Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Update on Cinnamon for BG Control
Cinnamon has received good press recently owing to USDA-sponsored research, some results of which appeared in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care. That study found that intakes of as little as 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon/day improved measures of blood glucose and blood lipids in people with type 2 diabetes. We reported those results here.Results of 2 recent studies are at odds concerning the benefits of cinnamon.
The first study appeared in the April 2006 issue of The Journal of Nutrition.
Methods
- Participants - 25 postmenopausal patients with type 2 diabetes
- Length - 6-week intervention
- Type - Double-blind, placebo-controlled
- Dose - 1.5g cinnamon/day
Cinnamon did not improve measures of insulin sensitivity, oral glucose tolerance, or blood lipids.
The second study appeared in the May 2006 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Methods
- Participants - 79 patients with type 2 diabetes
- Length - 4-month intervention
- Type - Double-blind, placebo-controlled
- Dose - Water soluble cinnamon extract (equivalent to 3g of cinnamon/day)
Cinnamon extract led to a reduction in fasting glucose levels (down 10.3%, compared to the placebo groups 3.4%). Cinnamon did not improve HbA1c levels nor measures of blood lipids.
Neither of these studies is the final word on use of this spice for BG control. If youd like to try adding cinnamon to your diet, keep in mind that long-term safety of ingestion of powdered cinnamon bark has not been determined. Researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service note that:
"Table cinnamon made from cinnamon bark contains [potentially toxic] fat-soluble compounds. Those compounds may accumulate in the body if ingested consistently as more than a spice over long periods of time."
- Rosalie Marion Bliss, April 2004, Beneficial Compounds in Cinnamon Spice Up Insulin Sensitivity
If benefits of cinnamon supplementation prevail, a water soluble cinnamon extract - similar to that used in the second study above - may be the best bet.
For the April 2006 Journal of Nutrition study:
Cinnamon Supplementation Does Not Improve Glycemic Control in Postmenopausal Type 2 Diabetes Patients
For the May 2006 European Journal of Clinical Investigation study:
Effects of a Cinnamon Extract on Plasma Glucose, HbA1c, and Serum Lipids in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
For a news summary of the European Journal of Clinical Investigation study:
New Study Shows Cinnamon Extract Lowers Blood Sugar Levels In People With Type 2 Diabetes
For the 2003 Diabetes Care study:
Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes
Monday, February 3, 2014
Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Increases Risk for Prediabetes
Research due in an upcoming issue of the British Medical Journal found that smokers had a greater risk of developing glucose intolerance than people who never smoked. But another finding of the study is raising eyebrows - that people exposed to secondhand smoke also experienced an increased risk for the condition.The study, begun in 1985, followed 4,572 young men and women (age 18 to 30 at baseline) in four American cities for up to 15 years.
After adjusting for confounders (factors that could also influence development of glucose tolerance - age, sex, race, education, income, blood pressure, body mass index, triglycerides, and alcohol intake), researchers found, when compared to people who never smoked and had no passive smoke exposure:
- Current smokers (average 10 cigarettes/day) had a 65% greater risk of developing prediabetes.
- People who never smoked but were exposed to secondhand smoke (average 12.6 hours/week) had a 35% greater risk of developing prediabetes.
Prediabetes, also known as impaired glucose tolerance, was recorded when serum glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl and < 126 mg/dl. (Diabetes is diagnosed when fasting serum glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl.) Most people with prediabetes will develop full blown diabetes unless they make lifestyle changes.
Researchers said substances in cigarette smoke which are damaging to the pancreas may be present in higher concentrations in secondhand smoke, since passive smoke is produced under different temperatures and chemical conditions.
Some news summaries:
Secondhand Smoke Linked to Diabetes Risk
Passive Smoke Could Prompt Diabetes Precursor: Report
Smoking Linked to Glucose Intolerance in Young Adults
For the study abstract:
Active and passive smoking and development of glucose intolerance among young adults in a prospective cohort: CARDIA study
For the study (pdf):
Active and passive smoking and development of glucose intolerance among young adults in a prospective cohort: CARDIA study
Eliminate Toxic Chemicals to Assist Weight Loss
(Article first published as Environmental Toxins May Hinder Weight Loss Efforts on Technorati.)
Our body operates on a very delicate metabolic balance and is sensitive to the type of food we eat as well as the environment that surrounds us. Most of the processed foods in the typical diet are packed with artificial chemical enhancers that are viewed as toxins when they enter our digestion. In an effort to thwart toxic overload, we have evolved a highly sophisticated process of identifying and packaging these foreign particles for storage in our fat cells.
Children who are raised on a ined and processed food diet void of natural vegetables and raw foods are at increased risk of becoming overweight and obese at an early age. Infants and young children are particularly sensitive to unnatural chemicals in food as well as household toxins in bath products, toothpaste and water. They begin to store excess toxins early in life and are much more susceptible to fat storage as they mature.
Household cleaners, bath products and cosmetics are all laced with toxic chemicals that we breathe or absorb from contact with the skin. These chemicals are immediately detected by our immune system and sent to the liver for disposal. Eventually the liver is overloaded and a secondary system ensues to pack the chemicals up with triglycerides and shuttle them to storage as body fat. Always choose organic based household cleaners and cosmetics that contain no artificial enhancers, coloring or emulsifiers.
Readmore...
While this may help us to avert immediate damage, it leaves our metabolically active fat cells unable to send the proper signals to the brain that it’s time to stop eating. After many years of toxic storage our fat cells become resistant to our best weight loss efforts and the pounds pack on. Fortunately you can reverse the effects of chemical overload by improving your diet and avoiding common household and environmental substances.
The Path to Obesity Starts at an Early Age
The results of a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives demonstrated that toxins ingested or absorbed by the mother are enough to induce excess fat storage in the baby even before birth. The infant children were shown to form fat as a defense mechanism against being poisoned by toxins. Most people understand the importance of nutrition on a developing fetus, but few consider the impact of supposedly harmless chemicals in our food and household that are considered ‘generally regarded as safe’ by the USDA.
Flushing Food Additives and Chemicals from Food and Water
Our food supply is riddled with chemicals that are used to enhance flavor, provide texture and preserve freshness. A growing number of food items are genetically modified to generate higher yield or for disease resistance. All of these factors result in a food supply that is not natural and erodes health along with our ability to lose weight.
As a toxic environment develops in a person, they become increasingly resistant to weight loss. Adopt a whole food diet consisting of fresh vegetables (uncooked to preserve the essential nutrients and enzymes), nuts, seeds and monounsaturated fats. Read all ingredient labels if you choose processed foods and avoid anything that you don’t recognize or can’t pronounce. Filter your water, especially from city sources to eliminate chlorine sanitizing agents.
Avoid Household Chemicals and Cosmetics
Research has shown this it is possible to slowly lose weight so that toxins stored in your fat aren’t released too quickly. Nutrients such as chlorella latch onto the toxins as they’re released and usher them safely out of the body. Before beginning a weight loss regimen, first eliminate synthetic chemicals from your food and environment. This will make your road to weight loss much easier as you slowly improve you health and quality of life.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
3 bad habits around sleep
3 bad habits around sleep - ve Slept eight hours a day, but the body still feel weak after waking up. Have experienced similar things? Maybe you do about sleep habits as reported from Fit Sugar following.
Pressed the snooze button
Alarm goes off, but the body was reluctant to get up and finally pressed the snooze button. Because bad habits interfere with sleep cycles. Moreover, an extra five or ten minutes of sleep after the alarm sounds will make you feel better.
Sleep at different times
Try to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. For if sleep at different times, the body susceptible to stress, especially if you have to get up at the same time every day.
Underestimate sleep
Sometimes work and other activities keep myself busy and you had to stay up. Though sleep remains to be fulfilled in order to maintain the fitness of body and mind. So never underestimate sleep and make sure you stay rested despite being so busy every day.
Thats a bad habit that should be stopped about sleep from now on.
Readmore...
Pressed the snooze button
Alarm goes off, but the body was reluctant to get up and finally pressed the snooze button. Because bad habits interfere with sleep cycles. Moreover, an extra five or ten minutes of sleep after the alarm sounds will make you feel better.
Sleep at different times
Try to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. For if sleep at different times, the body susceptible to stress, especially if you have to get up at the same time every day.
Underestimate sleep
Sometimes work and other activities keep myself busy and you had to stay up. Though sleep remains to be fulfilled in order to maintain the fitness of body and mind. So never underestimate sleep and make sure you stay rested despite being so busy every day.
Thats a bad habit that should be stopped about sleep from now on.
Always feel thirsty This is why!
Always feel thirsty? This is why! - Water, drinks must be consumed at least eight glasses a day. Yet despite drinking a lot, still, there are people who still feel thirsty. You too? Could be why it is like that of Mother Nature Network reported the following.
Drinks are wrong
Most people think of drinking - anything other than plain water - has been able to meet the fluids in the body. This assumption is clearly wrong. Because sugary drinks not only make you more thirsty, but also increases the risk of diabetes. In addition, coffee and alcohol should also be avoided so you do not dehydrate.
Diabetes
Diabetes, particularly type 2, also can make you always thirsty. Because kidney trouble controlling insulin, the body finally gave the signal that you drink lots of water for sugar repel.
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia, also known as sodium levels are too low on the body. A person in this condition is usually caused by excessive sweating. So the body always feel thirsty and need to be filled with fluid.
Drugs
Several types of drugs are consumed also makes the body always feel thirsty. Not only that, the mouth and lips will feel dry due to consumption of these drugs. To determine whether you are also similar drug, consult with your doctor immediately.
Those are some of the causes why you can always feel thirsty. So do not be lazy to meet the needs of body fluids every day to maintain health!
Readmore...
Drinks are wrong
Most people think of drinking - anything other than plain water - has been able to meet the fluids in the body. This assumption is clearly wrong. Because sugary drinks not only make you more thirsty, but also increases the risk of diabetes. In addition, coffee and alcohol should also be avoided so you do not dehydrate.
Diabetes
Diabetes, particularly type 2, also can make you always thirsty. Because kidney trouble controlling insulin, the body finally gave the signal that you drink lots of water for sugar repel.
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia, also known as sodium levels are too low on the body. A person in this condition is usually caused by excessive sweating. So the body always feel thirsty and need to be filled with fluid.
Drugs
Several types of drugs are consumed also makes the body always feel thirsty. Not only that, the mouth and lips will feel dry due to consumption of these drugs. To determine whether you are also similar drug, consult with your doctor immediately.
Those are some of the causes why you can always feel thirsty. So do not be lazy to meet the needs of body fluids every day to maintain health!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Cauliflower Red Rice Flakes Upma
An easy breezy upma,gets ready with less than 15minutes. I prepared quickly this upma yesterday for our dinner as i felt really lazy to make something else. Just added some leftover finely chopped cauliflower florets to make this quick upma more healthier. You can skip cauliflower and add your favourite veggies here. Serve this upma simply with a coconut chutney, both together turns your dinner simply filling.You can also prepare this quick and healthy upma even for your breakfast as it goes for a simple and easy preparation. Dont worry if you dont have red rice flakes,make it with usual rice flakes. Sending this healthy upma to my event Healthy Diet-Fast & Quick Healthy Dish guest hosted by Kalpana.
1cup Red rice flakes/ Sivappu aval
1/2cup Cauliflower florets (chopped)
1no Onion (big & chopped)
1/2tsp Mustard seeds
1/2tsp Urad dal
1tsp Channa dal
Few Cashew nuts
2nos Dry red chillies
2nos Green chillies (slit opened)
Few curry leaves
Salt
Oil
Soak the red rice flakes in water for few seconds and drain the water completely,keep aside.
Heat enough oil, let splutters mustard seeds, urad dal,channadal.
Fry the cashew nuts,dry red chillies,curry leaves, add immediately the chopped onions, chopped green chilies and cook until the onions turns transculent..
Now add the chopped cauliflower, saute them for few seconds.
Finally add the salt, the already washed red rice flakes.
Cook everything in medium flame for few minutes and put off the stove..
Serve warm with some spicy coconut chutney...
1cup Red rice flakes/ Sivappu aval
1/2cup Cauliflower florets (chopped)
1no Onion (big & chopped)
1/2tsp Mustard seeds
1/2tsp Urad dal
1tsp Channa dal
Few Cashew nuts
2nos Dry red chillies
2nos Green chillies (slit opened)
Few curry leaves
Salt
Oil
Soak the red rice flakes in water for few seconds and drain the water completely,keep aside.
Heat enough oil, let splutters mustard seeds, urad dal,channadal.
Fry the cashew nuts,dry red chillies,curry leaves, add immediately the chopped onions, chopped green chilies and cook until the onions turns transculent..
Now add the chopped cauliflower, saute them for few seconds.
Finally add the salt, the already washed red rice flakes.
Cook everything in medium flame for few minutes and put off the stove..
Serve warm with some spicy coconut chutney...
Why Ice cream and Chocolates Can Be Dangerous
Dear friends, Each one of us like to enjoy those tricky chocolates and ice creams as the mouth watering taste cannot be resisted in any case. But, are you aware of the harm and danger of eating chocolates and ice creams. Do you know that those colorful looking chocolates and ice creams can be dangerous to your health? So, you should be caul while eating them especially when they carry some dangers with them.
The first and most obvious danger that you must know is that these tempting favorites of all are overloaded with artificial sugar. This sugar can cause diabetes, blood pressure, obesity, hardening of arteries and lot more. In children it causes anxiety, difficulty in concentrating, hyperactivity and overweight.
Secondly many chemicals are added to keep chocolates & ice creams fresh most of these chemicals are not healthy for your body. Artificial Colors & Sweeteners are also added to enhance the taste and visual effects for making an strong appeal to eat the stuff, but these can harm liver and kidney.
A lot of Emulsifier & Thickeners are added to maintain the desired structure/texture and to enhance the smooth texture of ice creams & chocolates. These chemicals are harmful for the body can cause allergies too.
Finally you will be shocked to know that these stuffs especially ice creams have products which contains animal source ingredient known as gelatin (made by boiling tissue, bones and skin of cows or pigs). Being a vegetarian you might be unintentionally eating it.
Besides all the above drawbacks these stuff contain a lot of Caffeine and bad fats- Chocolate is partially made of cocoa bean which is loaded with caffeine. Kids eating lot of chocolate are hyper due to presence of this caffeine. Calorie content of ice creams and chocolates is too high due to presence of a large amount of sugar. You can easily put on weight while eating such stuffs.
So be caul next time when you see such tasty devils ...... ha ha
A lot of Emulsifier & Thickeners are added to maintain the desired structure/texture and to enhance the smooth texture of ice creams & chocolates. These chemicals are harmful for the body can cause allergies too.
Finally you will be shocked to know that these stuffs especially ice creams have products which contains animal source ingredient known as gelatin (made by boiling tissue, bones and skin of cows or pigs). Being a vegetarian you might be unintentionally eating it.
Besides all the above drawbacks these stuff contain a lot of Caffeine and bad fats- Chocolate is partially made of cocoa bean which is loaded with caffeine. Kids eating lot of chocolate are hyper due to presence of this caffeine. Calorie content of ice creams and chocolates is too high due to presence of a large amount of sugar. You can easily put on weight while eating such stuffs.
So be caul next time when you see such tasty devils ...... ha ha
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