Tips from gaining health

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

Findings
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)

Findings
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

The exact number varies, but the general consensus is that the average American’s calorie intake has shot up about 20 percent since the 1970s. How did that happen? Did we get taller? Did we start running marathons? Did we suddenly get really, really hungry (for 40 years)?

Nope. Serving sizes increased. And it happened so gradually, we barely even noticed.

Well, some people noticed. And while the embiggening of portions may not be news to foodies, newshounds, and concerned parents, the numbers themselves might be. According to a great piece at Divine Caroline, few decades ago:

• A slice of pizza clocked in at a mere 250 calories. Today, it comes in at 425.
• Bagels were half the size they are now.
• A standard tub of movie popcorn was 360 calories less than it is in 2010.

It doesn’t stop there, either. Soda, donuts, muffins, nearly all packaged foods (especially convenience items), you name it – nowadays, they come in containers significantly larger than our parents were used to.

What does this cost us, in terms of health and straight-up cash? Well, in the long term, out-of-control serving sizes contribute to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and many more exciting health problems associated with the Western diet. We may not sacrifice part of our paychecks for them now, but medication and hospital bills add up years down the line.

In the short term, we’re simply paying more money for bigger food. Super-sizing is only another quarter? Sure, why not? We can get a movie soda AND popcorn for only two dollars more than buying either alone? Let’s do it. Pop Tarts are 20% larger? I mean, I don’t know how I’m gonna cram that into my toaster, but nonetheless: Woo hoo!

So, how do we know how much to eat? How can we tell what reasonable servings look like? And how can we prevent consistent overindulging as time marches on?

Good questions, all. And here are some answers:

HOW MUCH SHOULD I EAT?

Research.
There are a plethora of online articles, slideshows, and graphics dealing with standard serving sizes and moderate portions. This Web MD tool is just one fabulous, easy-to-use example. One quick word of caution: While it’s improved, the USDA food pyramid is pretty heavily influenced by industry, and isn’t necessarily a reliable guide. Better to consult nutritionists and science-related websites.

Know your daily caloric needs.
This will give you a good idea of how many calories, and subsequently how much food, you can consume in a day without going overboard. It’s different for men and women, adults and children, active and non-active people, etc., so find a reliable calculator to get specifics.

WHAT DOES A SERVING LOOK LIKE?

Measure your food.
Initially, it’s a pain in the butt. But once you know what a tablespoon of oil or a half-cup of oatmeal really looks like, you’ll be more conscious of those quantities in the future. For extra credit, re-measure every few months, to prevent unconscious inflation.

Use visual cues.
If you don’t have measuring cups handy, there are other ways of estimating portions. For example, this guide from Prevention Magazine shows you how to use your hands when calculating amounts. Diabetic Living has a slideshow comparing serving sizes to everyday objects, like CDs, computer mice (mouses?), and shotglasses.

Read labels.
When it comes to packaged edibles, the amount of food in a single serving is always printed on the ingredient label. Just remember to pay attention to the number of servings within a container. For example, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s isn’t one serving. It’s four.

HOW CAN I AVOID EXTRA-SIZED SERVINGS?

Portion your plate.
Your largest serving over every meal should consist of fruits and/or vegetables. Your smallest should be meat or cheese-soaked anything. Fit starch in where you can, don’t forget to include nuts and legumes, and use sweets and bad fats sparingly.

Use smaller plates.
Not only does this automatically control your portions, but it makes food look bigger. Place a medium-sized baked potato on a 13-inch buffet plate, and it’s dwarfed by the negative space surrounding it. Move the same spud to a six-inch appetizer plate, and it’s suddenly a full-on feast.

Don’t eat food from its container.
Mindless eating is the enemy of portion control. Give yourself a few potato chips, and put the rest of the bag away.

Cook at home.
Restaurants and fast food joints are notorious for their huge portion sizes, frequently packing a full day’s worth of calories into a single sit-down meal. Prepping your own repast in your own kitchen allows you to monitor exactly how much you eat, and store what’s leftover.

Beware of seconds and thirds.
Let your meal sit for a few minutes before going back for another helping. You may be full and not even know it. Related to this, don’t keep serving vessels on the table. Out of sight, out of mind, you know?

When it comes to recipes, use your judgment.
Cook’s Illustrated and Everyday Food are two of my favorite recipe sources, and I find both tend to portion meals into large servings. If you feel a favorite dish makes enough for six people instead of two, go ahead and plate it as such.

DON’T FORGET

Relax.
This all doesn’t mean we shouldn’t treat ourselves. Oh, heck no. As food lovers and Americans, it’s our prerogative to occasionally eat burgers the size of bowling balls. Sporadically, I’ll polish off a box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese without assistance, thinking, or blinking. And in those instances, it’s usually pretty merited. But my point is: overindulging shouldn’t be an everyday kind of thing. At least, not if we want to make it to our seventies.

And that’s that. Readers, what do you think? Are the points made here any good? Do you have any solid strategies for combating super-sized portions? The comment section, she is open.

~~~

If you like this article, these might also appeal to you:

• 10 Ways to Eat Less Meat
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• Veggie Might: Olive Oil - Buying, Storing, and Using it, Demystified

Not only are the beans that are beneficial to health. If the oil is made manfatnya also abundant. A recent study showed that almond oil can fight obesity and diabetes.

Researchers from Missouri University of Science and Technology, almond oil can affect certain microorganisms in the body. As against obesity and diabetes, new findings could also be applied to your diet.

In the study, the researchers used mice in laboratory experiments. Obese mice given almond oil or grease on his food sterculic. The result, glucose in the body of the mice had improved insulin sensitivity.

The study, presented at the American Society for Microbiology, San Francisco had previously been done previous studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Oil was discovered in the enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) and are associated with insulin resistance.

However, other studies conducted over 9 weeks, it was the result showed that this oil can only control the diabetes. Research conducted by Gosh and Dr. Daniel Oether findings and is believed to be the new science.

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a rating of carbohydrates on a scale of 0 to 100 depending on the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with GI of 70 and above are considered as high GI foods, 56-69 as medium GI foods, 55 and below as low GI foods.

High GI foods are those which are quickly digested and absorbed in to the blood stream and result in noticeable fluctuations in the blood sugar levels. Conversely, low GI foods, because of their slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rises in the blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven health benefits.

Benefits of GI diet
GI diet is nothing but eating more low GI foods than high GI foods. It is good for rapid weight loss and best diet for diabetics. One can easily plan their low GI diet by including healthy fats, good carbohydrates, and lean proteins all together. The least processed foods such as the vegetables, legumes and whole grain breads have low GI values. They make us feel fuller and avoid us from taking food quite often. In addition the fiber from the low GI foods also helps to control the blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

Following are some more benefits of GI diet
•Reduces hunger and keep us fuller for longer time – can manage and lose weight
•Sustained energy
•Increases bodys sensitivity to insulin
•Helps in diabetes management
•Reduces the risk of heart diseases
•Improves good cholesterol
•Provides prolonged physical endurance

Low GI foods
Rice is the major staple food for major population of India. Among different varieties of rice, Doongara - a unique variety of rice harvested in Australia was found to be the rice with lower Glycemic Index. It has a GI of 56 followed by Basmathi rice with the GI value of 58. The low GI of these varieties help people to stay fuller for longer and also provides sustained energy for physical endurance. It is a healthy choice for the people looking to boost energy levels and to lose weight. In fact, it is more helpful for diabetics.

The best example for low GI food which gives sustained energy is the Pasta. Pastas low GI is due to the physical entrapment of ungelatinised starch granules in a sponge-like network of protein molecules in the pasta dough. As a result, pastas of any shape and size have a fairly low GI (30 to 60). Similarly Asian noodles such as hokkien, udon and rice vermicelli also have low to intermediate GI values.

How to include Low GI foods in our diet
•Avoid oily foods
•Add bread, oats and foods made of barley and bran in your breakfast. Breads made of whole grains, stone ground floor will have lower GI
•Try to use Doongara rice, steamed brown rice, noodles and pastas instead of the regular polished rice
•Enjoy all types of fruits and vegetables but try to avoid potatoes in your diet
•Switch to natural sweeteners like honey rather than regular sugars

With the growing concern of obesity and its effects, one can include low GI foods in his regular diet to improve his body functionality and well-being, besides reducing weight.

Authors Resource Box

Health section at Living Smartly website offers informative articles on health and wellness. It provides health tips and interesting facts on health care http://living-smartly.com/category/health

Article Source: Lose Weight and Control Diabetes Using Low GI Foods

Author : Michael

Diabetes, also known as Diabetes Mellitus, is a metabolic disorder that is becoming increasingly common among people. The carbohydrates consumed by us are converted in to glucose and are made to enter the muscle, fat and liver cells. This fuels or energizes you to perform day to day tasks. An organ pancreas secretes insulin which allows the transportation of glucose from blood stream to the body cells. If this chain of phenomena gets disrupted due to some reason, glucose builds up in blood, leading to diabetes. Diabetes may be classified in to the following types:

1. Type1 diabetes: In this type, body produces less insulin. The amount produced is not sufficient for moving the glucose from blood stream to body cells. As a result glucose collects in blood making you diabetic.

2. Type1 diabetes: In this type, the body cells become unresponsive to insulin. Consequently they fail to absorb the glucose from bloodstream.

3. Gestational diabetes: This type affects women who are pregnant.

Diabetes produces symptoms like excessive thirst, excessive hunger, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, irritability and slow healing of wounds. The possible diabetes triggers are heredity, aging, obesity, consumption of high fat diet, pregnancy, excessive alcohol intake, over-eating habits, stress, hypertension, high blood triglyceride levels and physical inactivity. Diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications like, heart disease, stroke, renal failures, blindness, leg ulcers and nerve damage.

Ways to control diabetes:

1. Self monitoring is now possible with devices like Glucometer. This is a boon. You can check your blood glucose levels any time you want and at home. This will help you to take timely precautions and control your soaring blood glucose levels.

2. You can control your diabetes by using external or implanted insulin pumps.

3. Intake of oral hypoglycemic drugs like Thiazolidinediones, Meglitinides, Sulfonylureas, Biguanides etc would help you to keep your glucose levels in check.

4. Consume a diet low in saturated fat and concentrated sweet and rich in fiber.

5. Exercise regularly to do away with obesity, inactivity and also for accelerating the metabolic rate. Brisk walking is quite beneficial as a diabetes control measure.

6. Give up alcohol drinking and smoking.

7. Relieve your stress through yoga, meditation, deep breathing or spas.

8. Learn from a professional the method of injecting insulin. You have to sincerely stick to the routine of taking insulin injections daily. Generally a patient has to take 2-3 insulin injections each day prior to meals.

9. Go for regular medical check ups. It will help you in controlling your diabetes.

10. You can try out the following home remedies for diabetes control:

a) Drink bitter gourd juice every morning to control your diabetes.
b) Chew fresh curry leaves two times daily to get rid of diabetes.
c) Soak fish berries in water overnight. In the morning, crush the berries to extract the juice. Drink it to lower your blood glucose levels.
d) Mix half teaspoon each of dry, powdered bay leaf and turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera juice. Take the mixture twice daily to check your diabetes.
e) Boil 10-15 mango leaves in 1 glass water. Keep overnight. In the morning, strain and drink the water in empty stomach.

Authors Resource Box

Read about Herbal Treatment for Diabetes. Also know Herbal Liver Cleanser http://www.ayurvedresearchfoundation.com/herbal-liver-cleanser.htm

Article Source : How To Control Diabetes And Prevent Unwanted Health Complications?

Author : dreaston

Monitor your blood sugar and diabetes control solutions diabetes test strips used to determine the accuracy. Blood glucose control solutions work only with your diabetes meter and strips can be used to test your blood glucose. The solution is to control your diabetes when you are testing is similar to a blood glucose test strips react with glucose as the only reason enough.

Diabetes Control Solutions Why do you use?

• Instruments to (recently diagnosed diabetes, the most important), monitoring your blood sugar levels to determine if a new meter is not functioning properly, as a way to calibrate the meter of your diabetes
• If your meter, or glucometer test strips of the accidentally dropped a small glass ampoule open, or heat in your blood glucose meter and diabetes test strips on your left, to make sure no damage.

Things to remember when purchased Glucose Control Solution:

• Solution of diabetes control, diabetes, each brand of meter is not required for a specific brand of diabetes test strips for a particular brand, and is.
• Diabetes Control Solution range is usually a package of diabetes test strips
• If an error occurs, correct the error and how to isolate and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

Glucose Test Strip

The diabetes test strips and glucometer test strips, blood flow in the sugar (glucose) level is used to measure with the help of a diabetes meter. Test strips are designed to pair with a specific meter. The proper use of a test strip, a small blood sample is taken from the body using a lancet. Diabetes blood glucose test strip and then placed on the model implemented by the meter.

Each diabetic blood sugar meter and test strip system works differently; other systems rely on electricity produced from the chemical reaction in the test strip a few meters, however, the amount of blood sugar is used to measure the light reflected from the test strip.

Blood glucose test strips, which is a chemical, or depending on the reagent used to react with blood sugar. There are three chemical used to make test strips: glucose oxidase (GLOO-kohs ok-si-deys), dehydrogenase (de-hy-druh-juh-neys) and hexokinase (hek-SUH-Ky-neys). Diabetes test strip diabetes meter at each of the manufacturer to determine the chemical used for each particular style.

General Test Strips

Specially designed for use with all meter manufacturers test their meters, strips, it is usually significantly less expensive to fit your meter test strips in general, may find it. This simple test strips "normal glucose reagent strips" are called. Your diabetes meter you purchase is suitable for simple test strips to ensure that your stay to check with the manufacturer of the meter.

Read more on Diabetes Mellitus : http://www.ayurvedicherbalcure.com/Herbs/meshashringi.html

Article source : Diabetes Control Natural Solutions through Diabetes Test Strips and Meters