Nutrition

Dietary management of diabetes mellitus

In this new chapter, we will be discussing how we can manage diabetes with our diet.

Diabetes is part of the top five killer diseases in Ghana. There is genetic component in the development of diabetes. Notwithstanding, the role of diet and lifestylecannot be over-emphasised.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes:Excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination both during the day and at night and profuse sweating among others.

In this week’s episode, we will be talking about how we can maximise our health against diabetes with staple foods.

Choose whole foods such as unripe plantain, wheat, brown rice, oats, yam, corn, cassava, etc. over processed foods like white rice, fufu flour, banku flour, polished corn, and polished kenkey.

Whole foods are rich in fibre, and contain less sugar and complex carbohydrates which have lower propensity to increase our blood sugar.

On the other hand, processed foods have little or no fibre, contain high amount of sugar and simple carbohydrates, which have a higher propensity to cause rapid increase in blood sugar, leading to diabetes. For this reason, these refined foods should be avoided completely in people with diabetes.

In summary too much of everything is bad. Although it is appetising, much easier and tastier to consume processed foods and refined foods, we must strive to reduce their intake so that we can prevent diabetes as much possible.

The writer is a Dietician and CEO of Holistic Health Consult

“Your diet your health, your health your wealth”

E-mail:

info@holistichealthconsult.org

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