Why your blood sugar may rise in summer even when you're eating 'Healthy,' and the smart swaps that can help
The Times of India • • health
Key Points:
- Blood sugar levels may rise in summer despite eating "healthy" due to hidden sugars in popular cooling foods and drinks like fruit juices, lassis, and sherbets, which often lack fiber and spike glucose rapidly.
- Beverages, rather than just food, are a major culprit; fruit juices remove fiber and concentrate sugars, so smarter hydration options include plain salted buttermilk, unsweetened chaas, lemon water, or infused water.
- Eating whole fruits with fiber and pairing them with protein or healthy fats, such as nuts or paneer, helps slow sugar absorption and reduce blood sugar spikes compared to drinking fruit juices.
- "Light" summer meals often consist of refined carbohydrates with little protein, leading to frequent hunger and blood sugar fluctuations; experts recommend anchoring meals with protein and adding cooling vegetables to maintain steadiness.
- Home remedies like bitter gourd juice cannot counteract the effects of sugary drinks and refined carbs; consistent healthy eating focused on whole foods and balanced meals is key to stable blood sugar and better summer health.
