Grapes Could Reduce Diabetes And Heart Disease
The fruit lowered blood pressure, improved heart function and reduced other risk factors for heart disease and metabolic syndrome, it was claimed. American researchers found this could be due to phytochemicals – naturally occurring antioxidants – that grapes contain. Following animal tests, the research revealed a grape-enriched diet preventing risk factors for metabolic syndrome, a condition which is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Mixing a blend of green, red and black grapes into the diets of laboratory rats as part of a high-fat, American style diet, they were compared with a test group fed with a similar diet full of fat and sugars. After three months, the rats that received the grape-enriched diet had lower blood pressure, better heart function, and reduced indicators of inflammation in the heart and the blood than rats who received no grape powder. Rats also had lower triglycerides and improved glucose tolerance. Heart surgeon Dr Steven Bolling said: "The possible reasoning behind the lessening of metabolic syndrome is that the phytochemicals were active in protecting the heart cells from the damaging effects of metabolic syndrome. "In the rats, inflammation of the heart and heart function was maintained far better. "Although there's not a particular direct correlation between this study and what humans should do, it's very interesting to postulate that a diet higher in phytochemical-rich fruits, such as grapes, may benefit humans." Although he added those wanting to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of diabetes should follow some tried-and-true advice such as eating a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, maintain a desirable weight and exercise more. The findings are published at the Experimental Biology convention in Ca Continue reading >>
Grapes For Diabetes
Grapes are an ancient fruit that have been with us since the dawn of mankind. The fruit originates from Western Asia and Central Europe. Various types of grapevines have traversed the whole world and have easily been assimilated into many civilizations’ diet due to the fruits sweet taste and incredible health benefits. Even the most practiced religion, Christianity has included the grape (wine) into their most sacred practices and has played a role in a myriad of biblical stories. The grape is currently cultivated on every continent on earth excluding Antarctica. Unfortunately only recently have scientists been researching the sweet berry for more health benefits other than the common ones that are present in most fruits. Grapes have a low glycemic index (GI), low calories (1 cup has 104), and a plethora of health benefits. While most diabetics still avoid any sugary fruits, many experts recommend you eat them regularly and in moderation. Grapes have an abundant amount of phytochemicals that contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These can help reduce the risk cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cellular damage caused by free radicals. Numerous studies on the effects of grapes on diabetes have proved conclusive. The experiments have shown that the delicious fruit is exceptionally well at regulating blood sugar levels, lower triglyceride levels, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increases insulin sensitivity. Recent research on a new phytonutrient called resveratrol which is mainly found in the skin of the grape may be linked to increased longevity. A new study has shown that in animals introduced regularly with this compound help activate proteins that promote optimal health and anti-aging properties. The resveratrol in red wine might be linked to the Continue reading >>
Apples | Reverse Type 2 Diabetes
Ex-Diabetic Sidebar: When I was diabetic, my doctors and the hospital's dietitian told me that I would have to avoid fruits. I found that kind of strange, especially, since some of my hospital meals included applesauce, tangerine slices and orange juice! Avoiding fruits was difficult for me because I had a "sweet tooth" -- a strong craving for sweets. Being diabetic, my body craved sugar and I loved sweets -- not just fruits -- I loved apple pie, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream. During my research, I discovered how to stop the cravings (see below). I also learned that eating some whole fruit can be beneficial, despite the sugar content in most fruits. Why? Because it's better to eat an apple than some cookies or ice cream to satisfy your craving for something sweet! :-) In addition, studies have shown that the nutrients within most fruits (e.g. antioxidants, Vitamin C, fiber, water) can help prevent and reverse the damage to blood vessels and body tissues caused by Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other similar diseases. The key is to make sure that you follow an effective reverse diabetes nutritional program such as the one defined in the "Death to Diabetes" 10-Step Reverse Diabetes Wellness Program. Most whole fruits are on the moderate to low end of the Glycemic Index (GI), making them a pretty good choice for most people with diabetes. Many fruits are also packed with vitamins A and C, as well as water,fiber and antioxidants (flavonoids) such as catechin, quercetin, and anthocyanidin. Top 10 Fruits | Reverse Diabetes The following is a list of the top 10 fruits that most diabetics can eat because, for most diabetics, these fruits don't cause large or sustained blood glucose spikes. As a result, eating these fruits can help to satisfy your sweet to Continue reading >>
Are Red Grapes Safe For Diabetes?
Before, diabetic patients are often advised to avoid any fruit that has high content of sugar. However, most modern diabetes diet will include fruits to form a healthy and well-balanced meal plan. It is important that you maintain strict control of the level of your blood sugar and avoid consuming excessive unhealthy food that can further complicate your condition. Diabetes Diet Your diabetes diet should aim towards controlling the symptoms and preventing common complications. For most patients, this mean eating high fiber diet that has less fats, especially saturated fats. These fats can contribute to arterial plaques, which is a common complication of diabetes. Diabetic patients should limit their intake of carbohydrates, especially sweet tasting food that can cause a spike in the blood sugar level. Generally, eating up to three handfuls of fruits each day should be fine for diabetic patients. Red grapes can be included in this. Eating carbohydrate enrich foods can send your blood sugar level soaring. Fortunately, protein, fiber and fat can possibly mitigate such response. A good diabetic diet would mean controlling carbohydrate intake in every meal. Glycemic Index of Red Grapes Diabetic patients should refer to the Glycemic Index (GI) of a food to determine if it is safe for them. GI indicates how high or how fast the blood sugar level will rise as a response to a certain carbohydrate enrich food. The glycemic load will also take into consideration the amount of carbohydrates in every food serving, including the GI of such food. As for the red grapes, it belongs in the middle of the GI chart and has a low GI load. The reason is because both fiber and water in a single serving of red grapes can modulate the body’s response to blood glucose. Resveratrol in Red Grapes Continue reading >>
Red Wine And Diabetes Health: Getting Skin In The Game
It was an unexpected pleasure to be invited to write a Perspectives in Diabetes article considering the proposition that moderate consumption of red wine provides health benefits for people with diabetes. At the outset, I want to make clear that since Perspectives in Diabetes are not review articles in the conventional sense, this one does not exhaustively analyze the effects of beer, hard liquor, or alcohol per se on health. This one is all about wine, especially red wine. This is an important point because of the intrinsic psychic influences of wine. Beer is associated with boisterous behavior at sporting events. Hard liquor is associated with serious drinking and dark moods. Wine, on the other hand, is associated with relaxation, reflection, celebration, conviviality, toasting, and a certain amount of dry humor. So, in this spirit, I will lace this article with a modicum of these wine-related characteristics. Archeologists tell us that humans made and drank wine in the Middle East (Fig. 1) beginning in ~7000 BCE—well before recorded time. During its 9,000-year history, wine has been used for many purposes, including religious (Fig. 2) and medical ones. The scientific literature over the past half century does not explicitly warn against drinking wine in moderate amounts, except during pregnancy. Yet, in the U.S. there continues to be a lurking hesitancy in some social circles about its use for relaxation or recreational purposes. Some religious faiths specifically proscribe wine, which also makes it interesting that some other religious faiths include wine in their services. Beyond use of moderate amounts, it is clear that drinking wine excessively leads to inebriation and likely endangerment of self and others, just as with any alcohol-containing beverage. In view Continue reading >>
Is Red Wine Good For Diabetics? Study Claims The Tipple’s Main Antioxidant Can Help Reduce Artery Stiffness For Type 2 Sufferers
Many people count a glass of red wine as one of their guilty pleasures. Yet, drinking the occasional Merlot may protect type 2 diabetes patients from heart attacks and strokes. Researchers have found an antioxidant, known as resveratrol, in red wine reduces artery stiffness in type 2 diabetics, which is a known cause of heart-related illness. Study author Dr Naomi Hamburg, chief of vascular biology, Boston University School of Medicine, said: 'This adds to emerging evidence that there may be interventions that may reverse the blood vessel abnormalities that occur with aging and are more pronounced in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity.' Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes and gives wine its color. It is also found in peanuts and berries. Researchers from Boston University measured the stiffness of the body's main artery, known as the aorta, in 57 type 2 diabetes patients. Patients then consumed daily doses of 100mg resveratrol for two weeks, followed by a 300mg dose every day for a fortnight and finally a placebo for four weeks. Of those with high aortic stiffness at the start of the study, the 300mg dose improved flexibility by 9.1 percent and the 100mg dose by 4.8 percent, while stiffness worsened with placebo. This effect was not seen in patients without aortic stiffness at the start of the study. Dr Hamburg said: 'The effect of resveratrol may be more about improving structural changes in the aorta and less about the relaxation of blood vessels, and people with more normal aortic stiffness may not get as much benefit. Results will be presented at the Peripheral Vascular Disease 2017 Scientific Sessions in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This comes after Professor Gordon Shepherd from the Yale School of Medicine said drinking red wine sparks reactions in the Continue reading >>
Effects Of Red Grape Cells (rgc) Powder In Type 2 Diabetics (rgc-t2d)
The aim of this study is to examine whether the chronic administration during 12 weeks of polyphenols contained in Red Grape Cells (RGC) powder has an effect on mRNA expression of SIRT1 and Clock Genes, on circulating levels of HbA1c, lipids, blood pressure and on postprandial response of glucose, lipids, insulin, C-peptide and GLP-1 in patients with type 2 diabetes . There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that polyphenols and specially the most investigated Resveratrol contained in the Red Grape Cells (RGC) exert beneficial effects on several markers of metabolic syndrome i.e. antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, vasodilator and antihypertensive activity. Many of this beneficial metabolic effects of polyphenols, occurs via activation of sirtuin-1 or silent information regulator-1 gene (SIRT1). This gene is expressed in adipose tissue, muscle, endothelium, peripheral blood cells, etc where it plays a pivotal role in the regulation of Circadian Clock Genes (CCG) involved in glucose lipid metabolism, endothelial function, etc . By activation of SIRT1 and CCG the polyphenols, may influence the circadian secretion of adiponectin, insulin, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and other hormones that influence insulin sensitivity, muscular glucose uptake, NO synthesis, nocturnal hepatic glucose production, lipolisis and endothelial function It was shown in several studies in animals and in clinical studies in subjects with metabolic syndrome that SIRT1 expression and its regulation of the CCG, improves insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle, preventing weight gain; improves pancreatic beta-cell function enhancing insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. It was associated with increased lipolisis in white adipose tissue, decreased glycolysis, increase Continue reading >>
13 Best And Worst Foods For People With Diabetes
How to choose food If you have diabetes, watching what you eat is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. "The basic goal of nutrition for people with diabetes is to avoid blood sugar spikes," says Gerald Bernstein, M.D., director of the diabetes management program at Friedman Diabetes Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. Candy and soda can be dangerous for diabetics because the body absorbs these simple sugars almost instantly. But all types of carbs need to be watched, and foods high in fat—particularly unhealthy fats—are problematic as well because people with diabetes are at very high risk of heart disease, says Sandy Andrews, RD, director of education for the William Sansum Diabetes Center in Santa Barbara, Calif. Worst: White rice The more white rice you eat, the greater your risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a 2012 review. In a study of more than 350,000 people, those who ate the most white rice were at greatest risk for type 2 diabetes, and the risk increased 11% for each additional daily serving of rice. "Basically anything highly processed, fried, and made with white flour should be avoided," says Andrews. White rice and pasta can cause blood sugar spikes similar to that of sugar. Have this instead: Brown rice or wild rice. These whole grains don't cause the same blood sugar spikes thanks to fiber, which helps slow the rush of glucose into the bloodstream, says Andrews. What's more, a Harvard School of Public Health study found that two or more weekly servings of brown rice was linked to a lower diabetes risk. Worst: Blended coffees Blended coffees that are laced with syrup, sugar, whipped cream, and other toppings can have as many calories and fat grams as a milkshake, making them a poor choice for those with diabete Continue reading >>
10 Low-glycemic Fruits For Diabetes
We humans come by our sweet tooth naturally — Our bodies need carbohydrates because they provide energy to cells. But for the body to be able to use it for energy, we need insulin. When our bodies don’t produce any insulin or are unable to use it (type 1 diabetes) or make enough of it properly (type 2 diabetes), we’re at risk for high blood sugar levels. High levels can lead to chronic complications such as nerve, eye, or kidney damage. The glycemic index (GI) tells you how quickly foods containing carbohydrates affect your blood sugar level when eaten by themselves. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), GI scores are rated as: Low: 55 or below Moderate: 56 to 69 High: 70 and above The lower the GI score, the more slowly the rise in blood sugar, which can help the body better manage post-meal changes. Most whole fruits have a low to moderate GI. Many fruits are also packed with vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. A more useful estimation of the food-blood sugar effect is the glycemic load (GL), which has more narrow categories of low, medium and high foods. This calculation takes into account the GI, plus the grams of carbohydrates per serving of the food. Though each person living with diabetes responds to or tolerates carbohydrate choices and amounts differently, GL better estimates the possible real-life impact when someone eats a particular food. To calculate the GL yourself, use this equation: GL equals the GI, multiplied by the grams of carbohydrates, divided by 100. Low: 0 to 10 Moderate: 11 to 19 High: 20 and above GI score: 20 GL score: 6 Cherries are high in potassium and packed with antioxidants, which will give your immune system a boost. Because cherries have a short growing season, it can be tough to get them fresh. However, canned ta Continue reading >>
Type 2 Diabetes And Glycemic Response To Grapes Or Grape Products1,2
Abstract Type 2 diabetes affects ∼7% of the population in the United States and is characterized by decreased disposal of glucose in peripheral tissues due to insulin resistance and overproduction of glucose by the liver, defects in pancreatic β-cell function, and decreased β-cell mass. Obesity, decreased physical exercise, and consumption of foods with a high glycemic index (GI) and load are major predisposing factors in the development of type 2 diabetes. The GI is used to evaluate the rise in blood glucose levels in response to food. The GI provides an indication of the quality of carbohydrate in a food. The glycemic load (GL) is used to provide information about the quantity of carbohydrates in a food and the insulin demand. Individuals with diabetes are advised to maintain a diet of low-GL foods, because low-GL diets improve diabetes symptoms. Grapes have a mean GI and GL in the low range. Little research has been performed with grapes and/or grape products to determine the glycemic response either alone or with a meal. Grapes and other fruits contain numerous polyphenols, including the stilbene resveratrol, the flavanol quercetin, catechins, and anthocyanins that have shown potential for reducing hyperglycemia, improving β-cell function, and protecting against β-cell loss. Therefore, with a low mean GI and GL, grapes or grape products may provide health benefits to type 2 diabetics. Continue reading >>
Top 10 Worst Foods For Diabetes
Candy Not only do high-sugar foods like candy, cookies, syrup, and soda lack nutritional value, but these low-quality carbohydrates also cause a dramatic spike in blood sugar levels and can contribute to weight gain, both of which can worsen diabetes complications. Learn to satisfy your sweet tooth by snacking on high-quality carbohydrates such as fresh fruit. Apples, berries, pears, grapes, and oranges all have sweet, juicy flavors and are packed with fiber to help slow the absorption of glucose, making them a much better choice for blood sugar control. When snacking on fruit, pair it with a protein food, such as a string cheese, nonfat yogurt, or handful of nuts, to further reduce the impact on your blood sugar. (For more sweet ideas, see my list of 20 Low-Sugar Snack ideas). Continue reading >>
My Father Has Diabetes – Can He Eat Grapes?
My father was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes). He has always loved grapes, but my mother, who is in charge of his diet, now claims he can't eat them. Is this correct? Are they bad for his diabetes? Everyone with diabetes should follow a low-fat, high-fibre diet including plenty of green vegetables. Until fairly recently, sugar was banned altogether, and fruit was also forbidden because it contains a lot of sugar. Nowadays, however, we know that fat is probably even more harmful than sugar. Fats in the blood cause hardening of the arteries, which people with diabetes are prone to anyway. It is therefore especially important for people with diabetes to avoid eating too much fatty foods. To return to your question, as a general rule, people with diabetes should not eat more than two or three pieces of fruit a day. One portion of fruit can be measured as the amount you can hold easily in one hand. In other words, your father can eat two or three handfuls of fruit a day – and some of this amount – or all of it – can be grapes. Yours sincerely The NetDoctor Medical Team Other Qs & As Last updated 03.04.2011 Continue reading >>
Can Diabetics Eat Grapes?
Fruits have an important place in a diabetes diet. Amongst many fruits, grapes are considered as sound nourishments for a lot of reasons. Grapes contain 70-80 % water, sugar, organic acids, minerals, phenols, pectins, nitrogenous and aromatic components. They are viewed as well-being nourishment, since they are rich in minerals, vitamins, fiber, and different supplements. Organic fruits are high in glucose and fructose. However, they must be present in the diet, even if it is in a small portion. This is because of the many advantages that these fruits offer to the body. Since organic fruits can adjust the glucose levels in your blood, they ought to be devoured in little or controlled amounts just on the proposal of your specialist or a dietician. Can Diabetics Eat Grapes? Fruits are a critical piece for diabetic patients. Though red grapes contain a high amount of sugar, yet they additionally contain great measures of fiber, which keep your body from engrossing the sugar from grapes too rapidly. This, at last, keeps your blood glucose levels from increasing all of a sudden. Starches and carbohydrates, unlike sugars, don't cause an increase in the glucose levels. Specialists suggest grapes for diabetic patients. You can essentially devour around three servings of grapes consistently. This adds up to one serving of grapes with every meal. Red and dark grapes are prescribed for diabetics, especially because of the high amount of nutrients that it contains. A large portion of red grapes for diabetics contain just 52 calories. This serving of red grapes likewise contains around 11.69 grams of sugar. In this, 0.11 grams is sucrose, glucose is of 5.43 grams and Fructose is 6.14 grams. These likewise contain a little measure of fiber that can help your wellbeing. Green grapes a Continue reading >>
Are Grapes And/or Grape Juice Bad For People With Type 2 Diabetes?
A: No, grapes and grape juice are not “bad” for people with diabetes. Grapes are actually rich in phytonutrients, nutrients that are thought to play a role in disease prevention, cognitive function and immunity. However, it’s important to keep in mind that all fruit and fruit juices contain carbohydrate. People with diabetes need to control their carbohydrate intake. A “serving” of grapes is about 17; a serving of grape juice is 1/3 of a cup. Depending on your carbohydrate goals for your meals and snacks, you should be able to fit grapes and/or grape juice into your eating plan, but you’ll need to keep an eye on your portion. Also, it’s generally recommended that one eat whole fruit instead of drinking juice. Drinking juice is less satisfying than eating fruit, and some people find that it raises blood glucose levels rather quickly. Continue reading >>
The Right Way To Eat Grapes For Each Type Of Diabetes
Grapes are one of the most popular fruits on the planet thanks to their varieties, flavor, texture, and portability. They provide numerous health benefits most of which are supported by scientific studies. They are related to prevention of heart disease, constipation, high blood pressure, and even cancer thanks to their rich content of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients. What’s more, they provide powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and anti-aging properties. However, are they good for people with diabetes? What is their effect on blood sugar and how much is safe to eat for these people? Here’s everything you need to know about grapes and diabetes. Grapes and Diabetes All fruits contain fructose and glucose, but this doesn’t mean that a person with diabetes should avoid them completely. In contrary, they should consume fruits in moderate amounts as they provide numerous health benefits, but on the recommendation of a dietician or doctor. In fact, fruits are an important part of the meal plan of people with diabetes, including grapes. Besides containing naturally occurring sugars, red grapes also have a high content of fiber which slows down the absorption of nutrients in your body. This, in turn, prevent the occurrence of spikes in your blood glucose. Fibers don’t raise your blood sugar, unlike carbs and sugars. How Much to Eat Red and black grapes have highly nutritional content which is why the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends them for people with diabetes. You can have about 3 servings per day, which equals to 1 serving with each meal. There are only 52 calories and 11.69 gr of sugar in ½ a cup of red grapes. However, 5.43 gr of this amount is glucose, 0.11 gr is sucrose, and 6.14 gr are fructose. A Continue reading >>
