Plant Foods

Plant foods are the primary sources of the nutrients known to protect against diabetes. Fiber (the indigestible part of plants) helps control blood sugar, lowers blood cholesterol, keeps the gastrointestinal system healthy, promotes a health-supportive mix of gut bacteria, and aids with weight loss by staving off hunger. Fiber is only found in plant foods, not in animal products. Phytochemicals, also found only in plants, improve fasting blood glucose and insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.