6 Types Of Minerals In Foods That Are Beneficial For Diabetics

Illustration of food containing minerals (Pexels/Pixabay)

JAKARTA – The human body contains minerals and foods containing the following six types of minerals can be consumed as supplements that are able to fight the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

As important as vitamins, foods that contain minerals also keep the body healthy and happy. Mineral deficiency also has the potential to cause diabetes. So, the following are useful food references for diabetics, especially those that contain 6 types of good minerals.

Chromium

The level of sugar in the blood can be effectively controlled by chromium. Chromium is also important as an insulin receptor or insulin binder to cells and increases the process of utilizing glucose in the body.

High doses of the mineral chromium are not recommended, but in small amounts it can be good for people with type 2 diabetes. A number of studies have also shown that chromium policinate is more effective than other forms of chromium because it is more easily absorbed by the body.

In a 1997 study published in the Diabetics Journal, the daily dose should not exceed 200 milligrams. Foods that contain chromium include tomatoes, oysters, whole grains, potatoes, onions, and bran.

Magnesium

Green leafy vegetables, milk, meat, fish, whole grains are a line of foods that contain magnesium. According to the National Institute of Health, magnesium helps regulate blood sugar in addition to improving mood, maintaining a regular heart rate, and reducing PMS symptoms.

For diabetics, magnesium is useful in controlling glucose levels in the blood. For adults in good health, it is recommended to consume 400 milligrams per day. The good, if too much magnesium will automatically be wasted through the urine.

However, it is still not recommended to consume excess magnesium because it can cause mild side effects, such as mild stomach pain and nausea.

Zinc

The main function of zinc or zinc is to produce energy, cell production, protein synthesis, and maintain immunity.

Although reported by Progressive Health, Wednesday, June 9, the role of zinc for diabetics has not been found directly by researchers, but if zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, wound healing takes longer, and the body is lethargic.

Foods that contain zinc and are consumed by diabetics include meat, shellfish, milk, and whole grains.

Calcium

Calcium can help reduce the risk of diabetes by up to 33 percent. Its functions in addition to strengthening bones, include maintaining healthy teeth, secreting hormones, improving muscle function, and helping to send nerve signals.

For the body's metabolism, calcium plays an important role. For a day, a healthy adult can consume between 2,000 – 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day. What foods contain calcium? Citrus fruits, green vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Illustration of calcium food (Pexels/cottonbro)

A study conducted by the Tufts-New England Medical Center in 2006 followed 80,000 women over 20 years. The results of the study found that intake of 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day and vitamin D was able to reduce a woman's risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 33 percent.

Vanadium

The type of mineral vanadium in high doses is not recommended because it is toxic. Vanadium has the function of reducing insulin requirements in people with type 1 diabetes after consuming 125 milligrams per day.

Vanadium is found in meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and nuts.

Of the six minerals above, for a safe amount of consumption, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Because, everyone has a different body condition and mineral substances can be of maximum benefit for diabetics.