From the institute of natural healing

Splenda � The Little Packet of Death

Think twice before dumping that Splenda into your coffee�

The safety rating of the little yellow packet has gone from �safe� to �caution.� But it wasn�t the FDA who finally spoke up. Another agency has stepped in.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) downgraded Splenda�s safety rating because of a new discovery. We�re shocked that it took a �new discovery� to sound the alarms. But it�s better than nothing.

Gross but true� Sucralose (Splenda) was actually discovered by researchers while trying to create a new insecticide. You will find Splenda in numerous consumer products. Make sure to check labels for sucralose. Not to be confused with sucrose, actual table sugar. Products that include Splenda are some Arizona Iced teas, some diet sodas, Diet V8 Splash, Gatorade, Ocean Spray juices, Tropicana juices, and even Breyers ice cream.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Splenda�sucralose�in 1998. Since then, it�s come under a ton of scrutiny. And for good reason.

Manufacturers created Splenda because everyone finally realized that other artificial sweeteners are dangerous. But what was the point? Splenda actually has more of a toxic chemical�chlorine�than even aspartame.1Yet aspartame has an �avoid� rating.2

And that�s not all. When you look at effects, there isn�t much of a difference between the two sweeteners. Headaches�blurred vision�short-term dizziness. Splenda even causes depression and weight gain.

This �healthy� sweetener wrecks your digestive system too� It kills off healthy bacteria in the stomach. The good bacteria fights off harmful invaders and helps prevent irritable bowel syndrome or other stomach disorders.

Now, a new study has revealed much more about the so-called �healthy� sugar alternative. And it�s worse than we thought.

We think this newly discovered side effect deserves more than just a �caution� label�

Cancer�leukemia�These are deadly diseases that a mere �caution� label doesn�t quite cover.

In the study, Splenda caused leukemia in mice.3 And even worse�during the study they developed leukemia from the sucralose exposure even before birth.

These are still unpublished findings. But once they�re proven, Splenda will be considered a carcinogen. The National Toxicology Program will then add it to their annual Report on Carcinogens. Poisons like tobacco, lead, and Sweet �N Low, are already on the list. It�s good to know. There�s just one problem. The FDA still hasn�t banned or even controlled the carcinogens in the report.

Splenda�s already proven to damage DNA. Damaged DNA alone can cause cancer. It may currently only have a �caution� rating but we suggest you put it on your own �avoid� list.

There are safe, natural sugar alternatives. Coconut sugar, raw honey, molasses, and date sugar are just a few.4 Coconut sugar has the same amount of carbs as regular sugar. But it�s much lower on the glycemic index scale. And it has some fiber to slow down absorption a bit.

Introducing Xylitol!

It�s Natural

Xylitol is right here, inside, already. Our bodies produce from 5 to 10 grams every day from other food sources using established energy pathways. It is not a strange or artificial substance, but a natural, normal part of everyday metabolism. It is widely distributed throughout nature in small amounts, with some of the best sources being fruits, berries, mushrooms, lettuce, hardwoods, and corncobs.

Xylitol is Safe and Convenient

In the amounts clinically proven to provide amazing oral health benefits (less than 15 grams per day), it is safe for everyone, and can be conveniently delivered to your teeth via chewing gum, tablets, toothpaste, mouthwash, or even candy. You can implement your xylitol program anywhere, anytime. It fits right in with the most frantic schedules. If chewing is uncomfortable, xylitol mints or candies can also stimulate saliva, the natural tooth protector. You don�t need to change your normal routine to make room for xylitol.

See our full line of Xylitol products and start your Xylitol program today!

References:

1 http://naturalsociety.com/is-splenda-safe-examining-dangers-sugar-alternative/

2 http://news.msn.com/us/splenda-goes-from-safe-to-caution-after-leukemia-found-in-mice#tscptmf

3 http://medicaldaily.com/articles/16470/20130612/splenda-side-effects-carcinogen-leukemia-unhealthy-sweeteners-artificial-sweeteners.htm

May the ETERNAL One Shine His Face Toward You Always!

PH Balance and disease

Higher Healing has been discussing the effects of a balanced pH through the Habits of Health radio broadcast. CLICK TO LISTEN

If you have a health problem, most likely you are acidic. Research shows that unless the body's pH level is slightly alkaline, the body cannot heal itself. So, no matter what type of modality you choose to use to take care of your health problem, it won't be effective until the pH level is up. If your body's pH is not balanced, you cannot effectively assimilate vitamins, minerals and food supplements. Your body pH affects everything.

Just as our body temperature must be maintained at 98.6 degrees and you feel sick or tired when your body' s temperature changes one degree in either direction, if the pH range of the blood deviates too far to the acid side, oxygen levels decrease and cellular metabolism slows or stops. Cells might die or get damaged and the body's immune system is compromised.

Diabetes (type 1)

Normally, the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin to keep blood glucose from becoming too high. Insulin signals cells to take glucose out of the blood and use it for energy or fat storage. In type 1 diabetes, the body's own immune system attacks the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas and destroys them. Because the pancreas can no longer secrete significant amounts of insulin, insulin levels are low and blood sugar levels are high in type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes, by itself, does NOT affect the ph of blood..

 

Without insulin, the body cannot transfer sugar from the blood to the cells.Your cells start to starve.Thinking they are starving, your cells send out "starvation signals", telling your body that they are hungry.When this happens, your body tries to use protein (muscles) for food.

When your body digests proteins, it produced KETONES. Normally, these are filtered out by the kidneys. But when the body is using its own protein (muscle) the ketones are in too great an amount to be filtered out completely so ketones build up in your blood.

The KETONES can make your blood acidic, thus destroying the rest of your body.Your liver, kidney, heart, and brain is damaged by these ketones and the resulting "acidic blood".

Heart Disease

Corrodes Arteries, Veins and Heart Tissues
Like acid eating into marble, acidosis erodes and eats into cell wall membranes of the heart, arteries and veins, weakening cardiovascular structures and inter connective

tissues. It disrupts Blood Pressure because with acidosis, (pH<7.20) arteries become dilated. Yet, severe lowering of blood pH also causes persistent venous vasoconstriction (a disease in the calibre of blood vessels). When this happens, peripheral blood is shifted more centrally: the more acidic the patient, the greater the fractional redistribution of blood to the central vessels. This central redistribution of blood adds to the heart's workload when its contractibility is compromised.
 

Alkaline smoothie Serves 2

Ingredient
A handful of Kale
A handful of Spinach
2 Broccoli heads
1 Tomato
A handful of Lettuce
1 Avocado
1 Cucumber
1/2 clove Garlic
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
A little water to the texture you like
Instructions
All you have to do is blend it all up! Start by blending the avocado, cucumber and lemon juice to form a mushy paste, then start adding the other ingredients.
You can blend in a little ice if you prefer it chilled, or add a little chilli if you like it HOT HOT HOT!
This will fill you up for hours.
OPTIONAL: if you find it all to veggie when you first start alkalizing, you can blend in a little fruit of your choice to sweeten it up or add some capsicum (pepper) for sweetness.

May the ETERNAL One Shine His Face Toward You Always!

Chia Seeds - Have you heard about their Benifits?

Anti-Inflammatory and Cleansing Benefits:

Chia seeds are a true superfood. Oddly, they are members of the mint family but they taste totally neutral. This makes them a very versatile food. Chia seeds have been used in ancient cultures for many medicinal purposes such as helping to ease joint pain and digestive issues.

Chia seeds are filled with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in nature, as well as being great for the brain. Did you know that Chia seeds contain even more omega three fatty acids by weight than salmon does? These tiny seeds are also a complete protein, meaning that they contain all 8 essential amino acids that your body cannot synthesize on its own, and must get from food.

Chia seeds are able to absorb 9 time their own volume in water.

This ability causes them to help your own body retain needed water and electrolytes. You can use them in place of your morning oatmeal by adding a few tbsp. of Chia seeds to almond, hemp or coconut milk and letting it stand for 15-2 minutes, to give the chia seeds time to absorb the liquid. You can then throw in some fresh or dried berries for a quick cereal.

Chia seeds help to clean out the digestive tract.

They contain high amounts of both soluble and insoluble fibre, as well as drawing water to themselves. This adds bulk and water to the stools, which is important for keeping your system clean and clear. Chia seeds will also help your body absorb the fat soluble vitamins A, C, E and K, which need fat in order to be properly utilized by the body. Chia seeds are great for helping to keep blood sugar levels stable as well as binding to cholesterol and helping to usher it out of the body.

What are some other benefits of eating Chia?

• Provides energy

• Boosts strength

• Bolsters endurance

• Levels blood sugar

• Induces weight loss

• Aids intestinal regularity

Chia slows the impact of sugars on the system, if eaten together. Chia gel creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, which slows the conversion of carbs into sugar. That means the energy from the food is released steadily, resulting in more endurance. This is clearly of great benefit to diabetics in particular.

Try this for a quick and filling Breakfast:

3 tablespoons Chia Seeds

1/2 cup Vanilla Almond milk (Rice, Coconut or plain Almond)

1 tsp Agave

handful of Granola

Fresh fruits

Sprinkle cinnamon

splash of Vanilla flavoring

Instructions:

Add Chia seeds to a bowl with the Almond milk and stir briskly until slightly thickened. Add all other ingredients and enjoy!

May the ETERNAL One Shine His Face Toward You Always!

Does coconut water help in diabetes

This post is dedicated to one of my friend +Ben Erl , he asked me how coconut water can benefit in diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin or to use the insulin produced in the proper way. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death among Americans; over 15 million Americans suffer from one form or another of this disease.

Coconut water

The coconut �water�, inside the nut, is sterile, and safer to drink than the often microbially-infested surface waters. The mineral profile of the coconut water (not coconut �milk�, which is made with pulp) is almost exactly the mineral electrolyte profile your cells need for health � potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, copper along with vital amino acids. Although �fatty�, coconuts contain no cholesterol.

Coconut water, that delightful clear liquid extracted from green coconuts extremely healthy. Fresh coconuts are an alkaline pH food, and so they can help combat the modern acid-producing life-style which eats away at your circulatory system and organs. Coconuts are also a high-fiber, low-glycemic food and they have a low carb profile along with their protein. Every ounce of shredded coconut contains about 5 grams of fiber. Your quota of fiber should aim to be around 30 - 35 grams, daily.

It has a lot of nutritional properties that can help in the treatment of various ailments. Among these nutritional benefits of coconut water, is the control of diabetes. Yes, coconut water is good for diabetics because it is rich in a lot of nutrients that are required by diabetics to keep their sugar levels in control. Let us discuss it here, how coconut water is good for diabetics.

Improves your blood circulation
Due to improper blood circulation in their body diabetic persons generally experience some discomforting symptoms like numbness in their feet, kidney failure and even loss of vision. Consumption of coconut water, has the ability to improve the blood circulation within the body. It helps to widen the blood vessels (which get constricted due to the formation of plaque within them), and thus helps the blood to flow smoothly through them. This, in turn, gives relief from some of the symptoms and helps to fight against atherosclerosis.

Helps Controlling your weight
Drinking coconut water has the ability to satiate your hunger, and prevent you from eating in excess. Not just that, it has tremendous nutritional values of minerals, salts, good fats and absolutely no cholesterol. One important thing that diabetics are always required to keep a watch on, apart from their sugar intake, is their weight. Plus, it's extremely palatable. So you can relish the goodness of a glass of coconut water as a midday snack when your stomach grumbles in hunger.

Improves Metabolism
Coconut water can be included in diabetics diet plan as it has some properties that enable a faster metabolic rate in your body. When your metabolic rate increases, your body is digesting and burning the sugars fast. As a consequence, the insulin in the blood is also getting burned faster. This means you have more energy in your body. So, coconut water
is a favorable inclusion that diabetics can make in their diet, at least twice a week.

It is Low in Carbs and high in fibre
Coconut water is the perfect example of a food item that qualifies as a low carb and high fiber one, especially for diabetics. You can enjoy a glass full of coconut water and also indulge yourself in the super soft and delicious flesh of a young coconut.

Provides vital nutrients
Coconut water, in addition to the above-mentioned uses, also contains minerals, anti-oxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, etc. all of which are necessary for diabetics to control their sugar level and also their weight. When you drink coconut water, and your metabolism rate increases (as mentioned above), your blood also begins to carry oxygen more efficiently. When your blood has enough oxygen, you have more energy and you can carry out your daily activities with ease.

Naturally anti viral
Coconut is a potent anti-viral food and it is proving to be helpful in combating yeast-infections and the Epstein-Barr like virus which is associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, too. Lauric acid and caprylic acid are the most effective, active anti-virals.

Those were some of the major advantages that the consumption of coconut water by diabetics can lead to. It is a delicious cold beverage that you can enjoy at any time of the day. However, remember that anything taken in excess can cause problems later on. So, even if you know that coconut water is good for diabetics, drink it in moderation, and after the consultation of your doctor to reap its many benefits.

Neuronal Control of Appetite, Metabolism and Weight

Last week, I attended a Keystone conference, "Neuronal Control of Appetite, Metabolism and Weight", in Banff. Keystone conferences are small, focused meetings that tend to attract high quality science. This particular conference centered around my own professional research interests, and it was incredibly informative. This post is a summary of some of the most salient points.

Rapid Pace of Scientific Progress

Read more �

Spicy Zucchini and Tomato Tacos

Spicy Zucchini and Tomato Tacos

Author: Sonnet Lauberth from the For the Love of Food Blog

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. oregano
• ? tsp.chili powder
• red chili pepper flakes to taste
• freshly-ground sea salt and pepper to taste
• 8 medium (or 12 small) whole wheat or corn tortillas
• 2 medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• � cup fresh cilantro, de-stemmed and chopped
• 1 avocado, pitted, skinned, and sliced
• � red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Add the olive oil to a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the zucchini, garlic, paprika, oregano, and chili powder.
3. Saute for 5 minutes, flipping zucchini, until both sides are evenly browned.
4. Add red chili pepper flakes, sea salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.
5. Distribute zucchini evenly among the tortillas.
6. Top with fresh tomato slices, cilantro, avocado slices, and red onion slices. Serve immediately

May the ETERNAL One Shine His Face Toward You Always!

Dogs Eating Carbs

Five years ago, I had an interesting conversation with a veterinarian friend about dog food. We were talking about diabetes in one of the dogs she was treating, and I remarked "that's what happens when you feed a carnivore carbohydrate". She gave me a funny look. At the time, I was seeing the world through the low-carb lens, and I remember thinking how bizarre it was that she didn't yield to my impeccable logic. As they say, live and learn.

The journal Nature published a fascinating paper on the evolution of the domestic dog today (1). Researchers compared the genome of wolves and domestic dogs to see what genetic changes accompanied domestication.

Read more �

Just Walk To Live Healthy

Did you know every second a person can prolong your daily life through 1.5 to two minutes? In addition, numerous research has revealed that people who walk regularly live longer, consider less, have got reduced blood pressure level, and luxuriate in better general health compared to non-walkers.

Walking Boosts The Lifespan

The researchers looked over 27,738 individuals involving the age range with 40 as well as 79 on the 13-year time period of time. Remarkably, their particular life span healthcare costs did not increase�even nevertheless they will lived lengthier.

Walking Keeps Diabetes Away

Merely thirty minutes regarding walking each day can stop conditions for instance type 2 diabetes, a 2002 research looking at equally obese and common fat women and men in a human inhabitants with high-risk for that illness demonstrated. In the event you have diabetic issues, jogging is helpful for you personally, as well. A mile or even more every day slashes your risk associated with passing away the actual brings about in half.

Walking Retains The mind Sharp

Walking 80 blocks per week (close to half a dozen to 9 miles) increases grey matter, which often lowers the risk of struggling with cognitive impairment�or trouble with focus, memory and also believed.

Walking Assists Reduce Blood pressure level

Jogging simply 30 minutes per day, three to five times the week�even if the Thirty minutes are usually broken directly straight in a few ten-minute increments�has already recently been recently identified in order to be able for you to help significantly reduced blood pressure. 

Walking Cuts the Chance of Heart Stroke

Walking about 12.5 kilometers weekly or even more reduce the potential risk of Heart Stroke event in two, according to research considering above 11,000 Harvard University alumni with an common age of 58.

Calories and Carbohydrate: a Natural Experiment

In the lab, we work hard to design experiments that help us understand the natural world. But sometimes, nature sets up experiments for us, and all we have to do is collect the data. These are called "natural experiments", and they have led to profound insights in every field of science. For example, Alzheimer's disease is usually not considered a genetic disorder. However, researchers have identified rare cases where AD is inherited in a simple genetic manner. By identifying the genes involved, and what they do, we were able to increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the disease.

The natural experiment I'll be discussing today began in 1989 with the onset of a major economic crisis in Cuba. This coincided with the loss of the Soviet Union as a trading partner, resulting in a massive economic collapse over the next six years, which gradually recovered by 2000.

Read more �

Cheese Can Prevent Diabetes

There is good news for cheese lovers. Dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamins known to help reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus. But of course must be balanced with a healthy diet and active.

Preliminary research by a team of European researchers say people who have the habit of eating cheese, 12 percent lower risk of developing diabetes than people who do not like cheese.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinic Nutrition examines the extent to which the intake of dairy products affects the development of type-2 diabetes in eight European countries.

"Intake of total dairy products are not associated with diabetes. Consumption of cheese is one of the dairy products tend to have an inverse relationship with diabetes," said the researcher.

For those who do not like cheese, do not worry. Because the consumption of milk mixture is also associated with lower risk of diabetes, including other fermented products like yogurt and fermented milk.

Researchers could not explain why this correlation exists, but they suspect that it has to do with the fermentation process involved in making cheese.

Although the researchers did not specify the abstract conclusions which countries studied, the incidence of diabetes will probably tend to be lower for those with more active lifestyles. Researchers also confirmed that the reduced risk of diabetes in the population as a whole, not solely because cheese consumption only.

However, those who are already suffering from diabetes mellitus, consumption should be limited to the portions of cheese. American Diabetes Association recommends low-fat cheese as an option.

Source : medicaldaily.com

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes, and How Can it be Prevented?

In the comments of the last post, we've been discussing the relationship between body fatness and diabetes risk. I think this is really worth understanding, because type 2 diabetes is one of the few lifestyle disorders where 1) the basic causes are fairly well understood, and 2) we have effective diet/lifestyle prevention strategies that have been clearly supported by multiple controlled trials.

Read more �

Breakfast each day, Can Reduce Risk of Diabetes

For some people, breakfast or eat breakfast do not become a habit. In fact, eating breakfast is the most important and highly recommended to be met due to health reasons.

The study showed that people who skip breakfast are more likely to suffer a setback levels of mood, memory and energy. Even these people are also more likely to experience weight gain, due to overeating at lunch or dinner.
 

A research study on the eating habits of volunteers involved in the National Weight Control Registry shows, individuals who consistently used to breakfast tend to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In research published in the latest issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers monitored 29 000 men for 16 years. In his analysis, researchers looked at patterns of diet, exercise, disease rates and other signs of health. The results show, there are about 2,000 participants who experienced pain during the study of type 2 diabetes.

Participants who did not eat breakfast regularly have a rate 21 percent higher risk of diabetes than those who ate breakfast regularly sacara. In fact, their risk (no breakfast) remained high after the researchers accounted for body mass index (BMI) and quality of each individual's breakfast.

Other studies also found an association between breakfast and spent the risk of type 2 diabetes. Although the relationship between the two is not yet clear, but some scientists suspect that eating breakfast helps stabilize blood sugar throughout the day.

Some studies show that eating foods in a larger amount of calories, especially carbohydrates, have a detrimental impact on blood sugar and insulin levels.

Diabetes Mellitus

Definition
The term diabetes mellitus leads to several health conditions that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is essential for health because it is the main energy source for muscle and tissue.

If you have any type of diabetes, it means you have too much glucose. Too much glucose in the blood will cause serious problems. Consists of chronic diabetes diabetes type 1 and type 2.

Symptom
Symptoms of diabetes vary by type of diabetes you have. If you have prediabetes (blood sugar levels higher than normal but not enough to be categorized as diabetes) or gestational diabetes (elevated blood sugar during pregnancy) may not experience symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes type 1 and type 2 among others:
� Frequent thirst
� Frequent urination
� Very hungry
� Lost weight suddenly
� Fatigue
� The view blurred
� Where have cuts, sores are difficult to heal
� Frequent infections, such as gum or skin infections and vaginal or bladder infections

Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and adolescents although basically can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type can occur at any age and can often be prevented.


Causes & Risk Factors
Cause

To be able to understand about diabetes you need to know how the body's glucose is processed normally.

How does it work normally glucose
Glucose is the main source of energy for the body. Glucose comes from two main sources, namely the food and the liver. When the digested food is absorbed sugars into the bloodstream with the assistance of insulin (a hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism). The hormone insulin is produced by the pancreas.

In this process the liver acts as a storage warehouse and processing center. For example, when you do not eat for some time, the liver releases stored glucose to maintain glucose levels remain normal.

 - The cause of type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, your immune system that normally functions to fight bacteria or viruses attacking the hormone insulin. This condition makes you short or no insulin. Rather than being delivered into the cell, the sugar will accumulate in the bloodstream.

- Causes of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
On the condition of prediabetes - which can lead to diabetes type 2 - and type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to the hormone insulin. This causes the pancreas unable to produce enough insulin. Instead of flowing into the cell, the sugar will accumulate in the blood. The exact cause is unknown although the excess fat and passive behavior is an important factor.

- The cause of gestational diabetes
During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones to sustain pregnancy. This hormone makes the cells more resistant to insulin. As enlargement of the placenta in the second and third three months, then more and more hormone is produced.
Normally, the pancreas will respond by producing more insulin. But sometimes it is not able to respond pancreas. This makes many accumulate in the blood glucose and is not absorbed into the cell.


Risk factors

Risk factors for diabetes are based on the type of diabetes.

- Risk factors for type 1 diabetes
Although the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known, heredity may affect. Another factor is affected by diseases caused by viruses.

- Risk factors for type 2 diabetes
� Fats. The more fat in your body tissue, the higher the resistance to insulin.
� Conduct passive. Passive behavior will make the fat in the body does not burn. Physical activity will help control it and the more the use of glucose for energy, the more your cells are sensitive to glucose.
� Heredity.
� Age. The risk increases with the age at which physical activity tends to decrease.
� Gestational diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, the risk for developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes will increase later. If your baby born weighing more than 4 pounds, then you are also at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
� Polycystic ovary syndrome. Characterized by irregular menstrual periods, hair growth and obesity are too much.

Other conditions associated with diabetes include:
� High blood pressure
� Cholesterol


Prevention

Type 1 diabetes is not preventable. However, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
� Eat healthy foods low in calories and fat
� More physically active, especially with exercise
� Maintain a healthy weight

Many types of skin cancer can be prevented formation, among other things:
� Avoid the sun between the hours of 10 pm to 4 pm
� Use protective sun creams
� Use sun protective equipment
� Be aware of certain drugs, including antibiotics, cholesterol, birth control pills, nonsteroidal anti-swelling and acne drug isotretinoin.
� Check your skin regularly health
� Sports leather for those aged 40 years and over

Source : http://health.kompas.com/

Preventing Diabetes With Apples

Apples Prevent Diabetes by Eating Every Day.

Recent research from the United States found that the consumption of some types of fruits such as blueberries, apples and pears berkaitkan with a lower risk of diabetes.

According to researchers, this fruit contains flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds present in fruits, vegetables and grains, which is based on the results of some research related to health benefits such as lower risk of heart disease or cancer.

"People who eat blueberries or apples in the sheer number is higher, they tend to have lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes," said An Pan, a researcher from the Harvard School of Public Health.

According to Pan, the findings suggest an association, but does not directly prove that the fruits could prevent diabetes.

Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed results consistent with some previous research which had already connect a diet high in fruits (rich in flavonoids) associated with a decreased risk of hypertension.

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 26 million Americans have diabetes. This is caused by the body's inability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that converts blood glucose into energy.
Type 2 diabetes can usually be controlled with exercise and dietary changes and without insulin.

In the study, researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health track the diet of some 200,000 men and women for 24 years. The participants, are requested to fill out questionnaires about how often they eat certain foods and beverages with standard portion sizes. In early research, all participants are known no one had diabetes, but during the study period, a total of 12 600 participants were diagnosed with diabetes.

Research results found that those who love the blueberry has a 23 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who do not eat blueberries. While participants who ate five or more apples per week also had 23 percent lower risk of developing diabetes than participants who did not eat apples.

The researchers revealed that the flavonoids in fruits may have beneficial effects in reducing the risk of diabetes. "We found consistent results from three research results. Where the three studies indicate that consumption of apples and blueberries beneficial for preventing type 2 diabetes," said Pan.

According to Pan, the findings took into account other risk factors, such as weight, smoking and family history of diabetes. "This finding is very good because it encourages us to eat fruits directly rather than fruit juice (processed)," he said, citing recent evidence that the juice of sugar-sweetened fruit preparations and other additives may increase the risk of diabetes.

Source : reuters

An Interview with Dr. C. Vicky Beer, Paleo-friendly MD

As I was preparing my recent article on the Paleo diet (1), I interviewed a local Paleo-friendly MD named C. Vicky Beer. I was only able to include a snippet of the interview in the article, but I thought WHS readers would be interested to read the rest of the interview with Dr. Beer:

Read more �

What Causes Insulin Resistance? Part VII

In previous posts, I outlined the factors I'm aware of that can contribute to insulin resistance. In this post, first I'll list the factors, then I'll provide my opinion of effective strategies for preventing and potentially reversing insulin resistance.

The factors

These are the factors I'm aware of that can contribute to insulin resistance, listed in approximate order of importance. I could be quite wrong about the order-- this is just my best guess. Many of these factors are intertwined with one another.
Read more �

What Causes Insulin Resistance? Part VI

In this post, I'll explore a few miscellaneous factors that can contribute to insulin resistance: smoking, glucocorticoids/stress, cooking temperature, age, genetics and low birth weight.

Smoking

Smoking tobacco acutely and chronically reduces insulin sensitivity (1, 2, 3), possibly via:

1. Increased inflammation
2. Increased circulating free fatty acids (4)

Paradoxically, since smoking also protects against fat gain, in the very long term it may not produce as much insulin resistance as one would otherwise expect. Diabetes risk is greatly elevated in the three years following smoking cessation (5), and this is likely due to the fat gain that occurs. This is not a good excuse to keep smoking, because smoking tobacco is one of the most unhealthy things you can possibly do. But it is a good reason to tighten up your diet and lifestyle after quitting.

Read more �

What Causes Insulin Resistance? Part V

Previously in this series, we've discussed the role of cellular energy excess, inflammation, brain insulin resistance, and micronutrient status in insulin resistance. In this post, I'll explore the role of macronutrients and sugar in insulin sensitivity.

Carbohydrate and Fat

There are a number of studies on the effect of carbohydrate:fat ratios on insulin sensitivity, but many of them are confounded by fat loss (e.g., low-carbohydrate and low-fat weight loss studies), which almost invariably improves insulin sensitivity. What interests me the most is to understand what effect different carbohydrate:fat ratios have on insulin sensitivity in healthy, weight stable people. This will get at what causes insulin resistance in someone who does not already have it.

Read more �

What Causes Insulin Resistance? Part IV

So far, we've explored three interlinked causes of insulin resistance: cellular energy excess, inflammation, and insulin resistance in the brain. In this post, I'll explore the effects on micronutrient status on insulin sensitivity.

Micronutrient Status

There is a large body of literature on the effects of nutrient intake/status on insulin action, and it's not my field, so I don't intend this to be a comprehensive post. My intention is simply to demonstrate that it's important, and highlight a few major factors I'm aware of.

Read more �

What Causes Insulin Resistance? Part III

As discussed in previous posts, cellular energy excess and inflammation are two important and interlinked causes of insulin resistance. Continuing our exploration of insulin resistance, let's turn our attention to the brain.

The brain influences every tissue in the body, in many instances managing tissue processes to react to changing environmental or internal conditions. It is intimately involved in insulin signaling in various tissues, for example by:

• regulating insulin secretion by the pancreas (1)
• regulating glucose absorption by tissues in response to insulin (2)
• regulating the suppression of glucose production by the liver in response to insulin (3)
• regulating the trafficking of fatty acids in and out of fat cells in response to insulin (4, 5)

Because of its important role in insulin signaling, the brain is a candidate mechanism of insulin resistance.

Read more �