The #1 Best Vegetable To Lower Blood Sugar, Say, Dietitians

If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, or if you know you are at risk, you are likely looking for ways to help manage your blood sugar levels. And while you can do this by exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and following other healthy habits, the choice of foods you do can play a big role.

According to dietitians Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD at Balance One Supplements, and Edible Conception, RD, medical author of the Health Reporter, broccoli is one of the best herbs you can take for blood sugar control.

Read more to learn how broccoli can help improve blood sugar levels, and for more tips on healthy eating, check out the 5 best vegetables for lowering cholesterol.

Broccoli is rich in fiber

According to Optimum, one of the main reasons why broccoli is so beneficial in managing high blood sugar is its high fiber content. For example, steamed broccoli from a steamed channel contains about 4 grams of fiber.

"Foods rich in soluble fiber can help manage blood sugar and prevent or reduce glucose spikes," Best says. "Free fiber improves insulin sensitivity by feeding the good bacteria in the stomach. Because these bacteria are present in large numbers, they can better digest the food we eat and hydrate the insulin in the body."

The fiber in broccoli not only aids in the digestion process, but it can also help your body absorb sugar quickly.

"Soluble fiber slows down the absorption of sugar, which prevents a rapid rise in blood sugar, and this slow absorption allows cells to adapt to the effects of insulin more slowly without the rapid flow," Best says.

Broccoli contains helpful nutrients and vitamins

According to Quintero, broccoli contains a compound called sulforaphane, which "impairs the oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity, making it an excellent choice for obese patients with type 2 diabetes."

Not only that, but broccoli is packed with vitamin benefits like vitamin C that helps you manage other health issues.

“Just including broccoli in your diet prevents damage to heart tissue, helps strengthen bones, and improves skin condition due to the presence of vitamin C,” Quintero says.

If you're convinced and want some fresh broccoli recipes to help you control your blood sugar, try these 20 recipes for hearty broccoli soup.

If you're convinced and want some fresh broccoli recipes to help you control your blood sugar, try these 20 recipes for hearty broccoli soup.