Tag: Diabetes Herbal Remedies

January 23, 2019

Health Benefits of Pistachio Nuts You Should Know

Overview

Pistachios (roasted without salt) are one of the most nutritious nuts, low calorie, oldest edible nuts, healthy for heart and the entire body as they improve blood, brain and skin health. Pistachio nuts belong to the Anacardiaceae family. A tree (Pisracia vera tree) takes almost 10 years to produce its first crop. Pistachios are seeds of the tree.

Health Benefits of Pistachio

Is Pistachios Are Good For You?

Pistachios are loaded with nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, antioxidants, amino acids, fats and dietary fiber. They are rich in minerals like phosphorous, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and sodium. Pistachio provides essential vitamins like Vitamin A, C, E and K along with folate, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin and pantothenic acid.

What are the Health Benefits of Pistachios?

Healthy Heart

Improve Heart Health

  • Pistachios are one of the most Vitamin B6 rich foods, which is important for formation of hemoglobin and blood sugar regulation. Getting Vitamin B6 in diet helps to improve cardiovascular health. Pistachios can lower bad cholesterol and cut the risk of coronary heart disease.
  • They lower the levels of lipids and lipoproteins which are the risk factors for heart disease. The omega 3 fatty acids present in serving of pistachios can help lower blood pressure and protect against abnormal heart beat.
  • The high amount of Vitamin B6 also helps in building amino acids essential in transmitting nerve impulses and thus helps in maintaining a healthy nervous system.
  • Pistachios are a great source of amino acid L arginine which is converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide plays an important role in vasodilation (widening or dilating of blood vessels). Thus, these nuts enhance the blood flow and manage the blood pressure naturally.

Boost Fertility

  • Proper blood flow is needed for body functions like erectile function. Along with this, Pistachios act as an aphrodisiac and is found to improve sex drive in men and boost fertility.

Sources of Vitamin E

Source of Vitamin E

  • Pistachios are amazing source of Vitamin E which is needed to prevent age related cognitive decline.
  • Pistachios are able to stimulate brain frequencies better than other nuts.
  • Thus, they help to enhance learning and information retention.
  • The oil from the pistachio nut is useful in fighting brain

Premature Aging

  • Inflammation and preserving the essential fatty acids in the brain. The vitamin E in pistachios protects the skin from the damage caused by Ultra violet rays and delays the signs of premature aging.

Weight loss Management

Weight loss Management

  • Pistachios are very helpful with weight management as they are low in calories, high in proteins.
  • They have low saturated fats and high unsaturated fats which is needed for weight management. The fiber in them helps to keep one full for longer periods.
  • Consuming pistachios can keep inches off the waist over time.
  • Pistachios have beneficial effects on triglycerides too.
  • The fat content in them is not fully absorbed by the body.
  • They are the healthiest nuts to be used as a snack in order to lose weight.
  • Eating in shell pistachios also leads to mindful eating as one needs to slowly remove the shell and eat the nuts.

Enhance Gut Health

  • Pistachios promotes healthy gut bacteria as they are high in fiber.
  • They help in smooth digestion of the food and prevents constipation.
  • Consuming pistachios increases the number of butyrate producing bacteria in the gut.
  • Feeding the good bacteria helps them multiply and crowd out the harmful bacteria.
  • The fiber in pistachios is digested by the food bacteria in the stomach which then ferments this fiber and produce short chain fatty acids. This helps in reducing risk of developing digestive disorders, colon cancers and heart diseases.

Helpful in Diabetes

  • Pistachios are known to increase the levels of peptide 1 hormone that regulates glucose levels in diabetes. The nuts have positive effects on glycemic control, blood pressure, inflammation and obesity in diabetic patients. Intake of pistachios lowers the glucose and insulin levels. They have low glycemic index which means they do not cause a large spike in the blood sugar.

Improve Vision Health

  • Pistachios are a rich source of antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which are essential for healthy eyes. These antioxidants are found in human retina and taking care of eyes and prevents vision issues.
  • Consuming Pistachios regularly reduces the chances of age-related Macular Degeneration and cataracts. They also protect the eyes against damage caused by blue light. Pistachios also contain zinc which is a vital nutrient for healthy eyes.

Boost Immunity

  • The zinc and Vitamin B6 in Pistachios also boost the immunity and protects the body against various infections.

Pistachios Combat Inflammation

Pistachios Combat Inflammation

  • Pistachios combat inflammation as they are rich in monounsaturated fats and proteins which helps in fighting inflammation for Arthritis patients and also builds strength.
  • The presence of Vitamin A, E and anti-inflammatory properties in pistachios helps in reducing inflammation in any part of the body.

Increase Estrogen Levels

  • Pistachios are very helpful for females as they contain the highest number of phytoestrogens. They can increase the estrogen levels leading to regulated menstrual cycles.
  • They are also good source of nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Fight Premature Aging

  • These nuts are very useful for skin and hair. The copper in Pistachios aids the production of elastin which treats sagging skin and prevents the formation of wrinkles.
  • The nuts also help in eliminating dryness from the skin. The saturated fats in these nuts acts as a good carrier or base oil for massage therapies and aromatherapies.

Prevent Anemia

  • The high copper content in Pistachios helps in the higher iron absorption in the body from various food sources. Thus, the intake of these nuts helps prevent conditions like anemia.
  • Pistachios have high ratio of essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein making it exceptionally beneficial for vegetarians.

How to Eat

  • Pistachios are very popular in ice creams and desserts. They are prized high for their unique, slightly sweet flavor. They can be eaten as a snack or on top of a salad and mixed in baked goods for additional flavor.
  • These are delicious, versatile and fun to eat nuts. Pistachios in diet are a great way to improve overall health. It is important to stick to plain, unsalted pistachio nuts in their shells and avoid eating more than one ounce a day. Pistachios must be stored in airtight containers in cool and dry places to last longer.
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January 5, 2019

10 Fruits that Diabetes Patients should eat in daily lifestyle

 Overview

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions faced by millions of people across the world.

Managing diabetes is tough but it is not impossible. Diabetes is a condition that hinders the body’s ability to respond to insulin which leads to the abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates leading to spiked blood sugar level. There is abnormally high levels of blood sugar level in diabetes.

Top 10 Fruits for Diabetes Patient

What are the causes of Diabetes Mellitus?

  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Unhealthy eating habits such as excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar
  • Heredity
  • Excessive tension, stress and grief

Concept of Diabetes according to Ayurveda:

  • Diabetes is known as “Madhumeha” in Ayurveda. It arises due to aggravation of obstruction of channels through blockage by Kapha dosha and fatty tissue and aggravation of Vata dosha which causes tissue depletion.
  • Diabetes is considered as a lifestyle disease. Since a long time, Ayurveda has been emphasizing on the importance of diet and lifestyle in the maintenance of health, according to which a healthy man is referred as: “one who indulges daily in healthy diet and lifestyle activities, who discriminates between wholesome and unwholesome and acts accordingly.
  • It is also said in Ayurveda that in both health and disease, the wholesomeness and the unwholesomeness is a prime factor to be thought about, as without proper diet, the use of any drug is futile.

Symptoms of Diabetes

What are the symptoms of Diabetes?

  • Constant feeling of hunger and thirst
  • Weakness
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow healing of wounds
  • Bad body odour
  • Sweet taste in the mouth
  • Palpitation
  • Quick exhaustion
  • Drowsiness
  • Possible anemia

There are some specific fruits that have been shown to produce effects on blood glucose level as these fruits have low glycemic index and high amount of fiber.

There is a lot of confusion while selecting fruits for a diabetic patient but moderation is the key here.

  • Fruits which are seasonal, fresh and low in glycemic index should be consumed by a diabetic patient.
  • Fruits should be enjoyed as a snack and not be eaten with main meals.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon on fruits which is very useful in balancing blood sugar levels.

10 Fruits that Diabetes Patients should eat in daily lifestyle:

There is a false assumption that people suffering from diabetes should avoid fruits because there sugar present in fruits could push up their blood sugar level. But this is a false conception because sugar present in fruits is usually in the form of fructose and unlike other sugars such as sucrose, fructose has low glycemic index.

Less insulin is needed for the metabolism of fructose. Therefore, intake of fruits is not associated with sudden rise of the blood sugar level.

Apples

1.Apples(Malus pumila)

  • Apples can be eaten by diabetic patients because apples are a rich source of Vitamin C, fiber and several anti-oxidants. The fiber present in apples helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels.

They are the rich source of polyphenols as well.

  • The polyphenols present in apples slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and thus lower the blood sugar levels.
  • Apples also contain pectin which is a form of carbohydrate which helps in controlling blood sugar level by releasing it slowly into the bloodstream.

health benefits of pomegranate

2. Pomegranate (Punica gratum)

  • Pomegranates contain the richest combinations of anti-oxidants. Therefore, they can protect the body from free radicals.

They are a rich source of phytochemical compounds as well.

guava-benefits-625_625x350_71447741866

3.Guava (Psidium guajava):

  • Guava is very rich in dietary fiber and it has low glycemic index as well.
  • Therefore, eating guava reduces the sugar absorption in the blood.
  • It is also rich in dietary fiber which helps to ease constipation as well.
  • Eating guava lowers the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.
  • It also contains potassium which helps in regulating blood pressure.

health benefits of watermelon

4.Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus):

  • Watermelon is rich in potassium. The high potassium content in watermelon makes it one of the best fruits for proper kidney functioning which helps in lowering the blood uric acid levels.
  • Therefore, it helps in preventing kidney damage in diabetic patients.
  • Moreover, lycopene present in watermelon helps in reducing the nerve damage in diabetic patients.

health benefits of papaya juice

5. Papaya (Carica papaya):

  • Papaya is a rich source of natural anti-oxidants so this fruit should be consumed by diabetic patients.
  • The anti-oxidants present in Papaya prevent the cell damage because it contains essential minerals and nutrients.
  • Diabetic patients are prone to many ailments including nerve damage caused due to irregular blood sugar levels.
  • Papaya is useful in obstructing future cell damage and a longer life span.

Oranges

6.Oranges (Citrus sinensis):

  • Oranges are a rich source of flavonones, flavonols and phenolic acid.
  • It has tremendous protective potential especially for the patients suffering with diabetes.

Health benefits of jamun

7.Jamun (Eugenia jambolana):

  • This fruit is regarded as a specific ayurvedic medicine because of its specific action on the pancreas.
  • The fruits, seeds and the whole fruit are useful in the treatment of diabetes. Due to the presence of compound known as jamboline in the seeds, it is used as a medicine in the treatment of diabetes.
  • This fruit has the ability to convert starch into sugar and has hypoglycemic effect that helps to reduce blood sugar levels.

BAEL (AEGLE MARMELOS)

8.Bael (Aegle marmelos):

  • Bael fruit is very famous due to its various medicinal properties but the leaves of this tree are scientifically proven to anti-diabetic.
  • Drink freshly prepared juice of its leaves along with the pinch of black pepper. This juice is very effective in controlling blood sugar.

Health Benefits

9.Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa):

  • Strawberries have low glycemic index so they are very beneficial for patients suffering with diabetes.
  • The sugar present in strawberries is slowly  released in the blood stream as glucose.
  • Intake of strawberries also increase metabolism which helps in weight loss also.

Health Benefits of Cherries

10.Cherries(Prunus avium):

  • Cherries are considered as the rich source of anthocyanins which is responsible for its bright red colour and cherries are the rich sources of enzymes as well.
  • This red colour helps to protect the heart.
  • The enzymes present in cherries are known to boost insulin levels that helps to control blood sugar levels.

Questions:

  1. What is the role of diet and lifestyle change in diabetic patients?
  2. Can diabetic patient take fruits?
  3. What type of sugar is found in fruits?
  4. Why apples are considered good for diabetic patients?
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