Diabetes

Power Foods To Heal Diabetes:

Doctors have been searching for a diet that could defeat and reverse diabetes for a long time. Now we are on an entirely new approach to diabetes. A series of research studies conducted with Georgetown University and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. has proven that diabetics can cut their blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce or eliminate medication - all with a simple set of diet changes. What's more, eat the foods that follow and try to incorporate the tips and you;ll be well on your way to success. With weight loss, lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels you will find more energy to do what you love.

The Glycemic Index Connection:
For diabetes care and prevention, it is important to have foods with low glycemic index (GI). Based on their effects on blood sugar levels in the body. GI ranks carbohydrate-containing foods on a scale of 0 to 100. High-GI foods are digested and metabolised rapidly, causing a sharp rise in blood glucose levels. This creates a dramatic spike in the levels of the hormone insulin, which works to control the level of sugar in the blood. High-GI foods can lead to an overproduction of insulin and contribute to weight gain. Low-GI carbs cause less insulin secretion, resulting in greater satiety and fewer calories consumed throughout the day. On the flip side, when certain high-GI foods are eliminated from the diet, so are vital vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phyto-chemicals. So it's best to check with your doctor what you should eat. However, it is clear that eating highly-processed foods, such as bread made from refined white flour, raises blood sugar higher and faster than eating whole foods, such as wholewheat bread or an apple.

Foods that cause the most rapid rise in blood sugar are given a higher index, while wholewheat breads and apples have lower ratings. A rating of 55 or below is considered low, and 70 or above is considered high. Diabetics must pay attention to GI not only to moderate their insulin levels but also to control cravings and reduce the body's requirement for sugar.