By Pulak Kumar
Diabetes is becoming an epidemic in India and everywhere. Diabetes is commonly known as 'high sugar' problem. Currently a fasting blood glucose (sugar) level of 126mg% or more is defined as diabetes. The blood glucose level is normally kept in range by a hormone called insulin, which is produced from the pancreas. Insulin controls blood glucose levels by allowing glucose to enter the cells so that it can be used as fuel by the body.
There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce any insulin and this has to be replaced, usually through insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes is when the body is able to make some insulin but not enough, or when the insulin produced does not work properly (called 'insulin resistance'). The aim for both types of diabetes is to achieve and maintain the best possible control of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol; which will reduce the risk of diabetic complications in the future.
The British Dietetic Association has come out with the following research on food items that are useful in preventing and curing diabetes
Dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, avocados and whole grain contain magnesium which helps prevent and control diabetes. In a study done in England on 11,000 women in the high-risk category, it was shown that those with a high magnesium intake were 27 per cent less susceptible to diabetes. According to research, magnesium is known to lower blood pressure, relax the heart muscles, and controls homocysteine, which is a known trigger for heart disease and diabetes.
Priority wise the following categories of fruits and vegetables should be taken. Category I food items should become a part of your regular diet & the others can be taken from time to time:
Category I
Bitter gourd (Karela) contains high dosage of "plant insulin". Investigations and tests have shown this insulin to be very effective for lowering the blood sugar levels.
Jamun Fruit: According to Science Reporter "Jamun fruits are universally accepted medicine for curing diabetes because of its effect on pancreas. Jamun reduces blood sugar levels quickly and the best part is that it is virtually without any side effects. It contains oleanolic acid and hence inhibits the production of free radicals. During off season, the seeds of this fruit can be powdered and taken 2-3 grams a day. This stone contains a glucoside which prevents the conversion of starch into sugar. Dried powdered leaves of jamun tree also help in controlling diabetes.
Bael Fruit is an effective remedy for diabetes. The bael leaves have anti-diabetic properties. Their extract must be consumed, preferably with a pinch of black pepper in it. The leaves of the bael tree when chewed are very useful in diabetes. Pulp of this fruit could be dried and taken in doses of 5 to 10 grams a day.
Cherries: It is a fruit that contains a red pigmented antioxidant that helps the body produce more insulin. It is low in calories and high in fiber contents and its antioxidant properties provides many benefits.
Bengal Gram: Soup of bengal gram (chana) has been known to reduce the intake of insulin by diabetics to almost half.
Soybean: German Medical Journal considers soybean with its low starch and high protein and with high fat, valuable for diabetes. Freedenweld Ruhrah (1911) established that there was something in soybean, yet unidentified, which lowered the urinary sugar amongst diabetics. Soy Lecithin contains choline which was found useful in preventing and treating neurological complications of diabetes.
Wheat Germs: The combined action of the vitamins B1 and E present in wheat germ explains its anti-diabetic effect: 4 or 5 spoonfuls can reduce the glucose level and the need for insulin.
Barley: Barley is a blessing for those who want to reduce the blood sugar levels. It can be used as a substitute of rice. It is rich in fiber. It even reduces the glycemic index of that particular food into which it is added. It also helps you in eating fewer calories while keeping you fuller.
Fenugreek (Methi): is also highly effective at modulating glucose metabolism and can lower the blood glucose levels of diabetics by up to 45 percent. This spice increases both insulin receptor sensitivity and normalizes the imbalanced blood lipid levels of diabetics. The fiber contained in fenugreek also lowers the GI of a meal, thus modulating the postprandial blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of high GI foods. The Director, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India recommends inclusion of fenugreek in daily diet as an effective supportive therapy in the management of diabetes.
Cinnamon is a wonder diabetes inhibitor: According to a report published in New Scientist nutritionist Richard Anderson says, "People with type II diabetes could help themselves. Use of cinnamon plays wonders in diabetics. It is a common spice that reduces the LDL cholesterol in diabetics. Its high fiber content helps to control the sugar level and serves as a valuable source of magnesium. Cinnamon contains an extract called Cinnulin PF which works at the cellular level and increases the sensitivity of insulin cell receptors by three times. Poor response of insulin cell receptors is often a major problem in diabetics.
Diabetes is becoming an epidemic in India and everywhere. Diabetes is commonly known as 'high sugar' problem. Currently a fasting blood glucose (sugar) level of 126mg% or more is defined as diabetes. The blood glucose level is normally kept in range by a hormone called insulin, which is produced from the pancreas. Insulin controls blood glucose levels by allowing glucose to enter the cells so that it can be used as fuel by the body.
There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce any insulin and this has to be replaced, usually through insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes is when the body is able to make some insulin but not enough, or when the insulin produced does not work properly (called 'insulin resistance'). The aim for both types of diabetes is to achieve and maintain the best possible control of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol; which will reduce the risk of diabetic complications in the future.
The British Dietetic Association has come out with the following research on food items that are useful in preventing and curing diabetes
Dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, avocados and whole grain contain magnesium which helps prevent and control diabetes. In a study done in England on 11,000 women in the high-risk category, it was shown that those with a high magnesium intake were 27 per cent less susceptible to diabetes. According to research, magnesium is known to lower blood pressure, relax the heart muscles, and controls homocysteine, which is a known trigger for heart disease and diabetes.
Priority wise the following categories of fruits and vegetables should be taken. Category I food items should become a part of your regular diet & the others can be taken from time to time:
Category I
Bitter gourd (Karela) contains high dosage of "plant insulin". Investigations and tests have shown this insulin to be very effective for lowering the blood sugar levels.
Jamun Fruit: According to Science Reporter "Jamun fruits are universally accepted medicine for curing diabetes because of its effect on pancreas. Jamun reduces blood sugar levels quickly and the best part is that it is virtually without any side effects. It contains oleanolic acid and hence inhibits the production of free radicals. During off season, the seeds of this fruit can be powdered and taken 2-3 grams a day. This stone contains a glucoside which prevents the conversion of starch into sugar. Dried powdered leaves of jamun tree also help in controlling diabetes.
Bael Fruit is an effective remedy for diabetes. The bael leaves have anti-diabetic properties. Their extract must be consumed, preferably with a pinch of black pepper in it. The leaves of the bael tree when chewed are very useful in diabetes. Pulp of this fruit could be dried and taken in doses of 5 to 10 grams a day.
Cherries: It is a fruit that contains a red pigmented antioxidant that helps the body produce more insulin. It is low in calories and high in fiber contents and its antioxidant properties provides many benefits.
Bengal Gram: Soup of bengal gram (chana) has been known to reduce the intake of insulin by diabetics to almost half.
Soybean: German Medical Journal considers soybean with its low starch and high protein and with high fat, valuable for diabetes. Freedenweld Ruhrah (1911) established that there was something in soybean, yet unidentified, which lowered the urinary sugar amongst diabetics. Soy Lecithin contains choline which was found useful in preventing and treating neurological complications of diabetes.
Wheat Germs: The combined action of the vitamins B1 and E present in wheat germ explains its anti-diabetic effect: 4 or 5 spoonfuls can reduce the glucose level and the need for insulin.
Barley: Barley is a blessing for those who want to reduce the blood sugar levels. It can be used as a substitute of rice. It is rich in fiber. It even reduces the glycemic index of that particular food into which it is added. It also helps you in eating fewer calories while keeping you fuller.
Fenugreek (Methi): is also highly effective at modulating glucose metabolism and can lower the blood glucose levels of diabetics by up to 45 percent. This spice increases both insulin receptor sensitivity and normalizes the imbalanced blood lipid levels of diabetics. The fiber contained in fenugreek also lowers the GI of a meal, thus modulating the postprandial blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of high GI foods. The Director, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India recommends inclusion of fenugreek in daily diet as an effective supportive therapy in the management of diabetes.
Cinnamon is a wonder diabetes inhibitor: According to a report published in New Scientist nutritionist Richard Anderson says, "People with type II diabetes could help themselves. Use of cinnamon plays wonders in diabetics. It is a common spice that reduces the LDL cholesterol in diabetics. Its high fiber content helps to control the sugar level and serves as a valuable source of magnesium. Cinnamon contains an extract called Cinnulin PF which works at the cellular level and increases the sensitivity of insulin cell receptors by three times. Poor response of insulin cell receptors is often a major problem in diabetics.
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