Salmon is a nutritious food, providing a large amount of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Not only good for the heart, this type of fish is also considered a suitable choice for people who want to control blood sugar levels because it is almost without carbohydrates.
Blood sugar levels are mainly affected by the amount of carbohydrates (carbs) consumed each day. Foods such as bread, pasta, white rice or candies are often quickly broken down by the body into glucose, causing blood sugar to rise after meals.
Meanwhile, a serving of about 85g of grilled salmon provides about 17g of protein, 6g of fat and does not contain carbohydrates. This means that eating salmon does not directly increase blood sugar levels.
Not only that, the protein and healthy fat content in salmon also help slow down the digestive process, thereby reducing the rate of glucose absorption when eaten with starchy foods. Protein provides the necessary amino acids to maintain and restore tissues, while creating a longer feeling of fullness. Meanwhile, omega-3, especially the two fatty acids EPA and DHA, contribute to reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity and supporting the body to use glucose more effectively.
The combination of protein and fat in salmon helps prolong the feeling of fullness, limit snacking and control the amount of food consumed during the day. Supplementing about two meals of salmon per week can support the weight loss process. This is also an important factor because overweight and obesity increase the risk of blood disorders and type 2 diabetes.
For people with diabetes or pre-diabetes, salmon is often recommended to be included in the diet because of its low glycemic index and does not cause sudden blood sugar spikes after meals. In addition, people with diabetes are at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Omega-3 in salmon can help reduce triglycerides (blood fat), reduce inflammation and support the protection of the cardiovascular system.
Besides protein and omega-3, salmon is also a source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium and potassium, contributing to supporting energy metabolism and maintaining overall health.
However, the benefits of salmon also depend on the processing method. People who need to control blood sugar should prioritize steamed, grilled or processed salmon in an oil-free fryer.
