Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich Pexels Logo Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich

Does eating cranberry sauce lower blood sugar?

Although the evidence is far from conclusive, cranberries seem to be beneficial for the control of blood sugar, particularly when eating starchy foods, and safe for diabetics to enjoy.

Do eggs raise your cholesterol?
Do eggs raise your cholesterol?

Chicken eggs are an affordable source of protein and other nutrients. They're also naturally high in cholesterol. But the cholesterol in eggs...

Read More »
How can a woman lose 5 pounds in a week?
How can a woman lose 5 pounds in a week?

How To Lose 5 Pounds Fast Drink Two Glasses of Water Before Every Meal. ... Reduce Bloating. ... Get Eight Hours of Sleep. ... Avoid Processed...

Read More »

A recent study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests tannin compounds found in cranberries, pomegranates, grapes and cacao may slow the digestion of starch. Starchy foods such as potatoes, pasta and rice would typically cause a dramatic spike in blood sugar, particularly among the diabetic, which the consumption of cranberries seemed to mitigate. The study, carried out by researchers from the US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Centre, James Madison University, Rutgers University and Ohio State University on a number of foods, found that cranberries were the most significant inhibitor of starch-digesting enzymes. The interesting point to consider is that the current approach to medically controlling blood sugar is to inhibit the performance of specific enzymes that are involved in starch digestion. However medications that do this can carry negative side effects, sparking diarrhea and other intestinal problems. This study shows that cranberries may prompt the same action as the medication, without the associated side effects. Due to their high level of natural sugars many fruits typically raise blood sugar levels, and are often avoided by diabetics. It seems cranberries, however, followed by pomegranates and grapes, are a much safer choice. A study carried out in 2008 and published in "Diabetic Medicine" that analyzed the effectiveness of cranberry supplements showed they appeared to lower cholesterol while having a neutral effect on blood sugar levels in patients taking glucose-lowering medications. However, another study the same year published in The Journal of Food Science found that drinking unsweetened cranberry juice helped type 2 diabetics to avoid a significant rise in blood sugar. Although the evidence is far from conclusive, cranberries seem to be beneficial for the control of blood sugar, particularly when eating starchy foods, and safe for diabetics to enjoy. Laura Holland is a well-being consultant and nutritional therapist. For more information, go to www.BeUtifulYou.Com

[ artslife@thenational.ae ]

twitter

Follow us

[ @LifeNationalUAE ]

What is the healthiest type of soft drink?
What is the healthiest type of soft drink?

Read on to quench your thirst the heart-healthy way. Water. ... Tea or coffee without sugar. ... Sugar-free drinks e.g. sugar-free cola, sugar-free...

Read More »
How much should you walk a day for fat loss?
How much should you walk a day for fat loss?

People interested in walking for weight loss should consistently hit at least 10,000 steps each day. Some people may even want to increase their...

Read More »

Why am I putting on weight when I am exercising?
Why am I putting on weight when I am exercising?

A new exercise regimen puts stress on your muscle fibers. This causes small micro tears, also known as micro trauma, and some inflammation. Those...

Read More »
What causes saggy stomach skin?
What causes saggy stomach skin?

Saggy skin, on both the face and body, is often associated with the loss of fat. The deterioration or reduction of collagen and elastin in the...

Read More »
What time of day do you weigh the most?
What time of day do you weigh the most?

the morning Exercise, eating habits, and even whether you drank any alcohol the night before can all affect the number on the scale. Generally...

Read More »
Why am I holding onto weight?
Why am I holding onto weight?

If you're consuming too few calories your body essentially goes into starvation mode and receives the message that it needs to protect itself. This...

Read More »