Are Smoothies Safe? What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid?

Smoothies are safe and beneficial to one’s health. However, they must be consumed in moderation. Anything that is taken to excess can be detrimental. There are a few mistakes that people make unknowingly when making smoothies. The points below will shed light on the common mistakes and how to avoid them. 

Mistake 1: Not rotating the greens 
 Always rotate your greens. As mentioned in an earlier chapter, this will prevent toxin build-up and also give you a well-rounded smoothie diet. 

Mistake 2: Not checking for allergies 
 Be aware of your own allergies if you have any to vegetables and fruits. For example, some people are highly allergic to celery and can suffer from anaphylactic shock if they consume it. You might want to speak to your doctor about your green smoothie diet. 

Mistake 3: Focusing on Fruits Instead of Veggies 
  When making green smoothies, it is best to focus on the vegetables, rather than the fruits. It goes without saying that fruits are tastier because they are sweeter. Because of this, people usually use more fruits than green vegetables. The problem here is that fruits are high in sugar but are not filling. You will not feel as satiated drinking a smoothie that is mostly fruit juice. 

For example, if you make a green smoothie with: 

 1/2 cup of broccoli 
 1 banana 
 ¾ cup blueberries 
 ½ cup orange juice
  1 cup strawberries 
 1 cup water 

By all appearances, you have a green smoothie. Yes, this is good for your health but it will not leave you feeling full because it is low in fiber but high in natural sugars. That basically means you will get hungry sooner and end up eating more food to feel satiated. At the end of the day, you would have consumed more calories and will gain weight. 

It is best to focus more on vegetables. Ideally, a good smoothie would look like this: Now you have a smoothie that is truly green, nutritious and the slow digesting fiber in the broccoli and spinach will leave you feeling full for longer. 

Mistake 4: Not Keeping Things Natural 

 Only use water and pure fruit juice when making your green smoothies. Using milk, yogurt or store bought fruit juice is a big no-no. There are several ingredients that people use thinking that these are nutritious and benefitting them. These are the most common ingredients added to green smoothies which should be avoided. 

1. Protein powder 
2. Ice cream 
3. Sugar 
4. Cream soda 
5. Honey 
6. Whipped cream 
7. Peanut butter 
8. Chocolate syrups 

 ½ cup broccoli 
 1 cup spinach 
 ½ cup cabbage 
 1 cup apple juice 
 1/2 cup water 

There is one cardinal rule to making smoothies. No artificial ingredients. You should only use green vegetables and a few small servings of raw fruit or natural fruit juice to make the smoothie. The fruits just help to make the drink sweeter and more palatable. No deviation from this rule. Period. 

Mistake 5: Not Using a Good Blender 
While this is not a huge mistake, it is still better to use a good blender rather than one ill-suited for making smoothies.  The blender should have a solid base that is wide for stability. Since you're making smoothies with your blender, it needs to have a high-speed and a 1000+ watt The pitcher that the blender uses needs to be large too. Sometimes you may want to make a smoothie for 2 or more people. At times like these, you will need a bigger blender rather than a small, personal one. Do your research and see what is the best type of juicer for you and is within your budget. 

Mistake 6: Not Using Proper Recipes 
Do not try to concoct your own recipes. There are thousands of recipes available online or in books for you to copy. Using too many veggies in your blend will make it have a muddy appearance and the flavors may not be complementary. Many beginners do not know that certain greens such as arugula and broccoli have a strong taste. You’ll need to know what The pitcher that the blender uses needs to be large too. Sometimes you may want to make a smoothie for 2 or more people. At times like these, you will need a bigger blender rather than a small, personal one. Do your research and see what is the best type of juicer for you and is within your budget. 

Mistake 6: Not Using Proper Recipes 
Do not try to concoct your own recipes. There are thousands of recipes available online or in books for you to copy. Using too many veggies in your blend will make it have a muddy appearance and the flavors may not be complementary. Many beginners do not know that certain greens such as arugula and broccoli have a strong taste. You’ll need to know what 

What are Smoothies and How Do You Make One

It’s funny we haven’t yet covered it and we are halfway through the guide! What exactly is a smoothie?  

A smoothie is a thick beverage blend of different vegetables and fruits. Green smoothies use green vegetables such as spinach, celery cucumbers, green apples, etc. 

The beauty of a smoothie is that you get many different nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants at one go. With the correct recipe, your smoothie will not only be healthy, but it will also be tasty. Many people believe that healthy food and tasty food cannot be reconciled. This is false. You can make a healthy and tasty smoothie. 

 Unlike normal smoothies, you will not be using yogurt or milk to make your smoothie. The key here is to keep things natural. Many of the latest studies also show that milk and dairy products are not as beneficial as they were purported to be in the past. In fact, most are detrimental to one’s health. Since the goal here is to keep things raw and natural, the best way to make a smoothie will be to use chilled vegetables and fruit.  

It has been shown that smoothies taste better when they are cold. It is better to use cold ingredients rather than to make a The beauty of a smoothie is that you get many different nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants at one go. With the correct recipe, your smoothie will not only be healthy, but it will also be tasty. Many people believe that healthy food and tasty food cannot be reconciled. This is false. You can make a healthy and tasty smoothie. 

Unlike normal smoothies, you will not be using yogurt or milk to make your smoothie. The key here is to keep things natural. Many of the latest studies also show that milk and dairy products are not as beneficial as they were purported to be in the past. In fact, most are detrimental to one’s health. Since the goal here is to keep things raw and natural, the best way to make a smoothie will be to use chilled vegetables and fruit.  

It has been shown that smoothies taste better when they are cold. It is better to use cold ingredients rather than to make a 

Other beneficial greens you might want to look at

 Other beneficial greens you might want to look at:

 

 Parsley 

 

 Chard 

 

 Pak Choi/Bok Choy 

 

Are some greens better than others? 

The most important point to remember is that eating any vegetable is better than eating none. The problem today is that most people are not even getting enough veggies in their diet... and French fries or mashed potatoes are NOT counted. 

 

First and foremost, you need to get sufficient vegetables in your diet. If you do not like eating vegetables, you can make green smoothies. They are just as beneficial. 

 

There is no need to worry if some greens are better than others because your goal will be to rotate the greens that you use in your smoothie. Some people make the exact same smoothie every single time and miss out on the benefits that they can get from the other vegetables. 

 

Choose organic vegetables whenever you can. The hard truth is that most of our foods contain toxins from insecticides, fertilizers. 

By rotating your greens, you will be preventing a toxin buildup from any one vegetable. You should research what different green smoothie recipes there are. You can find many books in your library or at Amazon.com that contain many tasty and delicious green smoothie recipes. 

 

These guides contain recipes created by nutritionists and health experts who have factored daily nutrient requirements, vegetable combinations, taste, etc. when concocting these recipes. You are in safe hands by following their recipes. The best way to stick with a habit is to like doing it. Since the recipes will usually be tasty, you’ll be more likely to stick to drinking smoothies instead of reaching for the sodas. 

 As long as you make smoothies from the vegetable list given above, or from a good recipe book, you will do just fine. This is not rocket science. It’s just smoothies. Blend them and drink 

 You will look and feel like a brand new you. It’s that simple. 

What are the Best Greens You Should Use

Not all green vegetables and fruits are created equal. When making a green smoothie, it’s best to use vegetables that have the most nutrients to pack a punch. I mean, You want to get the best benefits from your smoothies.  

Let’s look at some of the best greens (in no particular order) that you can use to whip up those awesome smoothies. 

Spinach 
Yup! Popeye was right. This truly is a fantastic green that is full of goodness. It is low in calories yet contains protein, iron, vitamins and minerals. Spinach has been shown to lower the risk of cancer, strengthens bones, reduces the risk of asthma and other infections, lowers blood pressure and aids in glucose control for diabetics. 

 Kale 
Similar to spinach, kale is splendid for nourishing the body. In fact, kale contains more nutrients than spinach. It maintains healthy skin, strong bones, improves digestion and prevents the onset of many health problems. 

 Broccoli 
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. It is fantastic for combating the effects of a poor diet. Our diets are rich in omega-6 fatty acids and this has thrown the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids out of whack.  Our foods have become packed with estrogen, resulting in more men suffering from gynecomastia and other issues. Broccoli mitigates the negative effects of estrogen. 

 

It’s also rich in fiber and sulforaphane. This sulfur compound prevents cancers such as lung and colon cancer. Broccoli is definitely a vegetable that you should include in your smoothies often. It does have a strong taste. So, start by using small amounts till you develop an acquired taste for it and are able to drink it without forcing yourself to. 

 

Collards 

 Collards are rich in vitamin K that promotes good bone health. They reduce the risks of developing colorectal, prostate and lung cancer. They also help diabetes sufferers maintain a stable blood glucose level.  

 An additional benefit of collard greens is that they contain choline. Choline helps with learning, memory, muscle movement and also promotes good sleep. Something which many people sorely need. 

 

Cabbage 

 Cabbage is extremely low in calories but is high in fiber, protein, vitamin C and antioxidants. One cup of cabbage contains almost 50% of the average adult’s daily vitamin C requirements. It also contains manganese, potassium, calcium, folate, thiamine and vitamin B6. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, etc. can also be found in cabbage. You can reduce the risks of getting cancer, enhance your immunity, prevent cardiovascular disease and improve digestion by consuming cabbage. 

Celery 

 Just like the vegetables mentioned earlier, celery is rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals.  It can prevent cancer and helps to lower one’s blood pressure. One point to note is that some people are severely allergic to celery. Make sure you are not allergic to celery before consuming it. 

 

 Dandelion Greens 

 Rich in vitamin C, iron, vitamin B6 and potassium. Also contains copper, folate, thiamine and phosphorous. Helps to good heart health and stabilize blood pressure levels. 

 

 Wheatgrass 

 An excellent vegetable that is rich in many vitamins and nutrients. Prevents a whole host of health problems and also has healing properties. 

 

 Lettuce 

 Fantastic for helping with weight loss. It is low in calories and reduces appetite. It contains many beneficial vitamins such as potassium, biotin, copper, calcium, pantothenic acid, chromium and magnesium.  

 

Some More Benefits of Green Smoothies

Other benefits: 

 They are easily digested and the body is able to quickly assimilate the essential nutrients.  

 The smoothies are rich in fiber and help maintain a healthy digestive system. 

 They can be delicious once you get used to them. The mix of fruits and vegetables can be tasty. You’re consuming a very tasty ‘medicine’ for your body. 

 If you struggle to eat vegetables, green smoothies are a very convenient replacement. This applies to kids who hate eating vegetables. It is much easier to gulp down a green smoothie instead of gnawing on Brussels sprouts like a hamster at the dinner table. They are just as healthy too. The smoothies, not the hamster. 

 Green smoothies help to maintain a healthy cholesterol level in the body.  

As you can see, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by drinking green smoothies often. 

Benefits of Green Smoothies

Now we’ve discovered that green smoothies are excellent for one’s health, let’s look at how they actually help you get healthier and stronger. 

Increased energy 

While you may not notice a change overnight, as you consume green smoothies over a period of 2 or 3 weeks, you’ll notice that you have more energy and a better outlook in general. You will have more vitality and zest for life. You won’t be able to explain why... but rest assured that the green smoothies are making a difference. To achieve this, it’s best to consume the smoothies on an empty stomach. Another good time to drink these smoothies is after an exercise session when your body is craving nutrients. 

Aids in weight loss 

As mentioned earlier, Joe Cross lost almost 100 pounds from a juice fast. It may make many people panic when they think of not eating food and merely drinking smoothies. They fear starving or becoming under-nourished. This is a huge fallacy. Our bodies require nutrients from food. That is true. However, there is a severe dearth of good nutrients in the food we consume these days. That is why people never feel satiated and constantly keep eating. 

The food they’re eating is high in processed ingredients, additives, etc. While it may fill the stomach, these are empty calories that lack the nutrients the body needs. As a result, the body craves more food to compensate for the lack of ingredients. So, people eat more, get obese and stay unhealthy. 

Green smoothies are packed with micronutrients that the body craves. You would be surprised to learn that a single glass of green vegetable juice, full of good nutrients that the body craves, is more beneficial than an entire meal at a swanky restaurant.

 The Combat and Prevent Illness 

This is pretty straightforward. Right from young, parents have instructed their children to eat their greens. Everyone knows that vegetables are essential for good health and for strengthening your immune system. Prevention is better than cure. 

They Contain Healing Properties, Prevent Acne and Aid in Detoxification 

Green smoothies contain essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that encourage quick healing. This is one reason why bodybuilders consume greens products. They usually take supplements in tablet form. Drinking green smoothies is much more beneficial than popping greens supplement tablets. 

Acne sufferers, especially teenagers notice that their acne problems tend to diminish when consuming green juices. Since the greens are rich in vitamin A, sulfur, vitamin k, vitamin c, etc. the body’s immune system is stronger and is able to combat health issues such as acne or even yeast infections effectively. Detoxification is another fantastic benefit of green juices. The food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe is often filled with toxins. Green smoothies will help the body detoxify itself more effectively. 

Why greens?

The first question that will pop into many people’s minds when thinking of starting a juicing or smoothie diet will be, “Why are green smoothies better than other smoothies?”... After all, aren’t all vegetables and fruits beneficial? 

Yes, it’s true that different fruit and vegetables contain a multitude of vitamins and antioxidants. However, greens contain a lot more vitamins and antioxidants than the other vegetables which are called “Phytonutrients”. With a good mix of greens in your smoothies, you will not miss out on any vitamins that your body needs. 

You should note that the drinks are made with raw vegetables and fruits. There are no additives, artificial flavoring, sugar or sweeteners, etc. The smoothies are best consumed in their raw form to derive the optimal benefits from the healthy, wholesome nutrients. 

Now that we’ve discovered that green smoothies are a massive shortcut to excellent health & vitality, let’s look at the benefits that can be accrued from preparing and consuming these smoothie gifts from nature. 

  

There is an interesting story.

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, answered, "Man... Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived." 


A wise man indeed. The point to note here is that while your career and family may be important, nothing supersedes your health. 

 From what you’ve read so far, it may seem to be all gloom and doom if you’re guilty of having neglected your health for a while. Cast your fears aside. Your health and body constantly seek to improve and get better. You just need to assist them. 


This finally brings us to the main point… Green smoothies. The miracle that even Popeye relied on. Technically, Popeye ate spinach. But you get the drift… Your greens are important for good health. 

 There is a movie titled, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”. You may have watched it, and if you're not, you might wish to check on YouTube to see if it has been uploaded there.  

 The movie is a real-life documentary about, Joe Cross, who was 100 lbs overweight and facing several serious health issues. Joe adopted a plant-based diet and mostly drank raw vegetable and fruit juices. 

 Within a few months, he had shed his excess weight and his health had improved by leaps and bounds. This certainly is a testament to the power of a healthy diet. 

 There are several different types of smoothies which come in a range of different colors. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on green smoothies which are without a doubt, the most powerful type of smoothies at restoring your health and vitality. 

Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? You are? Read on to find out how green smoothies will put you in the pink of health. 

"When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need." - Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb 

Green Smoothie Lifestyle

There is an old proverb that says, “Health is a crown on a good man’s head that no sees but a sick man.” 

 This is very true. We live in a very hectic world today where everyone is focused on building a successful career and raising a happy family. They often place their health on the back burner, thinking that they can exercise and eat right later on. 

 They procrastinate exercise waiting till they’re successful or have time to spare. They opt for quick, unhealthy meals because they have no time to prepare well-balanced meals. 

 They fail to realize that if you don’t make time for exercise, you must make time for illness. They forget that whatever they eat and drink is either fighting disease or feeding it. 

 Today, more than ever, one needs to focus on his or her health and well-being. It is crucial. Our lives are filled with deadlines, 
Green Smoothie Lifestyle meetings, work demands, and stress. The food we eat is high in calories but low in nutrients. 

High carbohydrate meals, oily and fatty foods, processed foods, junk food, etc. wreak havoc on our health and bodies. It happens slowly but surely. Therein lies the problem. People do not feel the impact of their poor choices till health problems occur much later on. By then, it can be too late. 

High cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure issues and countless other health problems are often a direct result of poor eating and a sedentary lifestyle. 


 

Are The Foods We Eat, Always Safe?

Food:  

   

(1) Any substance is taken into and assimilated by a plant or animal to keep it alive and enable it to grow and repair tissue; nourishment; nutriment.

(2) Anything that nourishes or stimulates; whatever helps something to keep active, grow, etc.But does it enable to grow and repair tissue, or give proper nourishment and stimulants to our mind and body? There was a time when this question could be answered with an astounding yes. But this certainly isn't true anymore!

As a good example, in 1880 it was evident in the general population, that there were around 2.8 cases per 100,000 people who were diabetics. Then this rose to around 29.7 cases per 100,000 people in 1949. But then, in that same year, 1949, the manner in which they started keeping statistics was changed, to where the 29.7 cases were now 16.4 cases per 100,000 people. The consequence coming out of this change was to obscure what was actually the incredible rise in diabetic cases over this same period. Of course, during that time period there was no distinction between Type 1, and Type 2 diabetes it was known simply as diabetes.

Today, Type 2 diabetes alone has affected around 10 to 20% of the population; this is up from a low 0.0028% in the 1880's. The cause for this seems to be connected directly to the re-engineering of our once natural food supply. It appears that certain essential nutrients have been removed from our foods for the sole purpose of extending its shelf life. But the problem grew even more intensive and dangerous. 

If we look to the same 100 year period, as we see the diabetes epidemic increase, we must also take note to what occurred within the food industry. As we do this, we have to notice the many coincidences that exist between the almost complete corruption of our food supply and our massive disease epidemic.

As one looks back on the efforts being made to substitute artificial food as the real thing, we will find that it goes back to the time of Napoleon. It has always been the enormous profits as being the motivation factor that is possible with artificial food. It was a Frenchman named Hippolyta Mege-Mouries that invented what is now known as Margarine. 

He did this in order to win a contest that was sponsored by Napoleon III for the invention of a palatable table fat. We patented his invention in England in 1869. Based on today's standards, this Margarine was barely edible. It wasn't until 1874 when Margarine was first introduced in America. It wasn't too palatable, for it consisted of such things as Hog Fat, Gelatine, Fat, Bleach, Mashed Potatoes, Gypsum, and Casein.

It was in 1899 when David Wesson established a vacuum and high-temperature process for deodorizing cottonseed oil. It was the next year when he marketed "Wesson" oil. It took him over ten years to fully develop his hydrogenation process. Then in 1903, William Norman patented the hydrogenation process. This process was used to prevent unsaturated fatty acids from becoming rancid, by turning them into saturated fats.

It was then around 1911 that the artificial fat business actually began to take off. These artificial fats did not spoil and turn rancid as un-refrigerated natural products do. It was also this same year that Crisco came upon the food scene. Even the Jewish community accepted Crisco because it was considered to be "Kosher".

But, it wasn't until the time of WWII that Margarine finally became popular even though it was taking up around 40% of the market, since the 1920's. Formerly prior to WWII, there had been restrictive laws against Margarine which were repealed, and then Margarine became the dietary staple, as was motherhood and apple pie. 

And soon after this, it was followed by Crisco and artificial lard. It was also during this same period that refined oils made great inroads into the marketplace and became attractive to the consumer. It was these refined oils that actually made the manufacturer look great to the housewives of that time. It seems that no one ever noticed that even the insects would not eat of these oils when any was spilled.

But by this time, it was very evident that these artificial oils and other product were here to stay. No one ever seemed to take note or gave any thought to the long-term consequences on the health of the nation that came with these cheap artificial foods. 

The whole period that started in the 1930s up until the present, was increasingly proliferated by a market-driven science, one that was out to change consumer food habits. The complete idea was to wean the consumers away from the animal fat and cold pressed vegetable fat and seeds that had worked and was healthy for generations, and entice them to the newly refined oils. Saturated fat was declared to be bad by salespeople posing as scientists, and as well, by the real scientists that were prostituting their trade.

The American Eskimo, whose diet formally consisted of about 60% animal fat, remained healthy without any signs of diabetes for several generations. But, after they became wealthy from their pipeline revenue, they adopted the typical diet of artificial foods. 

Then within one generation, they had degenerated health-wise, to the same health status that was then considered normal in America.

As scientific studies increased, several misleading studies came out regarding artificial fats and the oil companies asserted the value of "polyunsaturated" or "monounsaturated" oils to one’s health. There is no law that says they must tell you the truth, that these are really "trans fats"; so they will not tell you, that a "polyunsaturated trans-fat" and a "monounsaturated" trans-fat, are poisonous. 

A polyunsaturated Cis, or natural fat, is a desirable and necessary part of a healthy diet. So now you know!

So, due to all of this, it becomes more evident that the health trend will continue to worsen, and more and more people will continue on the path of becoming Type 2 diabetics. That is, without some kind of dietary change, such as the living food program.

Stevia...A Gift from Nature

Stevia is a shrub native to Paraguay and Brazil and has been used by the native Guarani Indians for over 1500 years. The Guarani’s used stevia as a natural herbal sweetener to sweeten their bitter drinks such as mate and for medicinal use to treat diabetes and hypertension. It nourishes the pancreas but does not raise normal blood glucose levels, making it safe for diabetics and hyperglycaemic. 

Stevia lowers high blood pressure but does not affect normal blood pressure. Stevia contains an abundance of phytonutrients and trace minerals. 

The herb also contains no calories or carbohydrates and its antibacterial properties help prevent tooth decay. Stevia is an ideal natural sweetener alternative for sugar and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. As the herb has no calories or carbohydrates, it acts as a great weight loss aid and digestive aid and helps minimize cravings for sweets, fatty foods and helps with addictions to tobacco and alcohol. Stevia is useful for healing a variety of skin problems. The whole leaf can help soften and tighten the skin and smooth wrinkles. Stevia supreme liquid can be used on acne outbreaks, eczema and lip, and mouth sores. Studies show that stevia prevents gum disease and prevents cavities.

The Upper Canada Stevia Company is proud to offer only high-quality stevia products. We use only high rebaudioside a content stevia extract in our products. Rebaudioside A is the sweetest and purest part of the leaf. We offer safe, and secure online shopping, excellent customer service and guaranteed next business day shipping on all in-stock items.

The Upper Canada Stevia Company offers worldwide stevia bulk, stevia wholesale, and stevia retail sales. Our product line includes -   whole leaf powder, stevia powder, liquid stevia, and a spoonable blend. The Upper Canada Stevia Company offers a stevia to sugar conversion chart plus a carbohydrate and calorie counter and a stevia recipe forum to swap ideas on cooking with stevia and baking with stevia.

Our stevia recipe forum includes sections on cakes, cookies, bread, and drinks. The stevia recipe forum also includes a general forum to swap stevia information and comments. Check out the Government reports, research and studies in our stevia links section.

Some very useful fruits for diabetes

Apple

This popular sub-acid fruit one of the most valuable of all fruits has been found beneficial in the treatment of diabetes of its rich pectin content. Pectin is a natural therapeutic ingredient found in the inner portion of the rind and the pulp. It aids in detoxification of the body by supplying the glucuronic acid needed for the elimination of certain harmful substances. This food element reduces the body’s insulin requirements by approximately 35 percent.

The apple is also considered valuable in depression. The various chemical substances present in the fruit, such as Vitamin B1, phosphorous and potassium, help the synthesis of glutamic acid, which controls the wear and tear of the nerve cell. This fruit acts as a very effective tonic and recharges the nerves with new energy and life.

Grapefruit

The grapefruit occupies a high place among citrus fruits because of its favor, its appetizing properties, and its refreshing qualities. It is a well-known authority on nutrition, believes that it is a splendid food for diabetics and if this fruit were taken more liberally, there would be much less diabetes.

According to Dr. Riley, any person suffering from high blood sugar should take grapefruit three times a day. A person who does not have high blood sugar, but a tendency towards it, and wants to prevent it, should also use the fruit three times a day. Simultaneously, consumption of starches, sweets, and fats should be reduced and diet made rich in fruits, vegetables and juices. Two weeks of this grapefruit rich diet will bring down sugar level in individuals not taking insulin. In those who take insulin regularly, it takes longer.

Jambul Fruit

The jambul fruit also known as rose apple is grown all over India. It too possesses anti-diabetic properties. In the indigenous system of medicine, these fruits are regarded as a specific remedy against diabetes because of its effect on the pancreas. The fruit, the seeds, and fruits juice are beneficial in the treatment of this disease. The jamboline’ contained in the seeds in believed to check the pathological conversion of starch into sugar in case of increased production of glucose. The seeds are dried and powdered. This powder mixed with water, taken three or four times daily reduces sugar in the urine and allays thirst.

In Ayurveda, the inner bark of the jambul tree is considered valuable in the treatment of diabetes. The bark is dried and burnt, to produce a white colored ash. This ash is pestle in the mortar, strained and bottled. The diabetes patient should be given. The diabetes patients should be given about two grams of this ash in the morning on an empty stomach and two grams each in the afternoon and in the evening an hour after meals.

The seeds of the jambul fruits are considered beneficial in the treatment of excessive urination. The powder of these seeds in doses of one gram each, in the morning and evening is effective in controlling this condition.

Meat and Meat Foods

One of the most important nutrition guidelines to follow is to “eat less saturated fat.” A quick and simple way to do that is to eliminate meat products. They are high both in saturated fat and cholesterol content. People with diabetes have a greater risk of heart disease earlier in life. The practically useless calories added by saturated fats contribute to above normal body weight and obesity, putting a diabetic at greater of heart disease.

Flesh foods are extremely harmful to diabetes. They increase the toxaemic condition underlying the diabetic state and reduce sugar tolerance. Most diseases of the human body are caused by autointoxication of self-poisoning. The flesh of animals increases the burden on the organs of elimination and overloads and system with animal waste matter and poisons. Chemical analysis has shown that uric acid and other uric poisons contained in the animal body are almost identical to caffeine and nicotine, the poisonous, stimulating principles of coffee, tea, and tobacco.

The renowned journal Lancet, reports that a patient of diabetes must be persuaded to consume fewer animal foods. However, in cold countries where meat and meat products constitute the bulk of the diet, patients of diabetes should limit their intake of animal products to eggs and a white meal like fish and poultry. Even their use of should be kept to the minimum; all red meat and red meat products should be eliminated from the diet.

Avoid fats, meat and meat foods to control diabetes

Fats

The excessive use of fats has been linked to the development of diabetes. A recent study at the University of Colorado Health Science Centre, USA found that intake of an extra 40g of the fat day increases the chances of developing diabetes by three times. Fat rich diet, especially one saturated with animal fat, seems to damage the insulin’s effectiveness. 

Research at the University of Sydney in Australia measured the saturated fatty acids in the muscles cells of older non-diabetic men and the women undergoing surgery and found that higher the presence of saturated fatty acids in the cells, the greater the insulin resistance. On the other hand, higher tissue levels of polyunsaturated fats, particularly fish oil, indicated better insulin activity and lower resistance. Fish oil differs from animal fats in that fish oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. 

One of the fatty acids called omega-3 is especially good for the heart—it lowers cholesterol and protects from atherosclerosis. In fact, the researchers also reported that intake of omega-3 fish oil to the subjects effectively overcame their insulin resistance.

In another study, Jennifer Lovejoy, assistance professor at Louisiana State of University, USA, studied and the eating habits and insulin activity among 45 non-diabetic men and women. About half of them were obese and the remaining half of normal weight. In both cases, higher fat consumption increased insulin resistance. This indicates, says Dr. Lovejoy, those even normal individuals who decrease their insulin efficiency and boost their vulnerability to diabetes.

Foods that help control diabetes

In 1550 BC, the famous Ebers Papyrus advised treating diabetes with high fiber wheat grains. Not much has changed since then. Plant foods are the drug of choice for treating diabetes. There are large numbers of scientific research findings to confirm the effectiveness of plant foods in managing this disease. Through the centuries, more than 400 plants have been identified, used, and prescribed as diabetic remedies. 

Raw onions and garlic have been long been favorite anti-diabetic drugs in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The vegetable bitter gourd and the herb ginseng have been widely used for treating diabetes since the ancient time in India and China. Common mushroom is widely used in parts of Europe to lower blood sugar. Barely bread is a popular treatment for diabetes in Iraq. Other foods, used in different countries, in the treatment of diabetes include beans, cabbage, cinnamon, coriander seeds, cucumber, fenugreek seeds, Indian gooseberry, and lettuce.

All these foods have anti-diabetic properties. Scientific research has confirmed that most of these foods, or their compounds, either lower blood sugar or stimulate insulin production. Some of the more important foods that help to lower blood sugar or stimulate insulin production in diabetes patients are discussed here.

Artichoke is a tuberous root with a top like a sunflower. This vegetable contains good amounts of potassium, a fair amount of calcium and some iron and sulfur, all of which are needed by the body for maintaining good health.

Artichoke is beneficial in the treatment of diabetes because of its high insulin content. A fully ripe artichoke is said to contain more than two percent of insulin. Ripe artichokes are generally available only during autumn or fall. The insulin is converted into sugar in winter. Artichokes are most effective when eaten raw in salads. It cooking is required; they should be boiled, unpeeled, in a small quantity of water for about 10 minutes. Artichokes can be effectively combined with other vegetables.

Always remember no Special Diets are required

Healthy eating for people with diabetes is no different than for everyone else. People with diabetes do not need to prepare separate meals or buy special foods, so relax and enjoy healthy eating with the rest of your family.

Just make sure you keep a close eye on how much crabs you are allowed.  Take control of fats you use, it is good for all the family to keep crabs & fat under control.  

Making a few changes in your lifestyle will help you and your family in long run.

You must remember the following points, which are your lifelines:

(1)  Maintain the normal blood glucose level.

(2) You have the possibility of heart and liver diseases. Limit your food items from this point of view.

(3) Maintain the desired level of weight.

With all the emphasis on diet, research on the influence of various types of foods on diabetes patients is still going on unabated. Researchers in this area are the most confused lot. They are certain about the effects of some items of food. Vague opinions also float. For example, the researchers are sure that cooked foods raise blood glucose higher than the raw foods. Whether foods with sugar raise blood glucose higher than the foods with starch, is still uncertain!  Diabetes care will, perhaps, be a hot subject for all time to come—so far, diabetes is alive and kicking!

Exercise for Diabetics

The two most common forms of diabetes are referred to as Type 1 and Type 2.  Type 1 diabetes, also known as adolescent diabetes, differs from Type 2 in that the body stops producing insulin altogether.  Type 2 diabetes is generally diagnosed in older adults and occurs as the body stops producing enough insulin or the individual becomes resistant to their own insulin. 

With either form of diabetes, we lose our ability to adequately utilize sugar.  Blood sugar levels increase due to the body's difficulty in transporting sugar into the cells and out of the bloodstream.  There are various ways to lower blood sugar levels including exercise, diet, and medications. 

Exercise is a very important part of diabetic management for both any type diabetics.  For the Type 1 diabetic, regular exercise helps to maintain insulin sensitivity, helps prevent accumulation of excess weight, and increases the use of glucose by muscles, thereby lower blood sugar levels.  While there is currently no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, it may be possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes. 

Things to consider when attempting preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes are regular exercise, supplementation with vitamins and herbs that help prevent insulin resistance, and proper weight control. 

Exercise not only helps directly in diabetic management by lowering blood sugar levels and maintaining insulin sensitivity but also helps minimize many of the complications that can arise in a diabetic individual. Studies have shown that walking for 30 minutes per day can substantially diminish the possibility of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

 Diabetics tend to develop circulatory problems and exercise can certainly help lower blood pressure and improve circulation throughout the body.  Since individuals with diabetes tend to have poor blood flow to their lower extremities and feet, better circulation is of great benefit. 

There are some risks associated with exercise, but the potential benefits greatly outweigh the risks.  Since exercise does lower blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should measure their blood sugar both before and after exercising.  Since your body uses more sugar while exercising and makes you more sensitive to insulin, there is a risk of blood sugar becoming too low and causing hypoglycemia. 

When exercising it is important to let others know that you are diabetic. They should be informed what to do in case of hypoglycemia.  You should always carry candy or fruit juice to treat low blood sugar levels should they occur.  During and after exercise sessions, you should pay close attention to how you feel since rapid heartbeat, increased sweating, feeling shaky, or hunger can signal that your blood sugar levels are becoming too low. 

Exercise is a critical part of diabetic management and treatment.  Exercise helps blood sugar control when the muscles use more glucose and the body become more sensitive to insulin.  Exercise also helps to prevent and minimize common diabetic complications including heart problems, high blood pressure, and circulatory deficiencies.  All diabetics should include a regular exercise program as part of their overall management plan.

Diabetes Care: Diet and Exercising Habits Are a Must for Diabetics.

Diabetes and care— there cannot be a better combination of words in the world of diabetes!

Your doctor may examine and advise you for some time on diabetes during your visits to his clinic or his visits to your residence. But you are your own doctor for 24 hours all through the months and years with diabetes. How many times a day do you contemplate about the word diabetes?

But don't you despair. You can fight it out with proper care. The two words that stand uppermost in diabetes care are diet and exercise! If you are disciplined in these two areas, half of your battle is won!

Be in the know that 50 to 60 percent of daily calories come from carbohydrates, 12 to 20 percent from proteins and not more than 30 percent from fats.

As for diet, let the balance weigh heavily in favor of fruits, vegetables and lots of fiber. More intake of fiber will help you immensely. Give up your past habit of taking heavy meals. Take in small quantities, as and when you are hungry. Extremely high or low blood glucose levels need to be avoided. As for losing weight, “slow and steady wins the race.” You have already consulted your doctor, you strictly go by the norms given to you and you lose two pounds per week. Very good! That's good progress.

The risk of heart diseases and liver problems are ever there for diabetics. The food items that are major sources of saturated fats must be avoided. Olive oil is often recommended as a good source of monounsaturated fat, the healthiest type of fat.

Diabetic Diet Plans will help Combat Diabetes.

If you are living with diabetes, one of the best ways to fight this disease is with a diabetic diet plan.  This diabetic meal plan is based on the recommended foods found in the diabetic food pyramid.  By following the suggested meal plan, you will be receiving the proper amounts of recommended nutrients which will ultimately help you fight the disease.

Today, there is a wide range of diabetic diet plans.  Many doctors and researchers have researched and created countless plans for diabetics.  They try to aim for foods that will be tasteful, yet provide the proper amount of nutrients.  We all know a diet is not any fun when the food does not taste great!

Recent studies have shown an increase in diabetes over the past 10-20 years.  With the large increase, it has created a huge demand for diabetic diet plans to help diabetics battle the disease.  Since diabetes affects all types of people and diverse lifestyles, many types of diabetic diet plans have been created to suit these varying types of individuals.

Despite the varying lifestyles of many diabetic individuals, all have one common goal.  That goal is to battle this disease with the help of a diabetic diet plan.  With the proper amounts of nutrients, individuals can make progress against diabetes.

Tips for Preventing Diabetes

Diabetes is a growing problem. If you have diabetes in your family or otherwise are at risk, it makes sense to take some preventative steps. Type II diabetes is the most preventable form of the disease. Here are some tips that may help prevent diabetes from developing in your life. 

Proper Diet - Foods That May Prevent Diabetes

Many sources suggest that a diet emphasizing plant foods is important for preventing diabetes. Other foods that may help stabilize blood sugar and keep you from developing full-blown diabetes include the following: 

* Magnesium-rich foods like black beans, spinach, and almonds are said to help prevent diabetes. Interestingly, diabetics are often deficient in magnesium, sources say.

* Onions and garlic are natural blood sugar regulators. Black bean soup with garlic or black bean burgers with onions would be great!

* Stevia is a very sweet, calorie-free herb; the extract is often sold in grocery stores and health food stores as a sweetener. It may lower blood sugar, too, making is a good choice for those with pre-diabetic conditions or those wishing to prevent the onset of diabetes. 

Exercise

It's important for everyone, but for those who wish to prevent diabetes, exercise is especially essential. For one thing, vigorous activity tends to lower blood sugar. For another, exercise usually results in weight loss if it's practiced regularly and properly. Maintaining a healthy body weight is key to diabetes prevention. 

Just in Case...

There are some possible preventative measures you can take that are controversial, or at least the jury is still out as to whether or not these measures are effective. If they're healthy measures, though, it might pay to err on the side of caution and implement them even if their effectiveness against diabetes is uncertain. Some examples of this type of prevention include:

* Reducing stress, whether through stretching, meditation, prayer, or other forms of stress reduction. Some studies suggest that chronic stress may increase your risk for developing diabetes.

* Reducing high blood pressure may also help prevent diabetes. These two conditions often exist together, and research suggests that high blood pressure may even trigger the onset of diabetes. Keeping your blood pressure under control is a healthy thing to do anyway, so you really can't lose on this one.

* High fructose corn syrup, that sweetener we all love to hate, may or may not be implicated in the development of diabetes. It may be no more of an issue than white sugar. Once again, cutting HFCS out of your diet is not a dangerous thing to do and may even be healthier, so it's a win-win if you cut it out of your diet for whatever reason. 

* Trans fats and saturated fats are usually included on the "do not eat" list for those wishing to prevent diabetes. It's been suggested that these artery-clogging fats can exacerbate or even trigger Type II diabetes symptoms. 

Managing Diabetes with Diet and Exercise - Top Tips

Generally speaking, Type 2 diabetes is the version of this disease that can be managed with diet and exercise. However, for those with Type I, these healthy lifestyle tips may help relieve symptoms and enhance management of the condition. Here are some tips for managing diabetes with diet and exercise.

The Right Carbs

Carbs, or carbohydrates, have been on the "bad" list lately. But not unlike fat, there are good and bad carbs, especially when it comes to diabetes management. Generally speaking, carbs to avoid might include the following:

* White sugar
* White flour
* White rice
* Fruit juices
* De-germed cornmeal 

Carbs to emphasize might include these foods:

* Whole fruits
* Whole grains
* Brown rice
* Whole cornmeal

Proteins and Carbs

Combining proteins and carbs at meals and snacks can help prevent blood sugar spikes. Examples include:

* Whole grain bread with unsweetened nut butter
* Whole grain crackers with low-fat cheese
* Lean turkey breast in a whole wheat pita
* Brown rice and beans
* "Party mix" made from whole grain cereal, peanuts, and pretzels
* Apple slices with peanut butter
* Brown rice and broiled salmon
* Whole wheat macaroni and cheese (made with low-fat cheese and skim milk)

Fats

While keeping your weight at a healthy level is important for managing your diabetes, eating the right kind of fat has its place. In moderation, these healthy fats can help lower cholesterol and provide other health benefits. Healthy fats can be found in:

* Fish (especially salmon and Arctic char)
* Avocados 
* Almonds
* Olive, safflower, and canola oils

It's a good idea to avoid saturated fats and trans fats (hydrogenated fats). Saturated fats are fats like butter and shortening that are solid at room temperature. Hydrogenated fats were once liquid fats (sometimes healthy ones) that were artificially solidified using hydrogen. Trans or hydrogenated fats are found in some types of peanut butter and in margarine, and in the ingredient lists of countless packaged foods.  

Exercise

To manage your diabetes, exercise is considered by experts to be essential. Interestingly, strength training has been shown to be especially beneficial to diabetics, producing results that, in some instances, rival medication. Aerobic exercise is also helpful; it gets the heart rate up and burns calories. 

The important thing is to exercise at least 30 minutes a day for a minimum of five days a week. This helps keep your weight in check (vital for diabetics and pre-diabetics) and may even reduce stress. Stress has been implicated in the development of diabetes symptoms. 

Learn more about nutritional

You will need to have a period of learning, however, in which

you learn how to reduce your calories and increase nutritional value. You need to understand what you can eat and what is not a good idea to eat. Diabetic menus do not require special foods, simple foods in smaller portions and more frequent. 

It seems that it is generally believed now that simply being overweight is the primary cause of getting diabetes. A

simultaneous problem, however, is that being overweight can

lead to other diseases, too, especially if that individual also

has high blood pressure. This increases the health threat to the individual who is overweight and places a greater demand on him or her to lose the excess pounds quickly. 

Believe Regarding Diet

A diabetic diet does not at all mean that you stop enjoying

the good tasting food. The truth is you will largely continue to eat many of the same things, just smaller portions and with fewer carbohydrates. You will also need to eat more often, in order to provide your body with a more even distribution of sugars throughout the day.

Most food that is processed through our bodies is broken

down by digestive juices into a sugar called glucose.

Glucose is the fuel our bodies run on. When we eat, and

our food is processed, the pancreas is supposed to produce

the right amount of glucose from our blood automatically and

release the right amount of insulin into our blood.

In many cases, when you are trying to control your blood sugar levels by your diet, you may also be trying to lose some extra weight.

This will require eating even slightly less and watch

those carbs even more. Carbohydrates are a very important part of your diet. Current thinking in diabetic diets says that about half of your calorie intake should come from carbohydrates.  You will need to reduce our meats as well, because they often are high in fats. This may mean smaller portions, too, and it is a good idea to add in fish about twice a week. Some fish are very healthy because of omega-3 fats, which will also help to reduce cholesterol levels, too. 

Some more symptoms of diabetes

Other symptoms of diabetes may include extreme fatigue. We all get tired at times, but diabetes triggers a more severe

fatigue than normal. People with diabetes also experience unexplained weight loss. This is because they are unable to process many of the calories they consume. Losing sugar and

water in the urine also contributes to the weight loss.

The symptoms of juvenile diabetes are the same as in

adults. Thirst, weight loss, fatigue, frequent urination is

typical, but diabetes in children can also increase stomach

pains, headaches, and behavior problems. Doctors should

consider the possibility of diabetes in children who have

unexplained stomach pains for a few weeks, along with

the typical symptoms.

One of the hardest symptoms to deal with is poor wound

healing. Wounds heal slowly, if at all when the carrier has

diabetes. This along with infections that are not easily

remedied can attribute to ulcers and loss of limbs.

Medicines For Diabetic

 Medicines are also being developed (meglitinides) that

encourage the pancreas to produce more insulin. Although

the idea is already in place with sulfonylureas, the medicines

to promote more insulin are getting better.

One new development is that insulin can now be given as either short-term effect or long-term effect. The long-term effect needs only to be injected once a day and keeps sugar levels

moderated pretty evenly throughout the day. The short-term

the effect is taken before meals and helps regulate the sugars accordingly.

Another class of medication is called TZD’s (thiazolidinediones) and work to improve the body's response to insulin. It is believed to work well at just about any stage of diabetes and can help protect the arteries as well. 

Diabetic Diet

Once you have created your diet plan, and have calculated in the

right amount of calories, you will need to stick to the plan.

The reason for this is to regulate your blood sugar levels and keep them as even as possible. This means that it will be important for you to eat everything on your plan at each mean and at the snack times, too. The thing that you do not want is to have your blood sugar levels get too high or too low. Remember that both could be harmful. 

You should know that diabetes could be avoided. It is about the

only disease that can be. Some lifestyle changes will be

needed rather quickly. These changes involve what you eat and how, getting regular exercise, and developing and maintaining

a more active lifestyle. 

Living with Diabetes - Diet

You will also need to learn how to make preparations when you

are away from home, traveling, and other situations. A

diabetic diet, to be most effective, needs to be adhered to

as much as possible - even when eating at fast-food

restaurants. 

The alternative, of course, is to take low-calorie food with you from home - which means you need to plan ahead. Also, if there are plenty of high-calorie snacks available around the office, you will need to have your own low-calorie substitutes. 

Eating out at a restaurant will be very tempting to throw your diet overboard while you are there. You need to remember, though, that it is the high blood sugar levels that cause the damage to your organs. If ignored long enough - or frequently enough, it will eventually catch up to you - and you will not be able to run away from it. New promises will not help either. This makes it all that much more important to get on a solid diabetic diet plan and stick to it. Lose that extra weight and do all you can to keep it off. This is where a good exercise program comes in too. Find a friend that also needs to lose some weight and help each other. 

Gluttonous Society

We are a gluttonous society and ultimately it is affecting

how we live and how long we live. And unfortunately, the diabetes epidemic is not just a US problem. It is spreading worldwide with epidemic reports in Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.

Losing extra pounds would be one of the most significant

steps you could take in your fight with diabetes. It is the extra pounds that can lead to what is called a metabolic syndrome.

This means extra fat around the waist actually

helps create diabetes because it seems that the fat

actually helps create a natural insulin resistance. Retaining

this extra weight is simply a vote for diabetes, heart disease and

high blood pressure. The three recommended changes

are ways to lose those extra pounds. 

Obesity

With obesity levels being at an all-time high, the epidemic

of type 2 diabetes is growing at an alarming rate, and will

only get worse.

A piece of good news, however, is that if an overweight individual

is diagnosed with pre-diabetes, then he or she could reduce that risk simply by losing the excess weight. 

This also shows that there is a direct correlation between

the two. Diabetes can often be pushed back a number of years

simply by doing this. In some cases, it may even be

able to be completely avoided. It usually only takes losing about

7% of your body weight, on average, to have this effect. Some may require more, but any weight loss for an

overweight person is a move toward better health in the long

run.