Monday, April 16, 2007

Tasty Treatments for Diabetics

An estimated seven percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, which in recent years has been linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, due to insulin resistance in the brain. While there's no cure for diabetes yet, doctors say maintaining a proper diet is one key to controlling the condition. Taking advantage of natural compounds in foods is an alternative to prescription drugs, says Richard A. Anderson, lead scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Beltsville, M.D. "We shouldn't be relying on drugs if we can alleviate or prevent diabetes simply by changing our eating habits."
Food Fixes
Add these sugar-stompers to your shopping list:
Tea: Chemicals known as polyphenols found in black, green, and oolong teas boost insulin activity.
Cinnamon: Less than half a teaspoon daily increases sugar metabolism in fat cells.
Buckwheat: Traditionally used to make soba noodles, buckwheat contains chemical compounds that reduce blood sugar levels.
Cherries: Contain chemicals called anthocyanins that increase insulin production.
Guava: Extracts from apple guavas lower blood-sugar levels.
Cocoa: Decreases insulin resistance.

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