FOOD INFO

Ginger And Diabetes: What You Need To Know NEW

Ginger has been studied to have value in over 150 health conditions with type 2 diabetes top on the list. With anti-diabetic drugs linked to increased cardiovascular mortality, natural alternatives are needed now more than ever.

While ginger is widely used as a spice today, its role as a healing agent is often overlooked in modern society despite its thousands of years of documented use as a powerful medicine.  Modern science, however, is finally catching up to the wisdom of the ancients. For instance, there are over 2100 published studies on the medicinal properties of ginger in the scientific literature, and the Greenmedinfo.com database contains evidence that it has value in over 170 different health conditions, and has over 50 different beneficial physiological effects.

Notably, of all the conditions the research on ginger we have indexed reveals its therapeutic value for, type 2 diabetes is top on the list, with seven studies on our database providing proof of its efficacy. And the research keeps coming...

Half a Billion At Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder dominated by high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), but with inflammation and oxidative stress driving the damage most directly linked to morbidity and mortality associated with the condition.

It is our belief that this condition is driven primarily through a combination of an evolutionarily incompatible Western diet, inactivity, gut dysbiosis and multiple, cumulative chemical exposures, and yet rarely do physicians know how or care to address these root causes and reverse them, opting for pharmaceutical intervention and a fatalistic attitude that serves no one's best interest.

It is estimated that half a billion people will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes globally within the next two decades. The primary conventional treatment approaches using oral anti-diabetics and synthetic (GMO) insulin actually increase the risk of death, making it of vital importance to find safer, more effective alternatives.

 

New Study Finds Ginger a Power Anti-Diabetic Agent

A new study published in the journal Complementary and Integrative Medicine, "The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on glycemic markers in patients with type 2 diabetes," confirms that ginger is a serious contender for addressing some of the root causes underlying this devastating condition.

Iranian researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial on 20–60 -year-old patients with type 2 diabetes who were on oral anti-diabetic drugs but not on insulin. Participants in the intervention and control groups received 3,000 mgs of powdered ginger or placebo (lactose) (in capsules) daily for 3 months.

Blood sugar (glycemic) indices, markers of oxidative stress (TAC , MDA, serum paraoxonase, HbA1c) and inflammation (CRP), dietary intake and physical activity were measured at the beginning and end of the study, and after 12 h fasting.

Comparison of the indices after 3 months showed the ginger intervention group improved in the following eight ways:

Serum glucose dropped significantly (–19.41 ` 18.83 vs 1.63 ` 4.28 mg/dL, p < 0.001)

HbA1c percentage (a marker of glucose/oxidative stress mediated amage to red blood cells) dropped significantly (–0.77 ` 0.88 vs 0.02 ` 0.16%, p < 0.001)

Insulin dropped significantly (–1.46 ` 1.7 vs 0.09 ` 0.34 μIU/mL, p < 0.001),

Insulin resistance dropped significantly (–16.38 ` 19.2 vs 0.68 ` 2.7, p < 0.001)

High-sensitive CRP (a marker of inflammation) dropped significantly (–2.78 ` 4.07 vs 0.2 ` 0.77 mg/L, p < 0.001)

Paraoxonase-1 (a marker for reduced oxidative stress) increased significantly (PON-1) (22.04 ` 24.53 vs 1.71 ` 2.72 U/L, p < 0.006)

Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased significantly (0.78 ` 0.71 vs –0.04 ` 0.29 μIU/mL, p < 0.01)

Malondialdehyde (MDA) (a biomarker of oxidative stress) dropped significantly (–0.85 ` 1.08 vs 0.06 ` 0.08 μmol/L, p < 0.001)

Ginger Improves 8 Markers of Diabetes Type 2

This study is actually almost identical in its findings to one we reported on last year in an article titled, "A Modest Dose of Ginger Improves 8 Markers of Diabetes Type 2," where an even smaller dose of ginger (1600 mg), also administered for 3 months, resulted in significant reductions in the following parameters:

Fasting plasma glucose

HbA1C (aka glycated hemoglobin) - a measurement of how much damage is being caused by sugars to red blood cells in the body, reflective of body wide damage caused by chronically elevated blood sugar

Insulin

HOMA (the homeostatic model assessment) – which measures insulin resistance and beta-cell function (the pancreatic cells that produce insulin)

Triglycerides

Total cholesterol

C-reactive protein (CRP) - a marker of inflammation

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) – a marker of inflammation

Clearly ginger provides a wide range of side benefits beyond simply lowering blood sugar. Oxidative stress, inflammation, chronically elevated levels of insulin and/or resistance to it, all contribute to the primary cause of morbidity and mortality associated with condition: cardiovascular disease. Whereas conventional drug treatment for type 2 diabetes focuses on lowering blood sugar and HbA1c, even though both oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin appear to raise the risk of heart attack, ginger appears to do reduce the blood sugar and the cardiovascular disease risk, effectively freeing two birds with one hand.

Over 150, Evidence-Based, Anti-Diabetic Substances Exist

While amazing, ginger is not the only natural remedy for type 2 diabetes that has compelling research to support it. You can peruse our type 2 diabetes database and you'll find over 180 natural substances that have been studied to have potential value in the condition. You'll also see research there on therapeutic activities like exercise and problem substances like fructose and pesticides that contribute to the condition.

We should note that if there is one substance that holds the greatest promise, even beyond ginger, it is turmeric. This ancient Indian spice appears to prevent and perhaps even reverse some of the damage associated with type 2 diabetes, and has been found to have potential therapeutic value in a staggering 600 plus health conditions. You can read the following research reports to get a better sense of tumeric's amazing anti-diabetic power:

Turmeric Extract 100% Effective At Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Turmeric May Repair and Regenerate Diabetic Liver Function

Turmeric's Heart-Saving Properties Confirmed In New Diabetes Study

The 12 Best Foods to Control Type 2 Diabetes

We all know that maintaining a healthy diet is vital in terms of type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment. Generally, the advice given to diabetics is relevant to the general population as well: consume adequate vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry and fish, and less industrial sweets and foods high in fat and salt.It is known that patients who use professional advice and expert dieticians and nutritional supervision have a much better chance to maintain balanced levels of sugar, and avoid the complications of the disease. Diabetics should also keep meals at regular times throughout the day to avoid sharp rises in blood sugar levels.

So what are the best foods to control diabetes and add to the menu? There are 12 foods that can help balance blood sugar in your body. These are olive oil, cinnamon, green tea, pulses, green vegetables and oats. These common foods that are already in our kitchen help maintaining adequate blood sugar and prevent diabetes complications:

1. Olive oil

Oil lacks carbohydrates, and therefore does not raise blood sugar levels. In addition, it slows the absorption of foods eaten along with the oil. Olive oil is rich Omega 9 and Omega 3 which help maintain the flexibility of blood vessels, allowing good blood flow. Also oil does not increase insulin levels, thus reducing the non-insulin tolerance that exists in many people and causes an increase in blood sugar levels. Find here more information about the great health benefits of olive oil.

2. Cinnamon

Many studies show that consumption of one teaspoon cinnamon (5 mg) to three teaspoons a day has a positive effect on reducing blood glucose levels. It was found that the cinnamon can make your cells more sensitive to insulin. Thus, the cells convert sugar into energy more efficiently and control the amount of sugar level in the blood. Diabetics who received cinnamon extract daily for 40 days experienced lower levels of blood sugar after eating, as well as substantial improvements to the heart health. Read here more about how to use cinnamon as a medicine.

3. Green Tea

Green tea contains the antioxidant EGCG, which helps to maintain the flexibility of blood vessels and stabilizing blood glucose levels. A recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania found that this element reduces blood sugar levels and prevents its sharp rise after a meal consisting mainly carbohydrates. Read here more about the amazing health benefits of green tea.

4. Pulses

Legumes such as lentils, peas, beans and chickpeas are low in fat and calories and also rich in fiber and protein. Dietary fiber slows the rate of sugar absorption into the blood and reduces the glycemic load. They are a great addition to soups, salads and a variety of other dishes.

5. Green Vegetables

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal fresh green leaves vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach, Swiss chard and parsley, and other green vegetables  (fresh, steamed or frozen) such as celery, cucumber, cauliflower, green beans and kohlrabi contain carbohydrates that release hormones in the gut that reduce appetite. In addition, the researchers found that these vegetables improves insulin sensitivity and thus better regulate blood glucose levels. Eating vegetables like asparagus, garlic and Jerusalem artichoke can help in cases of diabetes and obesity, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes because vegetables are rich in magnesium and are known as effective antioxidants.

6. Oatmeal

Oats contain a high percentage of fiber, B vitamins (especially B1), vitamin E and antioxidants. The large amount of fiber causes a slower absorption of glucose, and combining antioxidants makes the oatmeal recommended food to stabilize blood sugar levels. Click here to find easy and delicious porridge recipes with oatmeal.

7. Red Apples

A recent study conducted in Finland found that men who ate the greatest number of apples (and other foods rich in quercetin) had 20% less deaths related to diabetes or heart complications. Other good sources of quercetin are red grapes, tomatoes, onions, green vegetables and berries. You can find easy and nutritious berry recipes in my e-book The Healing The Healing Berry Guide. This e-book will teach you how to transform your health with berries, and is a must for berry lovers.

8.  Vitamin C Rich Foods

Studies show that people with diabetes have lower levels of vitamin C in their body, so rich foods in vitamin C such as berries, citrus fruits, peppers, dark green leafy vegetables, kiwifruit, tomatoes, etc are loaded with antioxidants and are an excellent choice.

9. Cold-Water Fish

Those who suffer from diabetes are twice more likely to suffer also from heart disease. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish, can help to lower “bad “cholesterol and raise your “good” cholesterol. Seafood is a great source for omega 3, such as: halibut, herring, mackerel, oysters, salmon, sardines, trout, tuna and cod. Vegetables, especially green leafy ones, such as: kale, parsley, mint, Brussle sprouts, spinach and watercress, are rich in ALA, one form of omega-3 fatty acids (although ALA isn’t as powerful as the other omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA). Ground flaxseed is also a good source of omega 3. Read here more about the fantastic health benefits of omega 3.

10 . Dark Chocolate

Researchers from Tufts University in Massachusetts found that dark chocolate improves cell sensitivity to insulin and significantly improves the chances of avoiding diabetes. In addition, dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the body, and strengthens the blood vessels.

11 . Grass Fed BeefThere are other things in beef other than protein, iron and vitamin B. There is an element which is part of the beef fat which is called CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). The most abundant source of CLA is beef from grass-fed cows. Experiments have shown that CLA works to correct improper utilization of blood sugar and helps fight cancer and heart disease. In a  recent study in Norway scientists have added a few grams of CLA to the daily diet of 180 people. They reported that they lost 9% of their body weight in one year. Make sure that the beed is processed as little as possible, as it contains more CLA. Other food sources of CLA in smaller amounts include milk and eggs.

12. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

According to webMD website, the effect of ACV on blood sugar levels is one of the best researched and the most promising. Several studies have found that vinegar may help lower glucose levels. For example, a small 2007 study with type 2 diabetes found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed lowered glucose levels in the morning by 4%-6%. Dilute the ACV in a glass of water and drink (you can add a little bit of honey to improve the taste). Read also my previous article why you should use ACV to lose weight, reduce cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.

In summary, these best foods to control diabetes should be added to your daily menu. You can start the day with oatmeal porridge flavored with cinnamon, eat for lunch grass fed beef with poached green vegetables, drink afternoon green tea alongside a red apple, and in the evening eat lentil soup. At bedtime drink another cup of green tea in order to lower blood sugar levels and calm the digestive system before going to sleep. You can also read my article about the independent documentary film that features six people with diabetes who reversed their diabetes in 30 days with one simple change:

This Homemade Recipe Will Heal Painful Joints

    

We have all felt joint pains. We usually feel pain in the knees, shoulders, elbows. We feel broken.

It’s a side effect of getting old if you’re over forty. And what if the pain occurs when you’re 25-30 years old?And it’s because of age? Of course, there could be other reasons- trauma, overload, fractures, arthritis, rheumatism, but now we won’t discuss that, but how to get rid of pain in the joints.

This is the recipe from Russian folk medicine.

It’s prepared from simple ingredients, which we all have in our kitchens.

The recipe is really effective and helps after the first application.

Domestic fat against painful joints – recipe

Ingredients:

-1 Tablespoon of honey

-1 Tablespoon of mustard (spicy)

-1 Tablespoon of fine salt

-1 Tablespoon of water

Preparation:

Thoroughly mix until it becomes a homogeneous mixture.

Place in an empty box of hand cream or in any other packaging.

This will be your life saving fat.

Application:

Spray the grease on the painful place, put a plastic bag and tie a warm scarf, made out of wool if possible. Hold for 1.5-2 hours.

The procedure is best done before going to sleep, so your joints can rest after the treatment.

Wash in the morning.

You don’t have to do only one treatment, repeat it 4-5 days in succession.

You will feel effect after the first usage.

After that repeat when needed.

The fat will be usable for a few days.

Keep it in the refrigerator.