A study made by researchers from the South of France revealed that grape polyphenol extract can significantly aid in the fight against diabetes.

Researchers coming from the South of France’s University of Montpellier reported that rats that were given a high-sugar and high-fat diet managed to display reduced fat accumulation in their muscle tissue provided that their diet was supplemented with grape polyphenols. The researchers believe that the antioxidant compounds that are found in red grapes are responsible for preventing fat build up.  Furthermore, the antioxidants positively affect the body’s insulin response.  Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for fat and sugar metabolism.

Diets that contain high amounts of saturated fat are said to further worsen a person’s resistance to insulin.  What happens is that the cells no longer adequately respond to the normal insulin levels produced inside the body.  As the researchers explained in the British Journal of Nutrition, this is a typical marker of diabetes onset.

Diabetes Facts

According to the 2005-2007 figures provided by the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects 8 percent of the American population, or approximately 24 million people. The financial impact associated with diabetes is staggering – estimated to be $175 billion, from which $116 billion is spent on medications. Aside from the financial aspect of diabetes, the emotional and social impact could not be overlooked. A diabetic person would normally suffer anxiety and depression regarding his health. His activities would also be affected especially when complications such as retinopathy, cataracts and poor sensation have occurred. This would lead us to conclude that indeed, prevention is better than cure.

Details of the Study

The study, conducted at the University of Montpellier, made use of rats as its subjects. The lab rats were randomly assigned into three different groups.  One group was given a standard diet for a lab rat and the remaining two groups were given a high-fat, high-sugar diet, with one group given an additional grape polyphenol extract. The results revealed that the lab rats who were given the grape polyphenol extract exhibited lower levels of triglycerides in their muscular cell membranes as compared to those who were not given the grape extract. Furthermore, the group that was fed with grape extract had an increase in the levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in their cell membranes.

Complications of Diabetes

If the condition remains uncontrolled, diabetes can actually precipitate the development of other serious health conditions. Below are some of the complications brought about by diabetes:

Retinopathy. Also known as diabetic retinopathy, this condition is mainly because of the very high levels of sugar in the blood which damages the small blood vessels in the eyes, specifically in the area of the retina a tissue that is sensitive to light and is essential for good vision. The blood vessels can either swell, causing fluid to leak out, while some people experience an abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina’s surface.  Retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness among Americans.

Nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy affects the functional units of the kidney known as the nephrons.  Once extensive damage to the nephrons occurs, kidney damage may follow suit. High levels of sugar in the bloodstream, or hyperglycemia, can once again cause damage to the blood vessels of the kidney. The kidneys are mainly responsible for removing wastes from our body, and if kidney disease develops, the wastes, which are toxic to the human body, will start to accumulate. Nephropathy is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in persons diagnosed with diabetes. It is so dangerous because it can lead to kidney failure which may precipitate the need for a kidney transplant or dialysis.

Neuropathies. Commonly known as nerve damage, diabetic neuropathy presents dangers to the person. High levels of blood sugar leading to damaged blood vessels may cause inflammation which, in turn, could trigger the development of neuropathies.  Problems on the nerves may occur in almost any organ in the body – legs, feet, arms, hands, and sex organs.  Symptoms such as a tingling sensation, pain or numbness may occur. Diabetics are often cautioned not to go barefooted around the house because the condition tends to cause the loss of sensation, especially in the areas of the foot. A small wound could be the source of a big problem, especially because diabetics typically exhibit delayed wound healing since their blood is viscous and has difficulty reaching distal parts of the body.

How to Deal with Diabetes

The cost of diabetic medications could significantly affect a person’s finances.  However, there are a lot of natural means to help you prevent, and deal, with the condition.  Below are excellent recommendations:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you haven’t been living a healthy lifestyle, then it’s time to act now before it’s too late.  This would mean eating the right kinds of food and regularly exercising. Obese individuals are more prone to develop diabetes. Foods, herbs and spices such as lupin seeds, flax seeds, avocadoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, blueberries, cherries, almonds, onions, cinnamon, ginkgo biloba, bilberry, bitter melon, garlic and barley are excellent for diabetes management.  Drinking green tea has also been found to help in the prevention, management and control of diabetes due to its antioxidant content.

• Take in Supplements.

Manganese supplements aid in the repair of pancreas, the organ responsible for the production of insulin. 5-10 milligrams of manganese per day could very well do the trick.

Coenzyme Q10 helps enhance circulation and it also acts as a blood sugar stabilizer. Take 100mg of CoQ10 each day for healthy blood sugar levels.

Zinc supplements should be taken because diabetics have been found to have zinc deficiency. 50-80 milligrams is the recommended dosage.

• Know what to Avoid

When going grocery shopping, learn to read the labels. Just because the box says it’s sugar-free doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll give in right away.  Be wary of foods and beverages that contain a lot of sugar – as sweet as it may seem, it won’t do you any good. Aside from sugar, avoid foods that contain saturated fats. If you already are a diagnosed diabetic, continuous intake of saturated fats will most likely double your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

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diabetes.niddk.nih.gov

A study conducted by a team of researchers from Clemson University in South Carolina found that raspberries have protective effects against cancer.

Raspberries belong to the rose family and are classified as a bramble fruit like blackberry. Its fragrant scent and sweet taste makes it an appetizing ingredient to pastries, sweets and certain dishes. Though raspberries are available in limited supply and are primarily grown in California from June through October, the red berry can be bought fresh or in preserved form at any supermarket. And aside from its succulent and delicious taste, raspberries are also rich sources of an antioxidant called ellagic acid. This nutrient belongs to the group of phytonutrients called tannins and is considered as responsible for the various health benefits of other berries.

The growing interest of different scientific bodies in raspberry roots from its potential in fighting cancer through its antioxidant content. A preliminary study conducted by a team of researchers from the Clemson University, South Carolina observed that raspberry extracts can effectively kill breast, colon and stomach cancer cells by up to 90 percent.

Raspberries Kill Cancer Cells

A study from CU in South Carolina observed how certain cancer cells react to raspberry extract and found that the substance can effectively destroy breast, colon and stomach cancer cells by 90 percent. For years, raspberry has been thought to be a rich source of antioxidants. The new study aims to determine whether there is more to raspberry than its antioxidant content. With their findings, researchers are saying that other substances are also responsible for the raspberry extract’s efficacy in eliminating cancer cells.

The researchers used a popular US variety of raspberries called Meeker red raspberries in their study. They compared their results with the effects of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, which is a stronger antioxidant. They found that raspberries are eight times more effective in killing cancer cells. Thus, they concluded that other substances in raspberry are helping in destroying cancer cells, and for their next study, the researchers will further investigate on what these substances are.

A related study on the use of raspberry in fighting cancer published in the American Association for Cancer Research found that the anthocyanins from black raspberry can efficiently inhibit the growth of esophageal cancer cells and stimulate them to die through apoptosis. The ellagic acid extracted from raspberry has received greater attention than its other nutrient content. Studies have shown that the nutrient can effectively prevent certain cancers like breast, esophagus, lung, bladder and skin cancer.

Raspberries and its Variety of Health Benefits

With more data providing evidence on the various health benefits of raspberries, people have more reason to have a serving or so on a regular basis. Though nutrients extracted from raspberries are widely available as food supplements, the study that showed that there are other compounds in raspberries that can potentially help in protecting the body from certain cancers suggests eating fresh raspberries instead in order to fully take advantage of everything that this red berry has to offer.

Raspberry is rich in phytonutrients that has anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. As a plain antioxidant, raspberry contains ellagic acid that helps prevent the damage caused by free radicals to cells and cell membranes. Raspberry’s flavonoid content is also as well-researched as its ellagic acid content. Studies have found that the flavonoids in raspberry do not only offer antioxidant protection but they can also prevent the growth of certain bacteria and fungi in the body. Candida albicans, for example, is the primary culprit for the development of vaginal infections and a contributor of irritable bowel syndrome.

Compared to other berries, raspberry contains 50 percent more antioxidants than strawberries, 300 percent more than kiwis and 10 times more than what tomatoes can offer. This information is according to a study conducted by researchers from Netherlands and which was published in an issue of the health journal BioFactors. And like the other studies on raspberries, this is primarily due to its high ellagitanin content.

Raspberries are also packed with different vitamins and minerals that help promote overall health. These are excellent sources of vitamin C and manganese which are two of the most powerful antioxidants that help protect the cells from oxidative damage. Raspberry is also rich in copper, potassium, magnesium, niacin, folate, riboflavin, vitamin B complex and dietary fiber. In addition to this, health professionals are recommending raspberry as a natural alternative to processed sugar in sating people’s craving for sweets, especially to those with diabetic conditions.

A study published in an issue of The Archives of Ophthalmology showed that eating raspberries can help promote eye health. Researchers found that eating 3 or more servings of the red berry a day can significantly reduce the risk of developing ARMD or age-related macular degeneration by more than 30 percent; ARMD is the primary cause of vision loss in older people.

Selecting and Storing Your Berries

Raspberries are highly perishable and it can only be stored for up to 2 days even when kept in the fridge. So always make it a point to purchase only what you can consume for the period. This is also the reason why most people opt to buy preserved raspberries or raspberry food supplements. But since raspberry has a lot more to offer when eaten fresh, it is recommended that you add fresh raspberry to your shopping list. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that processed foods like canned goods, baby foods, cereals and bread containing raspberries have almost undetectable amounts of anthocyanins and other antioxidants.

Before storing the fruit in your fridge, make sure to remove any molded fruits and other foods may affect the freshness of your berries. Also, pick out any wilted or spoiled raspberry to prevent it from contaminating the others. Since raspberries are often pre-packed, you will likely find spoiled pieces packed together with the fresh ones. And always keep them inside the fridge since putting them in room temperature or exposing them to sunlight will cause the raspberry to become spoiled even before you get the time to eat them. But if you want to keep them longer, raspberries can last for about a year inside the freezer. But make sure to store them in a single layer.

Sources
naturalnews.com
ezinearticles.com
lifestyle.iloveindia.com
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A new study discovered that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables greatly helps in reducing the risk of Ischemic Heart Disease.

Nowadays, more and more people are suffering from coronary artery diseases, also medically known as Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD). Ischemia happens when blood is restricted from entering a specific area, which causes the structures in that area to necrose, or to die, since blood carries with it life-giving oxygen and other essential nutrients. In the case of ischemic heart disease, blood supply is restricted from entering the heart.  Because of this, problems start to arise.

The development of Ischemic Heart Disease is dependent on the health of the blood vessels.  Arteries, for example, are the main sites for fatty plaque build-up.  When a person’s bad cholesterol level is too high, this would result to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the linings and the walls of the arteries.  Over time, this build-up will impede blood supply which will result to ischemia.  This is the main reason why health professionals have always emphasized the need to consume a healthy diet. Other risk factors for the development of IHD includes a family history of the said disease; when there is too much fat content in your daily diet; smoking; hypertension, and even the occurrence of a previous stroke or heart attack.

In the United States today, heart disease is the primary cause of death amongst the entire population. The primary cause of this ailment remains unknown but the number of risk factors is considerably high. It has been clear lately that the treatment of abnormalities of the body’s lipids can delay the progress of a possible atherosclerosis.

There are particular tests that can be done to know how much your ischemic heart disease has grown. Several diagnostic tests include electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, blood studies, x-rays, coronary angiogram and many more.

Eat More Fruits and Veggies

A recent study done in Europe investigated the relationship between the disease and diet and found out that those who get to eat a larger amount of vegetables and fruits seem to have a lower risk of suffering from ischemic heart disease. The said study was published online last January 19 at the European Heart Journal.

Their data showed that those who take in at least eight servings of vegetables and fruits everyday had about 22% lower risk of dying from Ischemic Heart Disease or IHD compared to those who eat less, or just about three servings a day. The lead author of the study, Dr. Francesca Crowe, stated that their research included more than 300,000 people from 8 different countries all around Europe.

According to Dr. Crowe, the bottom line of their analysis only says that if people would consume greater amounts of vegetables and fruits, then this would lead to a reduction in the number of IHD cases. However, she emphasizes that it is still important for individuals to live a healthy lifestyle by exercising and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking, substance abuse and drinking to the point of intoxication.

Natural Ways to Prevent Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease is considered to be a silent killer.  Sometimes, you go through life not knowing anything and when it hits you, it takes you aback. It is important, therefore, that you take note of these general measures that can help you prevent them from happening. The following are some of the most important ways that you can fight IHD, or any form of disease for that matter:

• Get Some Regular Exercise. Exercise can help a lot in improving your blood flow and even reduce the occurrence of abnormal heart rates. This can include simple changes in your routine like probably taking the stairs instead of getting on the elevator, or walking the four blocks to your favorite library instead of taking the cab. But of course, it is much better if you can commit to doing regular exercise that you would already consider as a habit like probably walking or jogging a few minutes every other day.
• Maintain A Healthy Diet. It is really very crucial that you watch what you eat when you are trying to monitor your cholesterol levels. You must be able to reduce it to a certain amount that would reach normalcy. Eat foods that are low in cholesterol and fats. It is also very important that you remember staying away from fats that are saturated. Your diet must include a lot of fruits and vegetables so that maintaining your ideal body weight would be less of a hassle.
• Live a Healthy Lifestyle. As much as possible, try to avoid smoking and avoid, or limit, your alcohol intake. It is very essential for you to always get to monitor your blood pressure and always keep things in control. Try to be happy all the time so that you will not be prone to heart attacks due to too much stress. If you are currently overweight, then it is about time to start thinking about lowering your total weight and bringing it back to normal.
• Talk to your Doctor. If you are overly worried with your heart’s condition, especially when you realize that you are not growing any younger, then you must not put off having regular check-ups with your doctor. It would not hurt that much if you would take the time to see him on a regular basis. These visits could include some tests or examinations that would try to figure out any possible threats to your heart and the rest of your body. Early diagnosis and treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease can definitely lead to total recovery. Through the years, lots of research has been done to promote and encourage fast and effective treatments for this ailment. It is very essential that you maintain a healthy lifestyle especially when it comes to making certain important changes in your diet and level of activity.

Remember this: a failure of the heart to function will lead to the loss of function of the other organs as well.  A deteriorating heart will cause a cascade of events which can sometimes prove to be fatal.  So if you love the people around you, do them a favor by loving your heart first – and then all else will follow.

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The Prevention Institute, which is a non-profit community health advocacy group in California conducted a survey of 37 heavily marketed foods with fruit on the packaging and found that 51 percent contained no fruit at all.

In addition, another 16 percent contained minimal amounts of fruit (10 percent or less). The other 33 percent did have an acceptable amount of fruit, but they also high amounts of sugar as well.

Both Juicy Fruit Gum and Froot Loops cereal were found to have no fruit in them at all.

Situations such as these raise concerns regarding product packaging that misleads consumers.

“The packages might lead a parent to believe (these products) are a healthier option for their children, when many do not actually deliver any of the nutritional benefits of whole fruit,” wrote the authors of the study.

This unfortunately is nothing new. Food & beverage manufacturers have been misleading consumers for years about their products.

What’s different now and congruently worse, is that now these misleading companies have a new target market…children. The Institute of Medicine reports an estimated $10 billion in marketing is spent yearly on products such as these. In 2005, Advertising Age magazine reported an average of  $7.2 billion being spent in mass media advertising, meaning there was a 4 percent increase in 1 year.

Take Gatorade for example; while they may not be putting pictures of fruit on their labels, they market the product to children & adults as something that healthy people such as athletes should drink to replenish themselves.

Next time you’re in the supermarket, pick up a bottle of Gatorade and read the ingredients. This stuff is loaded with junk like high fructose corn syrup and sugar.

Here’s my advice. Next time you want something fruit flavored, try some organic fruit. Nothing comes closer to the taste of real fruit than, well…real fruit.

There are some manufactures out there that do actually contain 100 % fruit juice. Two of which include Juicy Juice and Capri Sun Fruit Waves.

My recommendation for drinks will always be water. Water forms the basis for all body fluids, including blood and digestive juices as well as aids the transportation and absorption of nutrients. It also helps eliminate waste.

Overall, an estimated $10 billion in marketing is spent yearly, according to a 2006 report by the Institute of Medicine. For comparison, according to a year-end advertising industry report by Advertising Age magazine, in 2005 the food and beverage industry spent $7.2 billion in mass media advertising, up nearly 4 percent from the previous year.