Diabetes Cooking Tip: Make Your Own Herb Blends
Diabetes Cooking Tip: Make Your Own Herb Blends Herb Blends Help Spice Up Diabetic Recipes Written by Frances Towner Giedt and Bonnie Sanders Polin, PhD Dried herbs can add so much flavor to dishes; they can really help you "spice up" diabetic recipes. You can buy herb blends, but it's rather easy to make your own. We explain how to do that in this article. Mix up your own blends and then use them in our diabetic recipes. One of the many rewards of herb gardening is using the harvest later in the year in cooking or for decorating your house, bringing the scents, colors, and textures of your herb garden indoors. When the snow or sleet/rain is falling during the long winter months, potpourri youve blended from leaves and favorite flowers will recall the scent and beauty of your summer garden. You can also make herb blends with dried herbs purchased in jars. To save money, you might wish to purchase large bottles of herbs at a discount store. Gourmet shops are full of bottles and jars of dried herb blends: Tex-Mex blends, herbs for poultry stuffing, Cajun mixes, fines herbes, bouquet garni, herbes de Provence, the list goes on and on. However, you can make your own herb blends. When experimenting with herb blends, remember to be a little stingy; its easier to add more of a strong herb than to take some out. Combine herbs that you like best and think will taste good together. Usually, combination of two or three herbs provide sufficient balance without the herb flavors clashing. Store dried herbs in airtight containers away from strong sunlight; theyll keep for 6 months to a year. Use home-made blends within 4 to 6 months for best flavor. When you use the blends, crush or bruise the herbs with your fingers to release their oils. Here are some of our favorite blends. Excell Continue reading >>
Top 8 Spices And Herbs For Type 2 Diabetes
Top 8 Spices and Herbs for Type 2 Diabetes By Jenny Hills, Medical Writer and Researcher Health Human life expectancy continues to rise in many parts of the world, a fortunate event with some unfortunate results. Dr. Ahmad Shamim notes in his book about diabetes that an older population and increase in obesity have been linked to a global rise in type 2 diabetes. The numbers estimate that without a cure, a global increase will lead to around 439 million diabetics by 2030. Living with diabetes, however, is getting much easier. Thanks to many medical studies, researchers are finding ways to live a long and healthy life with diabetes. The following herbs and spices have been in the spotlight in recent decades for their ability to help a diabetic control their condition. As an herb known mainly for baking sweets, cinnamon doesnt get as much credit as it should within the medical community. This spice is packed with antioxidants, antibacterial properties, anti inflammatory properties, and the ability to help people with diabetes. Ceylon Cinnamon is the best choice as this type of cinnamon is more closely associated with potential health benefits involving blood sugar regulation. Research has displayed cinnamons ability to lowering the bodys resistance to insulin and decrease overall cholesterol levels within people that have type 2 diabetes. It can be ingested in the powdered spice form or taken as a supplement (consult with your doctor before taking cinnamon, or other herb, in a supplement form). Due to the lower sugar levels while using cinnamon, some physicians recommend avoiding other supplements on the list such as fenugreek, garlic, bitter melon, and ginseng. Further reading: To learn more about cinnamon, read my article how to use cinnamon as a medicine . This common Continue reading >>
Top 12 Herbs And Spices To Control Type 2 Diabetes (we Love #9!)
In various parts of the world, our life expectancy is continuing to rise. This is good news, however, quality of life does not appear to be rising nearly as quickly. We live longer, but we don’t live healthier lives. There has been a dramatic increase in cases of type 2 diabetes around the world. With no cure in sight, estimates are that by the year 2030, the world will have 439 million diabetics! The good news in all of this is that living with diabetes becomes easier as scientists discover more and more about the types of foods that we eat. Help in controlling your blood sugar levels is as close as in your kitchen! There are numerous herbs and spices that do an excellent job at stabilizing blood sugar levels which can be a huge help to diabetics. These natural herbs and spices are not meant to replace any medication, only to enhance your treatment. Never stop taking medication without your doctor’s approval. Talk to your doctor before starting any herbal program. Even though most people tolerate these natural substances well, some can interfere with certain prescription medications. Be safe and speak with your doctor first to ensure your health and well-being. Now, let’s take a look at the best herbs and spices that are well-known to scientists for their ability to stabilize blood sugar levels. 1. Cayenne It’s hot stuff, but the active ingredient in cayenne pepper, capsaicin, is often used to treat diabetes related nerve pain. You will find it in many over the counter lotions and creams designed to relieve pain. Cayenne acts as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study which found that when people with diabetes consumed a meal that had liberal amounts of this spice added to it, they needed les Continue reading >>
What Spices Are Good For Diabetics?
A condition in the body caused by the excess of sugar in the blood is called diabetes. There are four types of diabetes type1 diabetes , type 2 diabetes , gestational diabetes , and pre-diabetes . When the immune system in the body is destroyed, the cells of the pancreas called islets of Langerhans which produces insulin also get destroyed. This is the reason why diabetes results in human. The other reasons underlying diabetes can be stress, chemical toxin within the food, underlying genetic disposition, and many others. What are the spices that can curb down diabetes? The first and foremost quick remedy for diabetes is taking medicines. Taking regular dosage of insulin for those affected by the high level of diabetes is a must. Regular exercise of calories burning could be another natural way of controlling diabetes. But you must know some natural ways to curb down diabetes. These are some spices which are available in your surroundings, and you can consume them on a regular basis. What are the spices that can curb down diabetes? Some herbs can be used in regular cooking, which has anti-inflammatory properties and curbs down the sugar level. Lets have a look at those precious yet commonly found spices. Basil: Basil could be used in regular cooking especially topped over soups. These remind of Italian seasonings. A combination of basil with other herbs like- turmeric, rosemary, and oregano are the forerunners which lower the blood sugar. Must Read: What Are The Best Low Carb Snacks For Diabetics? Blueberry: Blueberry or bilberry found in European countries is found to lower blood sugar. They carry anthocyanins, an oxidant that helps to fight diabetes, strengthen your heart, and control the blood fats and other diseases. Its a proven fact that bilberries control inflamm Continue reading >>
How To Spice Up A Diabetes Diet - How To Eat With Diabetes
"Seasoning foods creatively wakes up the taste buds and helps us to use less added salt, sugar, and fats," says Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, FAND , author of Diabetes Weight Loss: Week by Week . Even better, favoring food with certain seasonings and spices can actually enhance your overall health by reducing inflammation in the body, which can cause many health problems, including insulin resistance, says Francisco Arredondo, MD, MPH , a board-certified endocrinologist at RMA of Texas. "Many spices contain polyphenols, a micronutrient with anti-inflammatory properties." Ready to take a trip to Flavortown? Buckle up! Start your morning off right with some cinnamon in your breakfast. "Some studies show that this delicious, sweet spice might help with blood sugar and cholesterol control among people with type 2 diabetes ," Weisenberger says. Try making a bowl of cottage cheese, grapefruit slices, and cinnamon. But you don't have to stop there: Cinnamon can be sprinkled onto cereal, fresh fruit, or even coffee or tea as a sugar alternative. "If you are baking, you can reduce the amount of sugar up to 25% without affecting the structure of the recipe," says Melissa Joy Dobbins, RD, CDE . Two of the best opportunities for incorporating and experimenting with seasonings are in lunch and dinner dishes. Fish, for instance, makes a great match for many different herbs and spices, especially basil. Just be sure to skip calorie-laden toppings, sauces, breading, and deep-frying. which will increase the amount of added sugar and saturated fat, advises Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN , Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute . "Sprinkle fresh basil with lemon over salmon to get those heart-shielding omega-3 fatty acids," Weisenberger adds. "Or slip a few leaves onto your Continue reading >>
Spice Up Your Seasoning
Everyone needs to cut down on the amount of salt in their diets whether they have diabetes or not. Too much salt in your diet can raise your blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. It can be a challenge, and food may taste bland to begin with. But, with some simple changes to your seasoning, you can reinvigorate your taste buds and enjoy healthy, nutritious food. There are plenty of alternative herbs and spices that you can use in your cooking without having to reach for the salt cellar. Use ginger, lime and coriander to add a tangy flavour to stir-fries. Try a bit of smoked paprika on some sweet potato wedges. Tarragons aniseed flavour works well in sauces for fish and poultry. Aromatic cardamom can add a little extra spice to stews and curries. Although its most commonly used in savoury cooking, particularly Indian cuisine, its also useful when baking occasional sweet treats, as it goes surprisingly well with chocolate. Spicy harissa paste can be used as a marinade for meat and fish, to flavour soups, pasta dishes and couscous, or served in olive oil as a dip for bread. Use sparingly a little goes a long way. Try these spicy dishes for a change, which are so full of flavour you wont miss the salt pot. Serves 2 gluten free 5 portions of fruit & veg per serving prep 15 minutes cook 15 minutes Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6. Cube the chicken and add to a bowl with the yogurt, paprika, cumin and turmeric, then mix well to coat the chicken. Lightly oil a baking tray and arrange the onion and pepper evenly over it, then place the chicken pieces on the onion and pepper, and arrange the tomatoes on top. Roast for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and serve with basmati rice or salad. Per serving*331Kcal 38.8g protein 28.5g Continue reading >>
Spice That Cures Diabetes
Diabetes results from too much glucose, or sugar, in the bloodstream. Those with type 1 diabetes suffer from an auto-immune disease in which their body doesnt make enough insulin to counteract the food they eat. Those with Type 2 diabetes might have not create enough insulin or might have insulin resistance, which means they create insulin but their body doesnt use it effectively. The following spices are proven excellent for those who have diabetes. For those who have type 1 diabetes, these spices might help them keep diabetes under control. For those who have type 2 diabetes, these spices could help reduce the problem or eliminate it altogether. The capsaicin in this spice can help veins and arteries regain their elasticity, which can normalize blood pressure levels. This helps the blood flow through your body, especially the extremities, where you might have complications from high blood sugar. This spice contains curcumin, a bioactive compound that helps through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In studies in rats, it helped decrease the odds of blindness and improved circulation. This spice helps improve the metabolism of glucose in the cells, which could lead to lower blood sugar levels. In addition, cinnamon is also great for reducing high cholesterol levels, which are often another problem those with diabetes. A daily dose of cinnamon bark helps to regulate blood sugar, as well as reduce plasma glucose, which is good news for those who are watching their glycemic index. A treatment used for thousands of years, ginseng is proven to reduce glucose levels if taken 40 minutes before a meal. In addition, it can lead to higher energy levels, which is always a good thing for anyone, regardless of their diabetic diagnosis. This treatment not only can reduce Continue reading >>
Top 10 Herbs And Spices For Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly referred to as diabetes, refers to a group of metabolic diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). According to International Diabetes Federation statistics from 2014, an estimated 387 million people worldwide have diabetes. About 90 percent of them have Type 2 diabetes. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. The exact cause is unknown, however risk increases with certain factors like family history, genetics, exposure to certain viruses like the Epstein-Barr virus, and vitamin D deficiency. Type 2 diabetes begins when cells fail to respond to insulin properly. Factors that put you at a higher risk include obesity, excess abdominal fat, inactive lifestyle, family history, age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, and a history of polycystic ovaries. Gestational diabetes affects women during pregnancy. Some of the symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst or hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, slow healing process and frequent infections. If left untreated, it can cause many complications. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is necessary for your overall health. You can do it with a healthy diet, regular exercise, not using tobacco, maintaining a healthy body weight and taking the prescribed medications. You can also try some herbs and spices to ease symptoms and control your blood sugar. 1. Cinnamon Cinnamon contains bioactive components that can help lower blood sugar levels. A 2013 study published in the Annals of Family Medicine and Diabetes Care shows that cinnamon is beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes. Based on this study, it may ha Continue reading >>
Use These 17 Herbs And Spices To Fight Diabetes
(NaturalNews) According to the most recent American Diabetes Association report, 29.1 million Americans are diabetic. Additionally, the disease still held the rank of being the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Over 8 million of that 29.1 are undiagnosed, unaware that they have the condition.(1) Therefore, it's wise for everyone to take a closer look at their dietary lifestyle and eat foods that help fight diabetes. Fight diabetes with these 17 herbs and spices Several kinds of herbs and spices exist that keep the disease at bay. Here's a look at what Dr. Alexa Fleckenstein, author of The Diabetes Cure, swears by.(2) The list of herbs, spices and information below are derived from her book. Supporting details and their sources are noted, if used. 1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) In a small study involving 40 type 2 diabetics, it was found that those consuming this herb were able to reduce their fasting blood glucose levels by approximately 17.6 percent. Additionally, their blood glucose levels after eating a meal were lowered by 7.3 percent. Why not add their earthy yet semi-sweet leaves to more meals? 2. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Bilberries' blue color, which exists on the inside as well as the outside, has antioxidants called anthocyanins. They're known to help fight diabetes and lower inflammation. In fact, an Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition study found that regular ingestion of them led to improvements in glucose tolerance. 3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Chamomile has the ability to help lower blood sugar levels and properly remove sugar from blood and store it in the liver, making it a smart choice in addition to the other herbs and spices mentioned in this article. 4. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) This aromatic treat is one Continue reading >>
Cooking With Herbs And Spices
Herbs and spices are a healthy cooks best friend. They are excellent for enhancing the flavor of food without the addition of extra fat, sugar, or salt. But herbs and spices have other benefits, as well: They exhibit antimicrobial (germ-killing) properties, act as antioxidants , and may help prevent or decrease the spread of cancer. For centuries, they have been used for medicinal purposes in addition to food flavoring and preservation. The use of herbs, which typically come from the leaves of plants, has been traced back to the BC era. Spices, which come from the bark, fruit, stems, roots, buds, berries, or seeds of plants, started to be used widely around the second century AD. Centuries ago, people thought that herbs and spices had certain properties that benefited health. Today, scientists have uncovered just how healthful many herbs and spices are. In one study, researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture examined the antioxidant activity (the ability to protect cells against the effects of free radicals, unstable molecules that result from the breakdown of food, exposure to pollutants, or UV light) of fresh herbs grown in a garden at the Agricultural Research Service. They found that each of the herbs tested had greater antioxidant activity by weight than berries, fruits, or vegetables. According to this study, just one tablespoon of fresh oregano has the same antioxidant power as a medium-size apple. How do other herbs stack up? Three tablespoons of dill, 4 1/2 tablespoons of thyme, 7 tablespoons of sage, and 8 tablespoons of parsley all have the antioxidant potential of that medium-size apple. In addition to their antioxidant capabilities, several herbs as well as some spices act as antimicrobial agents in food. Clove, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, and rosema Continue reading >>
17 Herbs And Spices That Fight Diabetes
Are you looking for inspiration, or simply for the perfect recipe to impress your friends? SO COOKBOOK is the perfect app to… Continue reading >>
Herbs & Spices That Reverse Diabetes
The following herbs, spices and nutrients have demonstrated their effectiveness in lowering blood sugar, boosting insulin sensitivity, reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol, and more. And, if used as part of an diabetes nutritional program, these herbs and spices can help reverse Type 2 diabetes naturally. In most cases, especially if you have any concerns about nutrient absorption and efficacy, consider using organic herbal tinctures to achieve maximum absorption and effectiveness. Also, talk to you doctor before adding any new herbal supplement to your regimen, especially if it has the potential to lower your blood sugar or thin your blood. The following is a list of the key herbs and spices that have demonstrated the ability to improve blood sugar levels within Type 2 diabetic patients and even help to reverse Type 2 diabetes. Basil Benefit: Basil is popular in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes. In a study reported in the 2008 issue of "Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine," lead author Dr. M. Bhat found that basil can relieve postprandial hyperglycemia, an excessive rise in blood sugar after eating. Basil inhibited a-amylase, an enzyme in saliva that breaks down starches into sugars, and it inhibited glucosidases, enzymes in the pancreas and intestines that break down complex carbohydrates into sugar. Bilberry Benefit: Protecting the eyes and nerves Typical dosage: 80 to 120 milligrams two times per day of standardized bilberry extract. This relative of the blueberry contains powerful antioxidants in its fruit and leaves. These antioxidants, called anthocyanidins, seem to help prevent damage to tiny blood vessels that can result in nerve pain and retinopathy (damage to the eye’s retina). Animal studies have also suggested that bil Continue reading >>
3 Easy Diabetic Diet Secrets
If you have diabetes, its important for you to follow your doctors orders. Many people have diabetes or even pre-diabetes that can be controlled through changes in diet and exercise. Well focus on three simple steps you can take to improve your diet. (Be sure to consult with your physician for the specific diet and exercise plan thats right for you.) Why is this important? To keep your blood sugar levels as consistent as possible. What you eat and when you eat can also affect how your diabetes medicines work. It helps to plan your meals and snacks for each day so you dont lose track of what and when you ate. The less fat in your diet, the betterespecially when you have diabetes. Over time, diabetes can affect the heart and cardiovascular system, so it makes sense to try and prevent further illness by choosing: Healthier carbohydrates Fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, low-fat dairy Fiber-rich foods Whole grains, nuts, legumes (beans, lentils, etc.), vegetables, fruits Heart-healthy fish Salmon, mackerel & other fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids, tuna, cod, halibut Good fats Avocados, olive and canola oil, almonds, walnuts, olivesitems with less saturated or trans fats Why less sodiumisnt diabetes more about sugar? Maintaining a healthy body when you have diabetes means adapting your entire dietsugar, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, and salt. Salt added to your meals or sodium existing in the prepared foods you buy can put you at risk for high blood pressure. High blood pressure then puts you at risk for other illnesses, such as kidney disease and heart disease. Two things youre already at risk for if you have diabetes. Thats why it makes sense to reduce your salt intake. Mrs. Dash can help. It is sodium free and adds lots of flavor to your dishes. It now comes in 14 v Continue reading >>
6 Spices For A Type 2 Diabetes-friendly Diet
Thinkstock (3) Flavor With a Side of Diabetes Health Who knew a diabetes diet could lead to fun exploration of your green thumb and your global palate? Type 2 diabetes cooking can be both tasty and healthy once you learn about the health benefits of certain spices. “Spices should take the place of sodium in your diet, and they have health benefits — they’re rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds,” says Juli Adelman, LD, CDE, with the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. “I encourage people with type 2 diabetes to grow their own herb gardens and boost up their spice racks.” Many herbs, such as parsley, mint, and dill, pack a flavor punch that simply makes eating or drinking more pleasurable, while others could help with managing type 2 diabetes. Enjoy eating and growing herbs and spices; just don’t consider them a substitute for other type 2 diabetes treatment. “Moderation is key,” says Gustavo Ortega Jr., RD, with Kaiser Permanente in West Los Angeles. “The idea is to use spices as part of a balanced diet instead of as a supplement.” Here are six spices that can make your diabetes-friendly meals more tasty and healthy. Continue reading >>
Common Spices May Help Diabetes
Study Shows Herbs and Spices May Help Block Inflammation Aug. 6, 2008 -- The spice cabinet may prove to be a source of help for diabetes patients. Some of the most commonly used dried herbs and spices may help block the inflammation believed to drive diabetes and other chronic diseases, laboratory studies conducted by researchers from the University of Georgia suggest. The researchers tested extracts from 24 common herbs and spices and found that many contained high levels of inflammation-inhibiting antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols. The early findings suggest that liberal use of cinnamon in your morning oatmeal or Italian seasonings in your spaghetti sauce could have big payoffs for your health, researcher James L. Hargrove, PhD, tells WebMD. "We might all be better off if we used less salt and pepper, and focused more on herbs and spices," Hargrove says. "I've started putting oregano in my eggs. That's not a big change." (If you have type 2 diabetes , have you integrated some of these spices into your daily diet ? Tell us how on WebMD's Type 2 Diabetes: Support Group board.) Hargrove and colleagues found that ground clove had the most inflammation-calming polyphenols of any of the spice and herb extracts they tested. Cinnamon came in second, but because it is used more in cooking and in larger amounts than ground cloves it has more potential to positively affect health, he says. So much has been written about the benefits of cinnamon for lowering blood sugar that many diabetes patients now take cinnamon supplements . But the research on cinnamon's effect on diabetes has been mixed. Richard Anderson, PhD, was among the first modern researchers to link the antioxidants in cinnamon to increased anti-inflammatory response and blood sugar reductions in diabetes p Continue reading >>
