HealingWithNutrition.com     1-800-943-1123 Home |  SiteMap | Education | Products      

   
Protection Against Diabetes
   


 

Tomatoes Play Important Role in Diet

Currently, there are 16 million Americans with diabetes mellitus. This is a condition in which the pancreas ceases to produce insulin, leading to many physical complications. One interesting aspect about diabetes is that it is a condition characterized by oxidative stress. Now a study suggests that phytochemicals called carotenoids, which have antioxidant activity, may protect against the development of diabetes. Five carotenoids (ß-carotene, lycopene, crypotoxanthin and lutein/zeaxanthin) were measured in a large group of people who were categorized as having either normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, or those with a family history of diabetes. They found that ß-carotene and lycopene were highest in those individuals with normal glucose tolerance; lower in those with impaired glucose tolerance; and lowest in those with diabetes. It appears that certain carotenoids can greatly reduce the risk for diabetes, and this may be through their antioxidant actions. For this reason, eating a diet of vegetables high in these antioxidants--such as tomatoes and yellow/orange vegetables--or supplementing with antioxidant phytochemicals, may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Ford, E.S., et al. Diabetes mellitus and serum carotenoids: findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey. Am. J. Epidemiol., 1999; 149: 168-176
 

Learn more about heart disease and natural alternatives for the body to improve heart conditions (Click Here)

Learn about "Heart Health" nutrients (Click Here)


We welcome all Email!

   ©Copyright 1999-2001 Personal Health Lifestyles, Inc. All rights reserved.
       Please read our Copyright and Legal Disclaimer.