Overview
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. As of 2010, 23.6 million people live with diabetes, and there are 1.6 million new cases each year. Diabetes is a disease affecting blood sugar, or glucose, levels. Doctors and nutritionists advocate controlling type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise.
Cinnamon sticks on a plate. Photo Credit Getideaka/iStock/Getty Images
Cinnamon
According to a study published in the May 2006 edition of the "European Journal of Clinical Investigation," cinnamon can control blood sugar levels due to its stimulating action on the digestive tract.
There are several ways to add cinnamon to the diet. Sprinkle some in your coffee grounds prior to brewing--it adds a slight spicy taste to the coffee, and balances the blood sugar at the start of the day. Adding 1/4 tsp. to oatmeal or soup twice daily is another way to lower blood sugar.
There are several ways to add cinnamon to the diet. Sprinkle some in your coffee grounds prior to brewing--it adds a slight spicy taste to the coffee, and balances the blood sugar at the start of the day. Adding 1/4 tsp. to oatmeal or soup twice daily is another way to lower blood sugar.
Natural Sugars
Some sweeteners have relatively low-glycemic levels for those at risk for diabetes, or those with a diabetes diagnosis. Low-glycemic foods eliminate blood sugar spikes and crashes that can be dangerous for diabetics and pre-diabetics.
Agave nectar, made from the agave cactus, is an example of a relatively low-glycemic sweetener. Many people switch to agave nectar as their choice of sweetener because it mixes well in tea and coffee, and also works well in baking.
Another alternative sweetener is stevia. According to the Stevia website, Stevia is an all-natural supplement used as a sweetener that has been around as a sugar substitute since World War II. Made from the stevia plant, it is known for its sweetness and use in controlling blood sugar.
Agave nectar, made from the agave cactus, is an example of a relatively low-glycemic sweetener. Many people switch to agave nectar as their choice of sweetener because it mixes well in tea and coffee, and also works well in baking.
Another alternative sweetener is stevia. According to the Stevia website, Stevia is an all-natural supplement used as a sweetener that has been around as a sugar substitute since World War II. Made from the stevia plant, it is known for its sweetness and use in controlling blood sugar.
Peony
"The Essential Herbs Handbook" notes that the Japanese call the peony the "food of dragons" and eat it as a vegetable. The beautiful fragrant red blossom of the peony have been used as a medicine for 2,000 years. Named for the Greek god Paeon, physician to the gods, peony flowers are dried and ground into powder used for balancing blood sugar.
www.livestrong.com
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