believe that all diabetics should make fenugreek seeds
a regular part of their diet.
Fenugreek has a history of use in aiding indigestion and
safely reducing inflammation, too. Visit a nutritionist
or herbalist to find the specific dosage that's right for
you.
Grapeseed
extract (Vitis vineferal)
Also rich in flavonoids (anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins),
grapeseed extract provides the same benefits as bilberry.
Typical dosage: 100 to 300 milligrams of proanthocyanidin
content per day.
A
Discriminating Diet
Diet plays a lead role in the treatment and control of diabetes.
It’s not a just a matter of avoiding foods rich in simple
carbohydrates, but of establishing an eating regimen that
deters peaks of glucose from entering the blood. Spreading
the nutrient load throughout the day with three main meals
and three snacks— “nibbling” as opposed to “gorging” —not
only reduces blood glucose and insulin concentrations, but
also guards against the development
of hyperglycemia. Consumption
of fiber rich foods—barley, carrots,
oats, legumes, beans,
onions, peas, and
lentils—have
been associated
with improved
blood glucose
control, and
are better for
long term use than soluble fiber
supplements such as guar, pectin,
and locust bean gum.
In 1923, researchers discovered a whole range of plants
with hypoglycemic action. Among them: artichoke, banana,
barley, cabbage, carrot, lettuce, nettles, oats, peas, spinach,
sweet potato, and turnip. Foods rich in the B vitamins,
which help regulate metabolism, are also beneficial, as
diets high in sugar tend to burn these vitamins at a faster
rate. (In Europe, vitamin B is sometimes called “the poor
man’s insulin”) These foods include wheat germ, yogurt,
and liver.
Of course, there’s no better way to protect yourself from
diabetes than preventing it. Eating excessive quantities
of refined sugars over the years may well overwork and depress
insulin-producing cells, until they finally falter and break
down. Obesity, combined with inactivity, seems to enhance
the susceptibility to the disease. If diabetes is present
in your family tree, keep your weight down and stay active.
The wonder of the body may be it’s ability to heal itself,
so pay attention to its needs, and take advantage of the
medicinal gifts that Nature has to offer to maintain your
own good health. •
