As the summer heat intensifies, it’s important to stay hydrated and cool. This is especially true for people with diabetes, as they are at a higher risk of heat-related complications.
While water is always the best choice, there are a number of delicious and refreshing juices that can also help diabetic people stay cool this summer. From watermelon to mint, these 8 natural juices will help you beat the heat and stay hydrated all season long!
1. Watermelon
Watermelon juice is one of the best natural juices for summertime. It’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and it’s incredibly thirst-quenching. Watermelon contains an important antioxidant called lycopene, which has several benefits for diabetic patients, including reducing the risk of heart disease.
Watermelon juice also helps diabetic people manage their blood sugar levels. A 2013 study found that watermelon juice contains high amounts of polyphenols that can help improve insulin sensitivity. This means that it can help reduce blood sugar levels, making it an ideal choice for diabetics.
To make watermelon juice:
1. Cut up a few slices of watermelon
2. Blend them in a blender with some ice
3. Add some sweetener such as honey if you prefer it sweeter
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!
2. Strawberries
Strawberries are the perfect summer fruit, not only because of their refreshing flavour but also because they are incredibly good for diabetics. They are full of antioxidants and polyphenols which can help to control blood sugar levels.
Strawberry juice is packed with manganese, a mineral which plays an important role in metabolising carbohydrates. Studies have also shown that it can help reduce glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in sugar diabetes.
Strawberry juice also has some anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the chance of developing certain types of diseases.
To make strawberry juice, you will need:
– 1 cup strawberries
– 1 cup ice
– ½ cup water
– Honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Blend all the ingredients together in a blender until you get a smooth mixture.
2. If you want it sweeter, you can add some honey.
3. Serve the juice chilled. Enjoy!
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another great fruit for diabetics, and their juice is no exception. Tomatoes are high in antioxidants and fiber, both of which are great for diabetics. Fiber helps to regulate blood glucose, as it slows down its absorption into the bloodstream. It also helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body, which is important for those with diabetes.
The high lycopene content in tomatoes makes them a great source of antioxidants, which can help combat bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. This is especially true for people with type 2 diabetes.
Tomato juice can also help to regulate blood sugar levels. The lycopene in tomatoes helps to reduce the glycemic index of the food that it is eaten with, helping to lower blood sugar levels.
To make tomato juice, you will need:
– 4 large, ripe tomatoes
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is softened.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are softened and cooked through.
4. Put the cooked tomatoes in a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Add the lemon juice and blend again.
6. Transfer
4. Orange
Orange juice is also an excellent choice for diabetics as it provides several essential nutrients. Orange juice is high in vitamin C and folate, both of which help to support a healthy immune system and fight off infections. It is also a good source of potassium, which helps to reduce the risk of stroke.
Orange juice helps to regulate blood sugar levels by reducing the glycemic load of the food eaten with it. The sugar in orange juice helps to counteract the effect of other foods in the meal and balance out blood sugar spikes.
Orange juice is also high in soluble fibers, which helps to slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream and therefore regulates blood sugar levels. Furthermore, orange juice contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation.
To make orange juice, you will need:
– 4 large oranges
– 2 tablespoons of honey, for sweetness
– 1 cup of ice
Instructions:
1. Peel the oranges and then cut them into chunks.
2. Place the chunks in a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Add ice and blend until the juice is the desired consistency.
4. Add the honey to sweeten the juice.
5. Serve the orange juice cold.
5. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to juices for diabetics, but it is a great option. Cantaloupe is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as potassium, magnesium, and folate. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
To make cantaloupe juice, you will need:
– 1/2 cantaloupe, cubed
– 1/2 cup of orange juice
– 2 tablespoons of honey, for sweetness
– 1 cup of ice
Instructions:
1. Place the cubed cantaloupe in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add the orange juice and blend until combined.
3. Add ice and blend until the juice is the desired consistency.
4. Add the honey to sweeten the juice.
5. Serve the cantaloupe juice cold.
6. Carrot
Carrot juice is a great drink for those with diabetes. Carrots are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar control. Carrot juice is also a great source of beta carotene, which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
To make carrot juice, you will need:
– 6-8 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup of orange juice
– 1/2 cup of water
– 2 tablespoons of honey, for sweetness
– 1 cup of ice
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped carrots in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add the orange juice, water, and ice and blend until combined.
3. Add the honey to sweeten the juice.
4. Serve the carrot juice cold.
7. Beet
Beet juice is a great alternative for those living with diabetes. Beetroots contain potassium, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and some iron. An added bonus of drinking beet juice is that the magnesium in beets helps reduce blood sugar levels.
To make beet juice, you will need:
– 2-3 beets, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup of orange or apple juice
– 1/2 cup of water
– 2 tablespoons of honey, for sweetness
– 1 cup of ice
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped beets in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add the orange or apple juice, water, and ice and blend until combined.
3. Add the honey to sweeten the juice.
4. Serve the beet juice cold.