Sugar increases stroke risk | Added sugars in diet can increase risk of stroke and diabetes

Processed sugars that are found plentifully in snacks, candy, sodas and baked goods not only increase the risk of diabetes but also the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Sugar is addictive and sweetened foods actually tend to increase hunger. Processed sugars which can also be called simple sugars are absorbed quickly by the body. This raises blood sugar levels and consequently triggers release of insulin. Insulin helps to store sugar into cells which then gets deposited as fat. Insulin also reduces fat utilization.

The increase in fat increases triglyceride and cholesterol levels. People suffering from obesity tend to also be diabetic and have high blood pressure. Some reasons for this is that insulin levels also affect salt and water retention. When refined sugars or simple sugars are consumed, the body quickly absorbs it and important vitamins and minerals are not absorbed. These are instead leached from bones and other organs leading to vitamin deficiency.

Some medications that are prescribed to lower high blood sugar have the adverse effect of depleting coenzyme Q10 or COQ10. This enzyme produced by the liver is actually necessary for converting fat into energy. It also makes heart muscles strong. A similar effect is seen with cholesterol medications such as statins.

It is therefore important to avoid refined sugars. While fruit sugars are natural, processed fruit juice can contain high levels of fructose. It has been seen that the body gets de-sensitized to sugar so the more you consume the more quickly it absorbs it and the more its capacity to absorb. Abstaining from sugary products has the reverse effect. The body will need and crave less sugar.

Exercise is also an important part of metabolizing sugar and burning fat. Once sugar is deposited as fat in the cells, the only way to get rid of it is by exercising. Exercise also suppresses insulin allowing fat to burn.

Herbs such as Gymnema sylvestre and Bitter Melon have been shown to be very efficacious in suppressing sugar cravings and helping to normalize blood sugar levels.

Bitter Melon Health Benefits | Bitter Melon Supplements

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Bitter Melon benefits for diabetes and general health

Bitter melon is a green vegetable shaped somewhat like a sausage, with protrusions. Bitter melon has always had a very important place in the Indian diet. It is taken boiled, fried, curried and stuffed. Bitter melon is known to be extremely beneficial in diabetes control and is often prescribed as a herbal alternative to diabetes medication.

Known as karela in India bitter melon also goes by the names of bitter gourd, balsam pear, sorci, pava-aki, ku gua, pare and peria. Bitter melon's latin name is Momordica charantia. It grows on vines in warm climates and is known for its medicinal properties in almost every place that it is grown.

Apart from being beneficial in type 2 diabetes, bitter melon is also known to be a very good detoxification agent and helps in blood purification and keeping the digestive tract, liver and pancreas healthy. It aids in food absorption and peristaltic movement in the intestines. Due to its cooling effect on the body, bitter melon is made a daily part of the diet during summer in India. It is said to aid in clearing acne and keeping the skin healthy. Recent studies have also shown bitter melon as an aid in combating HIV and cancer.

Bitter melon has no side effects or contraindications. However given its ability to lower blood sugar levels naturally it is best to consult a doctor if additional diabetic medication is being taken.

While it is good to consume bitter melon in a boiled form or to take the juice extract, it is extremely bitter and may be unpalatable to some. Bitter melon is also available as capsules which are more convenient to take and contain the pure extract.

A couple of tasty ways to have bitter melon are as follows:
Thinly slice bitter melon and then deep fry. Serve with rice.

Boil bitter melon, remove the seeds and then mix with boiled potatoes and butter and serve with rice.

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