Top 6 Foods That Balance Your Blood Sugar And Protect Your Bones - Save Our Bones

Stable blood sugar is an important yet often ignored aspect of bone health. Spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels can harm bones in various ways, such as inducing cravings for sugary foods and, due to a metabolic process called the Maillard reaction, actually destroying collagen.

Instead of a list of sugary foods to avoid, I’m excited to share with you today six delicious foods (most of which are Foundation Foods) that help keep blood sugar stable and nourish your bones with rejuvenating nutrients at the same time.

Blood sugar actually has a lot to do with bone health, so we’ll start with a brief explanation on…

How Blood Glucose Levels Affect Bones

When simple sugars react non-enzymatically with proteins and lipids in the body, it prompts the Maillard reaction. The sugars, proteins and lipids combine to form Advanced Glycation End products, or AGEs.

While AGEs are excreted via the kidneys and an insulin-dependent process, excessive amounts may not be efficiently cleared and therefore remain in the body. They are irreversible molecules (meaning that they can’t be converted into another less deleterious substance) that damage collagen, which is the primary substance that makes up bone (bone is composed of 65% mineralized collagen and 35% collagen matrix).

High blood sugar also depletes the body of bone-building nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and copper.

And last but not least, fluctuating blood sugar levels stimulate cravings for sugary, carbohydrate-rich foods, setting the stage for an over-indulgence in sugar, thus continuing the bone-damaging cycle.

So let’s take a look at some delicious foods that actually help keep blood sugar levels steady and may even lower blood sugar.

1. Cinnamon

This is one of my favorite spices. It pairs so well with autumn foods like pumpkin, apple, and squash. It not only tastes wonderful; cinnamon has also been shown to regulate blood sugar in Type II diabetics.

Participants were divided into groups that took one, three, or six grams of cinnamon each day for 40 days. Corresponding groups were given placebo capsules. When the participants’ blood sugar was evaluated, it was found that all three groups that took the cinnamon experienced lower fasting blood glucose, regardless of whether they took one, three, or six grams of cinnamon.1 (For reference, six grams is about 1¼ teaspoons.)

The reason is likely the way cinnamon seems to increase the response to insulin in the muscles and liver. The more sensitive your body is to insulin (the opposite of insulin resistance), the more stable your blood sugar.

2. Blueberries*

These acidifying (but nutritious) little berries contain a constituent that increases insulin sensitivity, thus staving off the development of Type II diabetes. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed distinct metabolic benefits in mice that consumed blueberry powder in their feed.

Blueberries’ high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action is apparently behind this – scientists observed a significant increase in the upregulation of inflammatory genes (such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6) in the tissues of mice that consumed the blueberry powder.2

The research also showed that the mice were protected against insulin resistance and high blood sugar, leading scientists to conclude that:

“…cytoprotective and antiinflammatory actions of dietary BB [whole blueberries] can provide metabolic benefits to combat obesity-associated pathology.”2

This is great news for blueberry lovers! Because of their acidifying nature, blueberries make excellent toppings for alkalizing foods like plain yogurt, or mixed in with an alkalizing fruit mixture.

3. Mangoes*

It’s interesting that such a sweet, delicious fruit as mangoes could stabilize blood sugar. According to research, mangoes reduce blood glucose in obese individuals. Participants were given 10 grams daily of freeze-dried mango (which equates to approximately half of a fresh mango), and after 12 weeks, a marked decrease in blood glucose was found in all participants (although slightly more for males).3

Mangoes contain a powerful antioxidant called mangiferin as well as fiber, which accounts in part for their marked effect on blood glucose.

4. Olive Oil*

Remarkably, when olive oil was supplemented as part of a Mediterranean-style meal, blood sugar was lower than in those who ate a similar meal without olive oil. In addition, when corn oil supplementation was compared to olive oil, researchers found much less post-meal blood sugar increase in the olive oil group.4

Further research shows that olive oil can actually prevent diabetes when added to a Mediterranean diet.

The study concludes that:

“A Mediterranean diet enriched with EVOO but without energy restrictions reduced diabetes risk among persons with high cardiovascular risk.”5

The wonderful thing about olive oil is it’s so easy to add to your meal. Drizzle it over vegetables, toss it into your salad, dip bread into it, or top your favorite soup with a spoonful of olive oil.

5. Cherries*

Now there’s another reason to love these juicy red fruits. In addition to the many bone-smart nutrients cherries have to offer, they also contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. Researchers at Michigan State University found that cherries had a “significant impact on insulin levels” in animal and in vitro studies. In fact, anthocyanins actually increased insulin production by 50 percent in animal pancreatic cells.6

All varieties of cherry have similar health properties, so it’s not difficult to add this delightful fruit to your salads, desserts, or simply eat it raw as a snack.

6. Avocados*

These rich, creamy fruits contribute to feelings of satiety when eaten during a meal, research shows. Remarkably, study participants found the feelings of satiety lasted three hours after a meal that included half an avocado, and “…the inclusion of avocado to a lunch meal yielded a significant reduction in blood insulin levels over a 3 hour postprandial period.”7

Half an avocado, sliced and added to your salad and drizzled with olive oil-based salad dressing, would be an excellent addition to your lunch. There are other ways to prepare these and other bone-smart foods.

*Foundation Food

How Do To Include All These Foods In Your Bone-Smart Meals

It’s fun to get creative with delicious bone-healthy foods! Just looking at the above list, you can try tossing together cubed mango, fresh blueberries, and chopped fresh cherries for a sugar-stabilizing dessert. Or drizzle olive oil over steamed vegetables or enjoy it in hummus.

You see, eating for your bones is not about deprivation. It’s about embracing the colorful, delicious variety of Foundation Foods presented in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

The Save Our Bones recipe book, Bone Appétit, was developed with the idea that getting creative with bone-smart foods is not only possible – it’s also easy. You’ll be amazed at the variety in the more than 200 bone healthy recipes, and at their simplicity.

Eat Your Way to Stronger Bones!

Discover over 200 mouth-watering bone healthy recipes for breakfast, smoothies, appetizers, soups, salads, vegetarian dishes, fish, and plenty of main courses and even desserts!

Learn More Now →

A pH-balanced diet doesn’t have to be boring, and with Bone Appétit by your side, you’ll enjoy delicious and healthy dishes for your bones and your health!

Till next time,

References:

1 Khan, Alam, MS, PhD, et al. “Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes.” Diabetes Care. December 2003. Vol. 26 No. 123215-3218. Doi: 10.2337/diacare.26.12.3215. Web. https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/26/12/3215.full

2 DeFuria, J., et al. “Dietary blueberry attenuates whole-body insulin resistance in high fat-fed mice by reducing adipocytes death and its inflammatory sequelae.” Journal of Nutrition. August 2009. 139(8): 1510-6. Doi: 10.3945/jn.109.105155. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19515743

3 Evans, S.F., et al. “Mango Supplementation Improves Blood Glucose in Obese Individuals.” Nutrition and Metabolic Insights. DATE Vol. 2014, Iss. 7, pp. 77-84. Doi: 10.4137/NMI.S17028.

4 Violi, F., et al. “Extra virgin olive oil use is associated with improved post-prandial blood glucose and LDL cholesterol in healthy subjects.” Nutrition and Diabetes. 20 July 2015. 5, e172. Doi: 10.1038/nutd.2015.23. Web. https://www.nature.com/nutd/journal/v5/n7/full/nutd201523a.html#fig1

5 Salas-Salvado, Jordi, et al. “Prevention of Diabetes With Mediterranean Diets: A Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized Trial.” 7 January 2014. 160(1): 1-10. Doi: 10.7326/M13-1725. Web. https://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1811025

6 Nair, Muralee, PhD, et al. “Chemicals Found in Cherries May Help Fight Diabetes.” American Chemical Society. 21 December 2014. Web. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/12/041220122203.htm

7 Wien, Michelle, et al. “A randomized 3×3 crossover study to evaluate the effects of Hass avocado intake on post-ingestive satiety, glucose and insulin levels, and subsequent energy intake in overweight adults.” Nutrition Journal. 27 November 2013. 12:155. Doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-12-155. Web. https://www.nutritionj.com/content/12/1/155

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Abigail

    Hi V. thank you very much for being such a blessing to all of us here. All of us are learning from your important information, and wonderful recipes that you always share. I am only sorry that here on this Island, I do not get some of the items, as they do not grow or import them. You are helping very many people, including myself. Your loving and kind efforts, and sacrifices too, will never go unrewarded by God who will continue to provide for this great work that you are doing. Thank you!

  2. The k pandey

    Fine
    Best to all

  3. Theresa

    I think it is important for people to understand how important bone health really is. I started using bone health supplements in the last year and love them! https://www.drdavidwilliams.com/bone-joint-health/

  4. vatsala Patil

    Hi
    My bone density is 3,9 in spine. Should I take Prolia injection.
    Regards,

  5. Mona Wright

    How much algea calcium should we be taking and also how mich strontium should we take.

    What do you think about Bone Grow?

    Appreciate your advise.

    Thanks

  6. Pat O'Hara

    I’m interested in Bone Appetit but I have a question. Do you get a printed version of the materials or is it only available as a download?

    • Customer Support

      Hi Pat,
      Thanks for your interest! At this time, Bone Appetit is only available as a digital download.

  7. Teresa ochoa

    Aura Montiel, I am from Venezuela too, but I live in Nevada, so luckily, I can find all the foods that help with the blood sugar levels. Including the Blueberries, although cherries are only seasonal, here. Like a venezuelan I am used to eat avocados, everyday, but I loI just learn by reading Vivian, e mail, cinnamon is also a great help.
    Thank u Vivian, I love your e mails, surprise you are read in Venezuela. ,

  8. Linda KC

    Hello All! I am a 63 year old woman with a reading of -2.9 in my spine. I have been following this diet closely and take algea calcium with no strontium upon reading of Vivians reccomendation. I have had the same reading for 2 years now and am going to the specialist on Thursday for another scan and lecture on why I need a drug! I am hoping for improvement but will be thrilled not to get worse. I have 8 grandchildren 4yrs and under and am hoping to be healthier for my little blessings. I will get back with my results if anyone is interested! Knowing me, if I am better I will post it LOUDLY !

  9. carole mccarthur

    Hi Vivian : there is talk that olive oil is good for us. However, I have heard that a lot of the Olive Oil on the shelves has been altered. How does one know what olive oil is the most pure. Carole

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi Carole,

      Your best bet is to buy from small, local olive farmers and family-owned farms and co-ops if possible. Unfortunately, that’s not within reach for most of us. For those who need to purchase olive oil online or in stores, the UC Davis Olive Center has published a comprehensive report on this topic that I am sure you’ll find informative. Here is a link to the report:

      https://www.foodrenegade.com/how-tell-if-your-olive-oil-fake/

  10. ErlindaSiaton

    Thanks for your patience. I throw away the Fosomax tablet. When my family asked if I took Fosomax, I lied. They don’t know that I threw away the medication and started my diet based on the 30 day meal plan, thanks again.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      It sounds like you’ve had to go “under cover,” Erlinda! Good for you for taking your health into your own hands and making your own decision about taking osteoporosis drugs.

  11. Ita.

    Thank you,Ita.

  12. Mei

    Vivian
    I’ve written to customer support to put me back on the mailing list but they have not done it. Can you please help? I always looked forward to reading your articles.
    Thank you so much for all you do.
    Mei

  13. Judy

    Please take me off of your mailing list. This is my third try and I do not want your mail anymore.

    • Customer Support

      No problem, Judy. We have unsubscribed you. In the future, it is extremely easy to unsubscribe yourself from any mailing list at any time. By law, every mailing list must have an unsubscribe link, and all you have to do is click on it and follow the instructions (usually just another click or two) to unsubscribe yourself.

      Simply scroll down to the very bottom of any of Vivian’s emails, and you’ll see the following message:

      “Change Subscriber Options” (there is a blue link there that you click on and it will take you to the unsubscribe page)

  14. Anita Freeman

    I purchased the Save our Bones program a few years back. I am still searching for the perfect supplements to furnish all the recommended nutrients in the proper proportions. Does anybody know of a product that will do this?

    • Diana

      Hi,
      I searched for a long time and finally found it!
      Cheers
      Diana

  15. Aura Montiel

    Thanks for your advices. We have in Venezuela. Mangos and avocados. but We do not have blueberries and cherries, they do not grow here. How ever We could find olive oil and cinnamon too. I will try this, if it help with my bones.
    Vivian thank you very much.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      You are welcome Aura. And don’t worry about not having blueberries and cherries. It sounds like you have plenty of bone-healthy options available!

  16. Elle

    My diet for breakfast is organic blueberries, strawberries with coconut milk/cream & chia seeds.yum.. My diet is 90% Keto & I feel great. MS 25 yrs?I workout daily. Thanks Vivian 4 your teaching site..

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      That sounds delicious, Elle! But don’t forget about the importance of balance in your diet. The “keto diet” is a very unbalanced approach to nutrition.

  17. Ellen

    I don’t understand.
    I’ve eliminated blueberries due to their acidity. Now I’ve learned they are considered a foundation food. Can I go back to eating them each morning on my oatmeal?
    I find this very confusing.
    Ellen

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi Ellen,

      I understand how it can seem confusing! It’s a common misconception that acidifying foods are “bad.” But the purpose of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program is not to eat a 100% alkalizing diet; it aims for a balance of 80% alkalizing and 20% acidifying foods. There are Foundation Foods in both categories. 🙂

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