Praktikos Institute

A herbal blend based on sesame seed lignan extracts can help reduce blood glucose levels among a growing proportion of the population classed as pre-diabetic, according to Indian researchers.

Rapidly changing levels of blood glucose as a response to eating a high carbohydrate meal is now widely recognized as a trigger for many chronic illnesses ranging from heart disease to cancer, metabolic dysfunction and diabetes. Researchers have uncovered a host of naturally occurring compounds that slow the release of glucose from carbohydrates after consumption, or help to usher sugar into our cells where it is used for energy metabolism. Chromium is a mineral that is essential for proper glucose utilization, and resveratrol has been shown to improve insulin signaling to help prevent metabolic dysfunction.

New research debuted at the American Diabetes Association’s 72nd Annual Scientific Session suggests eating raisins three times a day may significantly lower postprandial (post-meal) glucose levels when compared to common alternative snacks of equal caloric value.

In a study involving STZ-induced diabetic rats, administration of lycopene (10, 30, 60 mg/kg/d, i.v.) for a period of 8 weeks was found to reduce blood glucose, oxidative stress, and up-regulate eNOS expression.

As science delves more into the natural goodness of plants and plant based foods, we are finding out more about the health giving properties of common fruits and vegetables and other holistic interventions. Recent studies suggest that eating more apples and blueberries could naturally lower diabetes risk. Educators and medical professionals are finding that holistic interventions like yoga beneficial for children with special needs or disabilities.

Blueberries are among the nutrient-rich foods being studied by UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center investigators exploring the link between disease and nutrition. Dieticians there say as little as a cup a day can help prevent cell damage linked to cancer.

New research shows that eating blueberries may have the potential to make a significant difference in the growth and spread of a difficult-to-treat type of breast cancer that affects thousands of people each year.

Adding blueberries or broccoli to the diet may shift the balance of bacteria colonizing the gut, and improve inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), suggests new data from a mouse study.

What do broccoli and blueberries have in common? New research suggests they could be very effective in alleviating digestive problems. In a study published in Nutrition, scientists at Nutrigenomics New Zealand examined the effects of these two foods on mice with symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The findings indicate that adding these foods to the diet may change the bacteria in the intestinal tract and also reduce inflammation commonly seen in this disorder.

Could the antioxidants in Wild Blueberries help protect your brain against memory loss? Today, a growing body of research is focused on the potential of this tasty little superfruit to confer a wide range of possible brain health benefits. Areas of study include memory loss, Alzheimers disease and other forms of cognitive impairmentareas of intense interest to the millions of baby boomers who are now reaching retirement age.