"diabetics" news and stories

We already know that pomegranates are antioxidant powerhouses, with the ability to improve cardiovascular health, help arthritis, and fight those darned free radicals that are loitering around your body. However, a new study out of Israel suggests that pomegranate juice, though highly concentrated with sugar, could benefit diabetics.

The findings showed that pomegranate juice had no effect on blood sugar levels (i.e. did not increase it). However, it did reduce levels of other compounds that affect cardiovascular health. Consistently high glucose levels intensify the hardening of blood vessels. This is called atherosclerosis, and leads to cardiovascular disease and stroke. According to lead researcher Professor Michael Aviram, "In most juices, sugars are present in free – and harmful – forms. In pomegranate juice, however, the sugars are attached to unique antioxidants, which actually make these sugars protective against atherosclerosis."

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Our siblings over at the Life Sciences blogs have posted some resources for those of us who will be preparing foods that are kosher for Passover and work for the special dietary needs of diabetics. The Passover holiday restricts unleavened breads as well as grains like wheat, oats, rye and barley, but for diabetics, it's important to find recipes for foods that will help maintain a stable blood sugar level.

One source is the website for the Jewish Diabetes Organization, www.jewishdiabetes.org. The site offers a guide in PDF format with recipes. Cinnamon Hearts, at www.cinnamonhearts.com, is a recipe goldmine for Jewish diabetics, with not only Passover recipes and a menu for a Seder dinner, but many foods for diabetics in general.