Blueberries Give Hope to Diabetics

Who today has not gone to a doctor? Indeed, the majority of doctors will prescribe drugs before discussing natural remedies and a proactive attitude about health. It is unfortunate that the field of medicine has "progressed" to the point that we have all become reactive and reliant on drugs to fix our medical issues.

To Give you a feel for proactive vs reactive we need to see an example. Consider the following; Proactive - eating clean. That is, avoiding highly processed foods, trans-fats, high-fructose corn syrup (corn sugar), and preservatives. Consumption of healthy fats monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, and essential fatty acids (EFAs) can also help in blood sugar regulation, as well as providing other health benefits.

Reactive - eating processed foods, fast foods, and whatever "goodies" comes along. Consumption of trans-fats. Health problems caused by unhealthy eating, and requires prescription drugs to control.

After years of unhealthy eating-habits, we find ourselves at the doctor's office receiving prescriptions for drugs to combat cholesterol, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues. A lifestyle change geared toward eating clean can make differences in the long run, when a life-time of living has taken its toll on our bodies.

By now, we all heard about the values of antioxidants, and what foods we should eat in order to obtain their benefits. Berries are good sources of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and other nutrients that assist in a healthy lifestyle. However, berries can provide other benefits as well. Take the common blueberry: not only is it filled with antioxidants, but a specific extract of this berry can assist in blood sugar regulation.

According to Dr. Matilde Parente, in her article "Can Blueberry Extracts Halt Metabolic Syndrome?" published in the March 2011 issue of LifeExtension, a JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) report published in 1927 showed that an extract from blueberries was able to reduce blood sugar levels. In fact, the author of the report believed the compound to be the closest compound discovered, to date, to curing diabetes.

Dr. Parente additionally sights more current studies that revealed that blueberry extract protected against elevated glucose levels, and caused glucose to be shuttled into muscle tissue (for energy) and kept it [glucose] from being used in fat storage. Moreover, these extracts were also pivotal in inhibiting the enzymes that break down starchy foods into glucose for absorption into the bloodstream.

Will blueberry extract turn out to be the cue for diabetes? The results are promising and extend hope to many people inflicted with diabetes. It is unfortunate that some 80-years have been lost due to reactive medial practices, but it is never too late to make changes. Being informed about the benefits of eating whole foods is the first step in leading a healthy lifestyle.

Sources

Allen F M Blueberry lent extract: Physiologic and clinical properties in relation to carbohydrate metabolism. JAMA, 1927 Nov 5; 89 (19): 1577-8 I