Did You Know That Food Can Help Wounds Heal?

People with diabetes do not heal as efficiently as people with normal blood sugar levels. Certain foods can help your wounds heal and also help keep your blood sugar optimal.

Protein helps to repair tissue:

• Fish
• Shellfish
• Eggs (egg whites have protein and no cholesterol)
• Cheese (low fat is better for your heart)
• Poultry
• Lean meat
• Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, etc.)

Carbohydrates give you energy:

• Starch (bread – whole grains are best – cereal, noodles, rice, barley, kasha)
• Starchy vegetables (sweet or white potatoes, corn, peas, beans)
• Non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus, salad greens)
• Fruit
• Milk (drinking milk, soymilk or yogurt)

Fat allows you to absorb your fat soluble vitamins – A, D, E, K:

• Oil (olive and canola oil are best for your heart)
• Nuts (are good for your heart and health)
• Avocado (is good for your heart)
• Margarine (pick one without trans fat)
• Butter (use more sparingly)

The following vitamins are excellent to heal wounds most efficiently:

Vitamin C – foods with high levels:

• Peppers (especially red)
• Kiwi fruit
• Tomatoes
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
• Broccoli

Vitamin A – foods with high levels:

• Orange colored fruits/vegetables
• Dark green leafy vegetables

Vitamin E – foods with high levels:

• Whole grains
• Wheat germ
• Dark leafy green vegetables
• Eggs**
• Nuts and seeds

Vitamin B – foods with high levels:

• Whole grains (wheat and oats)
• Fish and seafood
• Poultry and meat
• Eggs**

Zinc – foods with high levels:

• Oysters (very high)
• Protein
• Beans

** Egg yolks contain vitamins and cholesterol while egg whites contain protein