Latest News on Broccoli Sprouts for Diabetes

Increased levels of inflammation and oxidative stress have been linked to the increased risk of diabetes and diabetes-related complications. When the body is unable to fight disease-causing radicals such as reactive oxygen species, it becomes overwhelmed leading to oxidative stress. Cruciferous vegetables like:

cauliflower,
broccoli sprouts,
Brussels sprouts and
cabbage

contain active plant chemicals commonly known as glucosinolates in high quantities. The body metabolizes these glucosinolates into isothiocyanates which are very powerful anti-carcinogens and antioxidants. This helps reduce oxidative stress which is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes.

How can broccoli sprouts benefit Diabetes patients?

Broccoli sprouts are the richest source of a chemo-protective compound known as glucoraphanin (SGS-Sulforaphane glucosinolate). Glucoraphanin protects your body against cancer and also improves the body’s ability to excrete or eliminate toxic substances. However, it is important to understand that broccoli sprouts contain up to 50 times more glucoraphanin than mature broccoli.

This is mainly because the plant develops its nutrients in a concentrated way when it is young. These detoxifying enzymes and antioxidants help protect your tissues and cells. Glucosinolate glucoraphanin improves kidney function and blood pressure.

On the other hand, it boosts the cell enzymes that protect cells from cancer-causing chemicals and molecular damage. Sulforaphane is a mebolite of glucosinolate glucoraphanin which normalizes DNA methylation. This is a very important part of the normal cell function that regulates gene expression and activates more than 200 genes.

Moreover, Sulforaphane restores the immune system as you age and also increases the liver’s ability to get rid of free radicals and carcinogenic compounds.

Therefore, besides its antimicrobial and anti-diabetic properties sulforaphane also slows the growth of tumors by killing cancer stem cells. The phytochemical sulforaphane is one of the most powerful compounds in broccoli sprouts. It stimulates the production of vital enzymes that reduce the number of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that cause cell damage.

This is very beneficial especially for diabetics primarily because they face a high ser risk (up to 5 times) of developing various cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attacks. Since sulforaphane reduces the amount of Reactive Oxygen Species by up to 73%, the risk of developing heart attacks and strokes which are linked to cell damage and damaged blood vessels is greatly reduced.

What is the best way to eat broccoli sprouts?

In order to enjoy more broccoli health benefits, opt for broccoli sprouts because they allow the body to extract more minerals, vitamins, essential fats and amino acids from the rest of the diet. Just 0.17 ounces (5 grams) of broccoli sprouts have a concentration of glucoraphanin equal to that contained in 5.2 ounces (150 grams) of mature broccoli.

The way you cook broccoli sprouts can also alter the nutrient content. If you microwave it, the beneficial compounds will be reduced by 74% to 90%. However, steaming or eating your broccoli raw is a good way to ensure that its phytonutrients are kept intact.

Broccoli Sprouts for Diabetes, Powder Form

Real Sprouts V’s Sprout Powder

Yes, fresh broccoli sprouts are great to eat and of course, still very beneficial for your health, especially for diabetics. However keep in mind, you may get tired of eating soo many Broccoli sprouts a day and they do go bad if not eaten after a few days.

Another option for getting your good dose of sulforaphane, is by taking it in powder form.

Benefits – Broccoli sprout powder can keep for months – doesn’t need refrigeration, but obviously, it would last longer again. Convenient when traveling – just sprinkle a spoonful in with your juice or smoothie of a morning.

HINT – Always remember if you are adding the powder to your cooking, always do so just prior to serving to ensure you are getting the maximum health benefits.

Adding organically-grown whole foods in your diet is one of the most effective ways of achieving optimum health and preventing disease.

Therefore broccoli sprouts for diabetes patients especially, should definitely be part of the pre-diabetic (metabolic syndrome) and diabetic diet.

Benefits of Chia Seeds for Diabetes

Several reports suggest that chia seeds are highly beneficial for diabetics. But, how does it really work?

If you have a loved one who is diabetic or you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you must have heard about the importance of exercise and diet for diabetes. There are numerous reports and evidence about people who have been able to control type 2 diabetes or at least improve their health by adhering to the right diet and exercise. Therefore, we cannot deny the fact that proper nutrition helps improve the health of diabetics.

What is Chia Seed?

Chia is one of a few complete protein plants and is commonly found growing naturally in Central America, Guatemala, and Mexico. It is also known as California Sage, California Chia or Salvia Hispanic.

Chia seeds are very rich in minerals, proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, omega-3 fats and fiber. This is the main reason why it’s considered a super-food. This basically means that it’s a nutrient-rich food with numerous health benefits. More and more people are consuming chia seeds as they come aware of its benefits resulting from its nutritional value.

The number of people (including children) being diagnosed with diabetes worldwide is growing at an alarming rate. However, rather than resigning yourself to simply live with this debilitating disease, you should understand that there are ways to control and manage this diabetes and eating chia seeds is just one of them.

Chia Seeds Nutritional Profile

One of the main reasons why chia is so beneficial is because it’s rich in minerals, omega-3, vitamins, protein and fiber.

For instance 28 grams (one ounce) of chia seeds contains:

6 grams fiber
137 calories
4 grams protein
3 grams carbohydrates
6 grams fat
65 milligrams phosphorus (27% DV)
6 milligram manganese (30% DV)
1 milligram copper (% DV)
8 milligrams potassium (1% DV)
1 milligram copper (3% DV)

Chia seeds are also a rich source of antioxidants and they also contain essential fatty acids linoleic and alpha-linoleic acid; vitamins A, B, E and D; mucin; strontium; and minerals including magnesium, niacin, manganese, iodine, sulphur and iron.

What are the Benefits of Chia Seeds for Diabetes?

Improves Insulin and Glucose Tolerance

In a study in diet-induced obese rats, a high fructose, high fat diet was fed to one group of rats and the other group of rats was fed a high fructose, high fat diet along with chia oil and chia seeds. The group of rats that was fed a high fat, high fructose (sugar) diet developed insulin resistance, oxidative stress and glucose intolerance just like humans would if they fed on a typical diet high in sugar and processed foods.

However, the other group which was fed a high fructose, high fat diet along with chia oil and chia seeds didn’t develop such problems. In fact, it was the opposite and quite remarkable. Chia seeds helped improve insulin and glucose resistance and restore their bodies’ antioxidant system.

Reduce Diabetes Swelling – Chia Reduces Inflammation

Numerous studies show that inflammation is the main cause of many health conditions including diabetes. One of the main nutrients that have been extensively studied for anti-inflammatory effects is omega-3. Chia seed is rich in Omega -3 which comes from alpha-linoleic acid. Although alpha-linoleic acid does not convert to EPA and DHA (usable forms), as well as eating fish such as salmon, it still provides benefits.

On the other hand, chia is rich in dietary fiber which is also an anti-inflammatory agent and this contributes to chia’s anti-inflammatory power.

Rich in Anti-Oxidants

The high antioxidant capacity of chia seeds prevents the sensitive fats from going rancid. Anti-oxidants also help prevent oxidative stress and free radicals and damage to the body. Remember, free radicals damage body cells and lead to the development of various conditions. Chia seeds donate stable molecules to free radicals in order to make them normal once again and prevent further damage and decline in health.

Improves Cardiovascular Risk Factors

A randomized control trial conducted in 2007 took two groups of people with type 2 diabetes and gave one group 37 grams of wheat and the other group was given 37 grams of chia seeds per day for 12 weeks.

The group that was given chia had a reduction hs—CRP of 40 percent (an inflammatory agent that is commonly seen in cardiovascular disease), a reduction in SBP (systolic blood pressure) and a decrease in A1C. Reductions in CRP and SBP indicate significant improvements especially in cardiovascular risk factors.

Research shows that chia does not have any harmful effects for diabetics. Therefore, it’s perfectly fine to include it in your every other day or every day diet routine.

Check out some other natural remedies for diabetes here!

Homeopathic Treatment for Diabetes

There are many home remedies for diabetes, and herbal supplements for diabetes type 2, (some you may never have heard of!) Diabetes mellitus mainly affects the blood glucose levels and utilization of glucose as energy in the body. Glucose is vital for building up muscles and it also acts as fuel for numerous brain functions. However, the blood glucose level is usually high in diabetic conditions and it might cause serious health problems or even death. Homeopathy is one of the treatments for diabetes and it can improve the health of patients and also aid in achieving control over the blood glucose level.

Some of the most Effective Natural Remedies for Diabetes include:

Uranium nitrate

The use of uranium nitrate as a Homeopathic treatment for diabetes originated due to dyspepsia. The signs and symptoms of dyspepsia include; polyuria, polydipsia, dry skin and dryness in the mouth. Uranium nitrate lessens the sugar level in urine and also reduces frequent urination. However, people under this treatment will feel thirsty frequently and also experience an increased appetite. Despite the increased food consumption, such individuals will still lose weight. Fatigue is also common for patients under this treatment. An example of this treatment method is Syzygium jambolanum. However, it is vital to consult a homeopathic doctor in order to ensure that this treatment suits your body and the stage your diabetes is at.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another one of the home remedies for diabetes – very beneficial for pancreatic disorders including diabetes. This treatment is also very useful when diabetes occurs with other conditions including tuberculosis and gouty diathesis. It gets rid of symptoms such as sudden dryness in the mouth, thirsty, feeling, emaciation and frequent urination. Examples of this treatment method in homeopathy medicine include natrum sulphuricum and arsenicum. Arsenicum is effective for reducing thirst and diabetic gangrene. On the other hand, natrum sulphuricum is used for hydrogenic constitution and dry mouth.

Use of lactic acid in Homeopathic Treatment for Diabetes.

This homeopathic treatment method is highly effective in treating diabetes that is associated with any gastro-hepatic conditions. Symptoms such as

constant and frequent hunger,
thirst with nausea and
frequent urination, show that patients need this treatment. This homeopathic remedy reduces chronic pain, dryness in the mouth and dryness in the skin which are typical symptoms for gastro-hepatic diabetes. This symptom can be used along with acetic acid as well as carbolic acid to improve diabetic symptoms.

Insulin

Long before the effects of insulin on diabetic patients were proven, pancreatic juice was often used to treat diabetes in homeopathy. The pancreatic juice should be administered along with water under supervision in doses of 10-20 drops. Supervision is very important in order to avoid overdosing especially in this treatment method. A small dose of pancreatic juice has a huge effect. Pancreatic juice is one of the best homeopathic treatment for diabetes.

Bryonia

Bryonia is a native European perennial vine with red berries and white flowers. The root of the Bryonia plant is used in healing. It has a bitter smell and strong taste. Bryonia is also known as devil’s turnip.

Homeopathic treatment for diabetes, natural herbs for diabetes — Bryonia

This treatment method is highly effective especially for diabetic patients who are also affected by hepatic disorders. Hepatic disorders cause difficulty in eating which might result in fatigue and tiredness. Patients may also experience general weakness, bitter taste in the mouth and dryness in lips. The tongue will also become flabby and the patient might suffer from mood disorders as well. This remedy can also be used to treat various digestive disorders.

It is vital for diabetes to be diagnosed and treated early in order to avoid further complications. If left untreated, diabetes can damage tissues that are vulnerable to the effects of high blood sugar levels such as the eye, kidney, large blood vessels and the nerves. Remember, It is essential to eat well and take regular exercise for good health. This, along with the numerous natural remedies for diabetes will certainly improve and help to reverse your condition.