. In a research of 12 female volunteers, adding chickpeas or black beans to rice significantly decreased blood sugar levels after a meal compared to eating rice alone.

Chia seeds. Consuming chia seeds may help regulate blood sugar levels. According to multiple research, ingesting chia seeds lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity. A analysis of multiple animal studies conducted in 2020 discovered that consuming chia seeds may lower the risk of getting certain diseases, such as diabetes. A study involving humans found that those who drank 25 grams of pulverized chia seeds together with a sugar solution had a 39% lower blood sugar level than those who only consumed the sugar solution.