Feb 26 2010

Vinegar, of Possible Benefit to Diabetics?

Category: Food List — JimR @ 9:46 pm


Diabetes is a condition that can often be controlled by making smart dietary choices when it comes to carbohydrates. In addition to this there are specific foods that we can take at meal times that have a beneficial effect for this health condition. One such food is vinegar! Several studies have been undertaken that show great promise for vinegar as a very useful aid for both diabetes I and II.

Ones such study which tested the diabetic health benefits of vinegar was conducted at Arizona State University and published in 2009. The study tested both diabetes II sufferers and non diabetics under the same circumstances. Two teaspoons of vinegar (or a placebo) was administered 5 hours before or during a high carbohydrate breakfast of a bagel and a glass of fruit juice. The results found that two teaspoons of vinegar taken during the meal was considerably more effective than two teaspoons administered 5 hours before the meal. In fact, postprandial glycemia was reduced by 20% in those with diabetes II and the non-diabetics compared to those taking the placebo!

The researchers stated that vinegar is clearly a useful tool for the diabetic condition and that the acetic acid in vinegar is the ingredient that produces this effect. The acetic acid hinders the digestive enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates, therefore slowing down the digestion and the uptake of these carbohydrates into the blood stream. It was apple cider vinegar that was used in this particular study. However it is good to know that acetic acid is a fundamental component of all types of vinegar. Visit apple cider vinegar benefits to learn of other health benefits for this vinegar.

Reducing postprandial gylcemia has more benefits for type-2 diabetes than simply helping to control blood sugar levels. Although it is not yet understood why, elevated blood sugar levels that last for long periods of time contribute to the development of heart disease. This is a fundamental reason that diabetics are at a high risk of developing heart related problems.

Diluting two teaspoons of vinegar in a small glass of water just before a meal is more palatable than drinking vinegar straight. Even better, you can add the vinegar to your cooking or pour it on your salads. Enjoy!

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Feb 22 2010

Hemp Seeds, Power Food for a Diabetic Food List

Category: Food List — JimR @ 9:48 pm

By: HR January 31, 2010

Hemp Seeds

This article is one of a series describing particular supplementary food items that are thought to be effective in lowering blood glucose as well as providing other health and nutrition related benefits.

Diabetes is a deadly disease. Diabetes claims more lives yearly than AIDS and breast cancer combined. People diagnosed with diabetes should eat a balanced diet, with decreased sugar and salt consumption, and low in saturated and trans fat. If you are currently following a diabetes-friendly diet but still need an extra boost when it comes to controlling your blood sugar, then you should look into incorporating hemp seed into your meals.

What is Hemp Seed?

Hemp seed is a little-known power food that can benefit everyone, especially people who are diagnosed with diabetes. Studies show that the consumption of Omega 3, and Omega 6 essential fatty acids can be helpful in treating diabetes. Hemp seeds are a great way to incorporate Omega 3 and Omega 6 into your diet. Hemp seeds are a great source of pure digestible protein (33%) without the worry of consuming unnecessary fats.

The nature of diabetes is such that the symptoms can cause an essential fatty acid deficiency in the body. A person may even experience numbness or tingling in the lower extremities because of this deficiency. Studies show that consuming the equivalent of three tablespoons of hemp seed oil can help alleviate those symptoms.

How to Add Hemp Seeds to Your Diet

Many foods on grocery store shelves already contain hemp seed. Salad dressings, nutrition bars, breads, cookies, granola, and even some frozen desserts can contain this super-food. Natural food stores sell hemp oil and flour and seeds that you can incorporate into many of the foods you already eat. It is recommended that you consume three to four teaspoons per day to reap the full benefit of hemp seeds.

You can blend hemp seeds with fruit and ice for a natural smoothie or bake it in homemade breads. Hemp seeds are a great alternative to pine nuts in stir-fry’s and have a similar flavor. You can use hemp seed flour as a substitute in baking or use the natural oil to toss a salad.

All foods that are currently on your diabetic food list can be improved nutritionally by the addition of hemp seeds. You can make your own diabetes foods from healthful recipes. There is no need to buy overpriced products or packaged foods labeled “dietetic.” These foods may still raise blood sugar levels and in many cases can have a laxative effect.

When you hear the word hemp it is understandable that it might bring to mind thoughts of pot smokers and such but the hemp seeds used as a food item are from a related plant to cannabis but definitely not the same plant. So there is no reason to worry about psychotropic effects from consuming hemp seeds. Hemp seeds, or products made from them, do not contain THC, which is the substance in the cannabis plant itself. Hemp seed is considered safe but be sure to check with your doctor before adding them to your treatment plan.

Hemp seeds are rich in an easily digestible form of all of the amino acids and fatty acids essential to the human body and are considered to be an excellent substitute for meat protein in the meat free meals of vegetarians or for those on a diet.

Because evidence suggests that an insufficient intake of Omega 3 can contribute to the development of diabetes, everyone should be mindful of what they eat and make sure to incorporate plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids. Adding hemp seeds to your diet is a good way to add Omega 3s to your diet.

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Feb 03 2010

For the Diabetic Food List: Fenugreek

Category: Food List — JimR @ 10:17 pm

By: HR January 31, 2010

Fenugreek

Diabetes, a disease requiring constant monitoring and careful management involving diet and exercise to control glucose levels. Diabetes is a progressive disease, meaning it tends to worsen over time, and that is difficult to control but you can control what you eat. The inclusion of the right food item in your diabetic food list can help in your efforts to maintain low blood glucose and that can help you better manage your diabetes.

This article is one of a series describing particular supplementary food items that are thought to be effective in lowering blood glucose as well as providing other health and nutrition related benefits.

Fenugreek

Long known as a remedy, fenugreek was used by ancient Greek and Roman, Indian and other south Asian herbalists to treat diabetes. Modern research has shown that fenugreek seeds lower blood glucose, and reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. Flax seeds are one of the diabetes foods that can help heal the body and lower blood glucose.

Fenugreek is a spice and herbal preparation that comes from the seeds of a plant found in North Africa and India. As part of the legume family, this seed has long been known as a substance that is helpful for skin irritations and as a laxative. Recently, fenugreek has been used as a diabetes food with some success.

Fenugreek and Diabetes

Fenugreek seeds contain alkaloids, fiber, and several other things that may help slow down the absorption of carbohydrates. This is good news for those with diabetes. It is believed that fenugreek may also improve the body’s ability to utilize glucose by increasing the sensitivity of cell receptors to the insulin that works to conduct the glucose into the cells.

There haven’t been many studies done on the effects of fenugreek on diabetes, but the ones that have been done show potential. In one study, those who took fenugreek had a lowered fasting glucose level. Although studies are few, the results have been promising. If you plan a weekly diabetes food menu, you may want to add fenugreek to the food list.

Other Benefits of Fenugreek
Although you may wish you use fenugreek primarily as a way to improve your glucose levels, fenugreek offers other benefits as well. Several studies have linked fenugreek to lower cholesterol, better liver health, and cardiovascular health. Because diabetes sometimes comes with other diseases such as heart disease, it may be beneficial to use fenugreek to help combat those problems as well.

How to Use Fenugreek

Fenugreek can be used in several ways. One of the simplest ways to add fenugreek to your diet is to take it as a supplement in capsule form. This way you don’t have to worry about adding it to food or changing your diet. However, be aware that in capsule form, fenugreek has a higher possibility of causing unwanted side effects.

Fenugreek can also be found in special teas. It can also be used as a spice in meals. You can try sprinkling ground fenugreek on grilled vegetables, in beef stew, or you can find a Mediterranean or Indian recipe that specifically calls for fenugreek. Be careful not to overdo it, though, as too much fenugreek can create a bitter taste.

Fenugreek Side Effects

Fenugreek can be a great tool to add to your diabetes management routine, but you do need to be aware that it can have a few side effects. Some people have noted some gastrointestinal issues when using fenugreek, including gas and diarrhea. These symptoms usually go away after a few days, however. Using fenugreek as a spice in foods can also alleviate the side effects as well.

Caution

If you are pregnant, fenugreek should not be taken as it can cause premature contractions. Pregnant women who wish to take fenugreek should consult a doctor first. Staying away from fenugreek during pregnancy is the safest option.

Fenugreek shows a lot of promise as one of the foods for a diabetic that can help improve the symptoms of diabetes. Those who have diabetes probably already eat well, exercise, and follow their healthcare provider’s orders. Fenugreek is just one way to improve blood glucose levels and manage diabetes just a little better. Another possible candidate for addition to your diabetic food list.

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