Nutrition

Dietary management of diabetes mellitus

Drinking alcohol and smoking can cause diabetes

This week’s article will be the last chapter on the diabetes series, and we will discuss the important lifestyle changes we need to adopt to help fight diabetes.

Obesity is a massive risk factor leading to the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

An ideal weight is a step closer in achieving a normal blood sugar, hence the role of exercise in controlling diabetes cannot be over-emphasised.

Smoking and alcohol consumption are fast leading to a rise in our blood sugar. Though it may be difficult to stop these habits abruptly, we must try our best to stop smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol to save ourselves from diabetes.

Foods high in cholesterol, for example cheese, butter, and red meat, greatly increase the incidence of diabetes. Reducing these kinds of foods in our diet will greatly reduce our chances of becoming diabetic.

Fizzy drinks are a huge reason some of us end up becoming diabetic, and this fact cannot be sugar-coated. We must cut down on these drinks as soon as possible if we hope to grow up free from diabetes.

The take-home message from all this is that we should do all we can to prevent diabetes, because it comes with a lot of serious complications and problems. Changing our bad habits, one day at a time, will go a long way in prolonging our state of good health.

The writer is a Dietitian withHolistic Health Consult. Email: info@holistichealthconsult.org

By Bernice Korkor Asare

Nutrition

Benefits of Tamarind Juice

Tamarind seed

Tamarind juice is particularly abundant in vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system, healthy skin and wound healing.

Additionally, tamarind provides significant amounts of B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.

– Antioxidant properties

Tamarind contains potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat harmful free radicals in the body. This oxidative stress reduction can help prevent cell damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.

-Digestive health

Tamarind contains dietary fibre and natural laxatives that promote regular bowel movements, alleviate constipation and improve overall gastrointestinal health.”

– Heart health

Regular consumption of tamarind juice may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. It can help lower cholesterol levels due to its high fibre content and antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease.

– Anti-inflammatory properties

Tamarind juice does a great job in curbing inflammation in the body. High in anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols and bioflavonoids, this property makes it potentially beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammatory diseases.

– High magnesium content

Tamarind is rich in magnesium- 110 mg per 120 g of pulp. This simply concludes that drinking tamarind is a convenient way to meet your daily magnesium requirements. It plays an important role in the formation of bones, regulates heart rhythm, and contraction of muscles, and keeps blood sugar levels under check.

Source; Healthshots.com