Posts Tagged ‘Control Blood Sugar’

Foods That Maximize the Metabolism

Comments: 0February 22nd, 2010 by admin



Many overweight people suffer from a slow metabolism. It’s often hereditary, and then compounded by inactivity. But, anyone can speed up their metabolism, and there are several ways to do so. The first is exercise, and anyone trying to lose weight will see the benefits of exercise quickly.

Cardiovascular exercise is especially good for losing weight because it not only speeds up your metabolism while you’re exercising, but also for several hours afterwards. However, there are foods that increase the metabolism, too.

5 Foods That Increase the Metabolism

1. Cinnamon – Cinnamon tastes great on lots of things. But in addition to its great taste, it has been shown to increase metabolism and help control blood sugar naturally. If you’re pre-diabetic, cinnamon is one of the first foods that increase metabolism that you should try. There is much research going on today about how cinnamon might be used to treat diabetes naturally in the future.

2. Peppers – Hot peppers contain capsaicin. In fact, it is capsaicin that gives hot peppers their heat. Capsaicin stimulates your body to produce adrenaline. Adrenaline speeds up the metabolism, at least temporarily. Peppers like habaneros, cayenne and jalapenos are all good sources of capsaicin, so they are good foods that increase the metabolism.

3. Green Tea – Green tea contains EGCG, a catechin which also speeds metabolism. And, the great thing about EGCG is that it doesn’t speed up the heart rate nor have any of the negative side effects associated with too much caffeine. Green tea’s catechins also provide many other health benefits, and may even prevent serious diseases like cancer and heart disease if consumed regularly.

4. Milk - Calcium has been shown to increase the metabolism, which makes milk one of the best foods that increase metabolism. Not only can milk help boost your metabolic rate, but it also helps keep bones strong. This is especially important for women who are nearing menopause, because they can start to experience bone loss.

5. Ginger – Ginger is another food that can speed up the metabolic rate. Ginger is an herb that is great in many foods. It seasons both savory items and desserts, too. Experiment with recipes that use ginger, or try making a tea from it. Ginger also reduces the pH levels of your stomach enzymes, which makes it a great remedy for all sorts of gastric ailments, including heartburn and nausea.

These five foods that increase the metabolism are all easy to find and taste great. Just look for ways to include these foods into your everyday routine, watch your calorie intake and be sure you’re getting enough exercise. With this combination, and a faster metabolism, you’re sure to see the weight loss results you’ve been waiting for.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Diabetes

Natural Diabetes Management – Herbal Remedies

Comments: 0December 10th, 2009 by admin



Following are some of the known herbal remedies that are reported to help in the natural management of diabetes.

Aloe Vera – The dried sap and gel taken from the inner portion of the leaves have been effective reducing blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

Banaba – Helps to lower blood sugar levels and assists with weight loss. Banaba is found in some of the better diabetes supplements. It is a plant that is native to Southern Asia.

Bitter Melon – Has long been used for it’s glucose lowering properties. It must be taken in small doses however, because larger doses can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. It helps to increase the number of beta cells, which produce insulin. Bitter melon tea is still used in the Philippines today to help control blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels should be closely monitored when using diabetes nutritional supplements that contain bitter melon, in order to avoid an unsafe drop in blood sugar.

Black Seed or Nigella Sativa extract – Can lower elevated blood sugar levels and increase antioxidant activity, possibly preventing the complications associated with uncontrolled type II diabetes.

Chromium – Helps the body’s cells properly respond to insulin. Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and helps body cells properly respond to insulin. Studies have found low levels of chromium in people with diabetes. There are many promising studies suggesting chromium supplementation may be effective.

Cinnamon – A spice that is derived from the bark of the Cinnamon or Cassia tree. It can be used in cooking and can help to control blood glucose levels. Cinnamon bark makes fat cells more accessible to insulin. It blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals and increases the conversion rate of glucose to energy.

Fenugreek – stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreatic cells and helps lower your blood sugar levels.

Garlic – Can be beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels.

Ginkgo Biloba – Extract of leaves taken from the Ginkgo tree. This herbal treatment is noted for antioxidant qualities and improving blood circulation. This can aid or prevent complications such as diabetic neuropathy or diabetic retinopathy occurring.

Ginseng – An herb that can be added to cooking, taken as a supplement or tincture. It can help control blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure. It has long been used in the treatment of diabetes. It can increase the release of insulin from the pancreas and enhance the function of insulin receptors.

Gymnema Sylvestre – Helps the pancreas to produce insulin and help insulin to lower blood sugar levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics.

Indian Gooseberry – Helps to stimulate the pancreas, causing it to produce more insulin.

Indian Kino – Helps to regenerate beta cells and pancreatic islets cells which are responsible for producing insulin.

Magnesium – Can help regulate blood sugar levels. Magnesium can be found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains and seeds. Low magnesium levels can increase diabetes symptoms.

Neem Tree – Reduces blood sugar levels.

Onions – Can be beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels. They can increase the production of insulin, which will lower high glucose levels in your blood.

Stevia – A shrub found in South and Central America – noted for it’s sweet taste. It is widely used as a sweetener alternative to sugar. It has little effect on the blood sugar level so is useful for controlling diabetes.

Turmeric – Is used in cooking, and is a member of the ginger family. It helps lower glucose levels.

Vanadium – is a trace mineral found naturally in soil and many foods. It is also produced during the burning of petroleum. Vanadium has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It seems to mimic many of the actions of insulin in the body. You should not use vanadium without the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner because the dose needed to affect blood glucose levels can be potentially toxic.

Zinc – Aids in the production and storage of insulin. Zinc can be found naturally in foods such as oysters, ginger root, buckwheat, split peas, lima beans, almonds, walnuts, pecans, egg yolk, beef liver, sardines, almonds, lamb, and chicken.

If you decide to try any of the above herbal treatments, please remember to monitor your blood sugar frequently and be sure to keep your health care professional informed about what you are doing.

If you find the right herbal treatments for diabetes that works for you, prescription medication for your diabetes may become a thing of the past!

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Diabetes