Introduction
Combatting diabetes means being careful with food, and seafood forms a healthy option quite a bit of the time. But keep in mind that not all seafood is ideal for diabetics. It can also cause blood sugar spikes in some people or include potentially harmful components, like mercury and unhealthy fats. This article will discuss which seafood is bad for diabetics, which fish is good for diabetes, and if diabetics can eat fish every day.
Seafood That Is High in Mercury: Hazardous for the Diabetic
Dangers of Mercury to the Diabetic Person
Mercury, a toxic heavy metal that occurs in some seafood, can cause nerve dysfunction and other health problems when consumed in excess. For diabetics, mercury exposure may increase insulin resistance, and is likely a contributing factor in the nerve damage that often accompanies diabetes as a complication.
Seafood You Should Not Eat Because of Mercury
Shark — May cause impaired nervous system function due to high mercury.
Swordfish – among the fish with the highest mercury content.
King Mackerel – High mercury levels.
Tilefish — Avoid fully (toxic)
Bigeye Tuna – This fish, commonly served in sushi, contains high levels of mercury.
Fried Seafood is Bad for Diabetics?
Deep-fat fried sea food is usually breaded with flour, bread crumbs and unhealthy oils which result in higher carbs, unhealthy fats raising blood sugar levels.
- Fried Seafood Types That Are Best TO Be Avoided
- Trans fats and refined carbs are abundant in dried shrimp.
- Battered Fish Fillets – Typically fried in inflammatory unhealthy oils.
- Fried Calamari — This one is unfortunately a bad choice, due to the excess carbs and fats.
- Fish Sticks – Highly processed, full of preservatives and unhealthy fats.
Are Diabetics Allowed to Eat Fish Daily?
If we eat the grilled, steamed, or baked fish every day, this will be much better than fried fish.
- Processed and Smoked Seafood: Hidden Sugars and Sodium
- Learning About The Risks Of Processed Seafood
Many processed seafood products also include added sugars, preservatives, and excess sodium, which can increase blood sugar levels and result in water retention.
Seafood To Avoid Because It’S Processed
- Imitation Crab Meat – Has added sugars and fillers which boost blood sugar.
- Smoked salmon − High levels of sodium can cause hypertension.
- Canned fish in syrupy sauces — Hidden sugars make this a no-no.
- Pre-Packaged Fish Fillets – usually packed with preservatives and unhealthy oils.
- Healthy Options for Diabetic People
Opt for fresh or frozen wild-caught fish that undergoes little processing. Choose fish that’s canned in water, not oil or sauce.
FAQs
Can diabetics eat shrimp?
Shrimp is low in carbohydrates but high in cholesterol. If grilled and steamed, it can be eaten in moderation
Is tilapia healthy for diabetics?
The mercury content of Tilapia being extremely low is a lean protein which is an angel for a diabetic person in the diet.
So, which fish is good for diabetes?
Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, trout and mackerel are great options since they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury.
Can diabetics eat sushi?
For many diabetes food plan options out there, sushi is a no-no as it is high in carbs in the type of rice, as well as several sugary sauces.
Is canned tuna healthy for people with diabetes?
Tuna, canned in water, is fine, though skip any that’s canned in oil or flavored tuna that may come with high-sodium sauces.
