Diabetes and Diet

Eating fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to maintain good health. Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. They contain vitamins, phytochemicals, and minerals that can protect your body from diseases like diabetes, cancers, and heart diseases. Ideally, you should consume five kinds of vegetables and two kinds of fruits each day.

Fruits and vegetables are essential components of your daily diet. Some contain natural antioxidants that can help to keep you healthy and fit, providing nutrients which are valuable resources of energy and sustaining the quality of your life.

The common vitamins present in fruits and vegetables include vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and potassium. Almost all fruits and vegetables are low in fat and calories. Many are excellent sources of natural fiber.

Some health professionals recommend from five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables. The serving depends on your daily caloric intake. If you need around 2000 calories each day, you might need up to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

You should get best results if you consume a variety of fruits and vegetables. Eating a single type or color of fruit and vegetable may not offer the required nutrition. Each type and color of fruit or vegetable that is generally available has some benefit.

To get the best nutrients from your fruits and vegetables, eat those which are in season in your region. Fresh produce has the best levels of the nutrients we may need during the season.

If you eat out-of-season fruits and vegetables, their nutrient value might be less, they will probably cost more and their production and transportation may have a greater financial and environmental cost.

Your diet has a critical role in defining your health and energy levels which affects every other part of your life. The fruits and vegetables you consume regularly are a powerful storehouse of beneficial, even vital, vitamins and nutrients which help out body to protect itself against many diseases and other negative factors in our environment.

Different fruits and vegetables offer varied benefits for your health.

Vegetables that are said to be high in antioxidants and nutrients include broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts, beets, carrots, onions, cauliflower, red peppers, squash, tomatoes, and garlic.

Fruits that some say are high in antioxidants and nutrients include apples, blueberries, apricots, bananas, cherries, cantaloupe, oranges, kiwifruits, peaches, and pink grapefruits.

Nutrients of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain many different varieties of nutrients. Some fruits and vegetables are a virtual storehouse of beneficial minerals like anthocyanins, resveratrol, lycopene, and more phytochemicals are being found as research into the fruits and vegetables is conducted.

Phytochemicals

These plant nutrients help sustain your body against the worst ravages of the aging process and may help to reduce health risks like heart ailments, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Some of the phytochemicals include:

Anthocyanins, available in blackberries, blueberries, cherries, eggplant, plums, and kiwi fruit are claimed by some to have important properties that may help reduce the occurrence of severity of some urinary tract infections.

Lycopene, available in watermelon, tomatoes, and pink grapefruit.

Resveratrol is available in red grapes and peanuts. CAUTION: more people are finding they may have an allergic reaction to peanuts every year

Suggested Servings of Fruit and Vegetables

People are often confused about the quantity indicated by a single serving or a cup.

Ideally, one cup refers to:

Vegetables

2 cups raw leafy vegetables

1 cup raw or cooked vegetables

1 cup baby carrots or approximately twelve carrots

1 cup cooked or canned dried beans or peas

1 medium potato

1 cup vegetable juice

Fruits

1 cup cut-up or cooked fruit

1 medium piece of fruit

1 large banana

1/2 cup dried fruit

1/4 small cantaloupe

1 cup berries or grapes

1 cup 100% fruit juice

A great e-book is focused on showing you the benefits which are claimed for adding more vegetables and fruit to your diet and broadening the choices which you know about. It will also give you a variety of tasty and nutritious recipes toward the end of the book.

To find out more fabulous information about how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle with more fruits and vegetables order your copy of Fabulous Fruit and Vegetables today.

Georgina Cundall
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/the-health-benefits-of-fruits-and-vegetables-701055.html

Type II Diabetes is a serious health condition that generally results when the body is unable to properly process excess amounts of glucose circulating in the blood stream. More commonly occurring in adults, type II diabetes does not require insulin injections for management, but rather can be controlled by careful adherence to a low Glycemic index diet.

Nutritionists have long been advocates of the premise that high Glycemic index foods should be limited in our diets in order to promote low blood sugar and its related damage to other organs in the body. In addition to being directly related to type II diabetes, a diet consisting of primarily high Glycemic index foods has also been associated with stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and even nerve damage to the lower extremities of the body.

Type II diabetes is often referred to in medical circles as a silent killer, primarily because most people who suffer from it are not aware they have it. Due to its insidious nature of presenting no obvious symptoms, type II diabetics are often unaware of just how serious their condition is because although the deficiency of insulin is a viable health risk, the pancreas struggles very hard to produce some insulin in order to keep the body functioning, which makes early detection difficult.

Type II diabetes can be readily controlled by a careful adherence to a diet that is based primarily on consumption of low Glycemic index foods interspersed with a minimum of high Glycemic index content.

A well-balanced diet for someone who has been diagnosed with type II diabetes should consist of low Glycemic index foods. In addition, consideration should be given to:

-Foods low in saturated fats. Foods known to be high in fat include anything fried in hydrogenated oils like French fries, onion rings, etc. These foods should be totally eliminated or severely restricted for any diabetic.
-Try to limit protein intake to those products prepared with non-fat dairy products. Skinless poultry, baked fish and lean meats should be eaten in moderation.
-Carbohydrate consumption should be restricted to whole grain cereals, pasta and bread again, in moderation.
-Increase consumption of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Some nutritionists believe that consumption of uncooked, raw vegetables can actually reduce and sometimes eliminate the detrimental effects of type II diabetes.
-Choice of food should be relevant to variables such as vitamin, mineral and fiber content.
-Have at least one low Glycemic index food at every meal while severely limiting highly processed, starch laden foods like potatoes and refined breads and pasta.
-Instead of plastering salads with creamy dressing, use vinaigrette on the side. Try dipping veggies in vinaigrette instead of pouring it on. You use much less that way.
-Take smaller portions of food. Eat slowly -give your stomach a chance to digest what you have eaten before you overload it.

Foods with a low Glycemic index should be a part of a healthy eating plan, but there are other considerations for type II diabetics such as regulating meal times, limiting glucose intake, increasing fibre and reducing fat intake.

Understanding Glycemic index can help control glucose levels and cholesterol levels which will go a long way in promoting overall good health.

Tarja Anchor
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/benefits-of-a-low-gi-diet-for-diabetics-90406.html

It is well known that diabetics have to follow a strict diet to maintain under control their level of sugar in the blood, and they don not have many alternatives when talking about food.

Here you can find some of the indicated vegetables in treating the diabetes, which are easy to find on the market, and do not taste awful.

The French bean, also known as common or kidney bean is one of the most frequently vegetable used in the whole world.

For controlling diabetes it is indicated to eat beans because they are high in carbohydrates and fiber.

A great remedy for diabetes is the bean decoction. You need 60 grams of fresh bean pods, weighed after removing their seeds, you boil the pads for four hours on a slow fire in four liters of water, then you strain this decoction through fine muslin cloth and then you let it rest for eight hours. During the day it is recommended that you drink one glass of this decoction every two hours for a period of 4 to 8 weeks. You must prepare this decoction every day and drink it fresh, because it looses its medicinal properties after 24 hours.

Another useful natural product is the juice extracted from the French beans, combined with the juice of Brussels sprout, which stimulates the production of insulin.

Studies managed by Dr. James Anderson of the Human Nutrition Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture concluded that foods that lower cholesterol and prevent heart diseases, along with beans that are high in soluble fiber and reduce the level of sugar in the blood, are suitable for diabetics who develop a high risk of heart disease.

Lettuce can also be used freely by diabetics as it contains 3% or less of carbohydrates.

Tomato is useful for those who want to lose weight, is low in carbohydrates too and it is said to control the level of sugar in the urine.

A great nutritious food used in the diet of diabetics is the Soya bean. It is rich in quality proteins and fat, and poor in starch. Studies on Soya bean have been performed since 1910 and have proved the utility of this vegetable in reducing the quality of urinary sugar in diabetes patients.

One of the eldest used vegetable in treating diabetes is the onion. It is not important whether it is eaten raw or cooked, the most important thing is that onion can lower the blood sugar level in diabetes and the greater the dose, the faster the blood response.

In the 1960′s scientists discovered anti-diabetic compounds in onion, similar to the anti-diabetic pharmaceuticals that are used in stimulating insulin synthesis and release: allyl, propyl, disulphide and allicin.

An equilibrate diet, based on vegetables, fruit and juices, and with less fats and sweets, associated with an active lifestyle, quitting smoking, self measuring the level of sugar in the blood and losing weight could control the diabetes and allow the patients to live a normal life.

For more information about diabetes diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

So, if you want to find out more about diabetes mellitus or even about juvenile diabetes please follow this link http://diabetes-info-center.com/

Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-best-foods-for-those-who-suffer-of-diabetes-94082.html

There are numerous benefits to eating a diet that is low in the Glycemic Index (GI). The GI is basically a scale that measures the amount of glycemic in a food and how it would affect our blood sugar levels. Foods low in the GI are at 55 or under, meaning these foods have less glucose and a less harsh impact on our bodies.

Eating a diet low in the Glycemic Index can lower your risk for various diseases and illnesses such as diabetes, coronary heart disease and some cancers. Eating foods low in GI can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which has many benefits of its own. A lot of diabetics and low carbohydrate dieters aim to eat a diet with foods that are low in GI. All foods do range in how much GI is there and, therefore, there are many different foods you can eat that have a low GI.

Here are Some Foods and Beverages Low in GI:

Barley,Pasta,Beans,Lentils,Peas,Sweet Potatoes,
Taro, Cherries, Grapefruits, Peaches, Apples, Pears, Plums, Oranges, Grapes, Kiwis, Bananas (not so ripe), Skim Milk, Plain Yogurt, Soy Drinks, Chick Peas

As you can see, there are a variety of foods and drinks to choose from when trying to select foods that are low in GI. This certainly doesnt mean that these are the only foods and drinks you can have. You can still eat some foods that are in the middle or even high in GI, you will just need to do it in moderation.

How to Begin a Diet Low in GI:

Beginning a diet with foods low in GI is a smart choice for anyone, whether or not you already have diabetes or coronary heart disease. It has many benefits for you and your body. Maintain a balance of GI in your foods. There is no need to cut out all foods that are high in GI, you just need to eat more foods low in GI. Try starting by introducing two to three foods that are low in GI every day.

Some tips in starting a low GI diet:

-You can eat any fruits and vegetables
-Cut down or eliminate foods high in sugar, salt, caffeine, alcohol and fat
-Add water to your daily intake, the more the better
-Eat more foods that are high in fiber
-Add olive, fish, and some other healthy oils to your diet

The most important factor in eating a diet low in GI is eating a well-balanced, varied diet. Dont limit yourself too much. You want your body to enjoy all of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from a variety of foods. This is more about adding good foods to your diet than it is about limiting foods from your daily intake.

Variety is always the key to a healthy life. You might want to consult your nutritionist or medical professional about your new diet plans. They may have some wonderful pieces of advice for you and be able to help you along even more.

Tarja Anchor
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/benefits-of-moving-to-low-glycemic-index-diet-90407.html

When there is a case of child diabetes, not only does the child suffer but the family does as well. With child diabetes, some of the daily responsibilities can include blood glucose tests, insulin injections, meal planning and treating low blood pressure depending on the type of diabetes your child suffers from. After the initial diagnosis, it is perfectly normal to feel both anxious and overwhelmed. However, since children notice these emotions it is important to keep them in check for your child.

Child Diabetes Testing Tips

If your child has trouble with needles then it is best to prepare the testing supplies where they cannot see them. When it comes time for the test make sure you do it as quickly as possible and let the child resume normal activities right after the test is complete. If a child is fine with the testing process then perhaps you can allow them to take part by doing such tasks as wiping the spot with alcohol or select which finger to use for testing. Your child will be calmed by having a sense of control over the testing process.

Mealtime Tips

Child diabetes can be especially challenging for a child when it comes to mealtime. If possible, it is best to make mealtime a calm and pleasant experience. Avoid choosing food for your child and expecting them to eat it, rather it is best to provide your child with a few food choices so they can still eat healthy but not feel forced to do so. Have everyone eat the same food so that the child won’t be left out and the family can have the benefit of eating healthy food.

Signs Of Low Blood Sugar In Child Diabetes

Despite all the efforts on behalf of parents, children with diabetes are still going to have low blood sugar from time to time. A sign of low blood sugar may be a change from a child’s normal behavior. If children become more irritable thank usual or are becoming sleepy during a time they normally don’t then this can be a good indication that their blood sugar is getting low.

In case of low blood sugars, you should have something such as juice or soda on hand. For children with diabetes it is better to have drinks rather than something that needs to be chewed. It is best to have a meal or snack follow these sugar sources since they will not last long and you don’t want the blood sugar levels to drop down again. To avoid low blood sugars at night it may be a good idea to do extra testing at night before bed.

So your child will be prepared it is a good idea to discuss and teach the signs of low blood sugar to your child. You should make sure they have a sugar source with them at all times and know what to do should their blood sugar get too low. It is also extremely important that you make sure your child wears a medical ID as all time. If your child isn’t comfortable with having, others see the medical ID bracelet then consider getting a medical ID that is on a necklace so it can be worn under their clothes.

Ann Marier
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/child-diabetes-how-to-help-your-child-cope-99554.html

Diabetes mellitus, or madhumeha, is one of the twenty types of pramehas described in Ayurveda. It is the condition in which there is an excessive amount of sugar present in the bloodstream of the person, which is observed in the urine. It is a condition that cannot be treated, but by several methods it can be controlled. Though diabetes is one of the leading causes of metabolic deaths in the world today, by care and perseverance the disease can be controlled and people with diabetes can lead normally long lives.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Diabetes

1. Bael (Aegle marmelos)

The leaves of the bael have anti-diabetic properties. Their extract must be consumed, preferably with a pinch of black pepper in it.

2. Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)

This is perhaps the most well-known food in the treatment of diabetes. The seeds of the karela, as it is locally called, have charantin, which helps in reducing the sugars in the blood. As the name suggests, the bitter gourd is indeed bitter and difficult to eat. But it must be eaten in as much bitter form as possible (without sweetening) or its properties will be lost.

3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Fenugreek can suppress the excretion of sugar through the urine. Thus it can relieve the symptoms of diabetes.

4. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic has been shown in Ayurveda to contain the best vata pacifying properties. Since diabetes mellitus is a vata disorder, garlic is beneficial. Garlic contains allicin, which works at reducing the sugar level in the blood. It also brings about the disintegration of cholesterol in the body.

5. Jamun (Syzygium cumini)

The jamun is also known as the Indian plum. It has a specific action on the pancreas, which controls the conversion of starch to sugar. The seeds of the fruit have better effects than the pulp.

6. Neem (Azadirachtha indica)

The neem or the Indian margosa tree is known for its medicinally useful bitter leaves and other parts. A paste of its leaves taken daily has excellent properties in reducing the sugar content of the blood.

7. Onion (Allium cepa)

The onion has hypoglycemic (i.e. low sugar) properties. In Ayurveda, it has been investigated thoroughly for its rasayana property. Along with these properties, onion is also a mild aphrodisiac and it can promote the strength of the body. With all these properties, onion becomes a very valuable food in the treatment of diabetes.

8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is another useful remedy for diabetes. Its effects are felt better if it is t taken along with amalaki (Indian gooseberry).

(2) Dietary Treatments for Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder, which can be severely aggravated by the wrong kind of diet. Hence the following dietary guidelines must be followed:-

1. Reduce or even completely eliminate sugar in the diet. A hypoglycemic diet must be taken.

2. Obesity is one of the leading causes of diabetes. Hence the food must be devoid of fats and cholesterol producing substances.

3. Include at least one bitter dish in every meal.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes

If the person is obese, then diabetes becomes more of a problem. In such people, an elaborate Ayurvedic system of treatment is used. The preliminary methods are:-

a) Apatarpana (de-nourishment)

b) Shamshodhana (cleansing)

In these methods, the fats built up in the body are reduced by de-nourishment of the body. This is followed by a cleansing of the toxins that have accumulated in the body. The panchakarma method of cleansing the body may be used.

Once this is done, then the body has to be rebuilt. This is done by:-

c) Santarpana (replenishment)

d) Brumhana (promoting body bulk)

If the person is chronically ill with diabetes, then these methods work. This is effective in treating diabetes in people who are underweight. By these methods, the essential nutrients are allowed to flow into the body and the body is rebuilt in a healthy manner.

(4) Home Medications

1. Continue a diet of bitter gourd cooked in ghee for a period of three months. This will bring the diabetes down by a significant amount.

2. Soak a few seeds of fenugreek in water and keep them overnight. Have these softened seeds in the morning.

3. Have a breakfast of fruits such as oranges, tomatoes and jamuns.

4. Soak dry raisins in water overnight. Drink the water they were soaked in the morning.

5. Prepare a choorna (fine powder) of dry amalaki. Put this powder in water and let it stand for some time. Then filter the water and squeeze the juice of a lemon in it. This must be had early in the morning.

6. Prepare a choorna of amalaki, turmeric and fenugreek taken in equal amounts. Take this choorna with honey every morning, afternoon and evening. This system provides relief from diabetes within about two months.

7. Make a mixture of the juices of mango and jamun taken in equal amounts. This must be taken thrice a day.

Tom alter
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/herbs-and-ayurvedic-remedies-for-diabetes-treatment-110869.html