This is my attempt to make an educational video series
Tag: Diabetes
Super Spi(c)es – Cumin
Cumin is a spice used in savory dishes throughout the world. The spice is made up of seeds from the Cuminum cyminum plant. Common places where this cumin is grown include the Middle East, India, Mediterranean, and China. In India this spice has been used for generations, in order to treat headaches, indigestion, eye disease, and leprosy. In the future, cumin could be utilized traditionally in fields such as cancer prevention, diabetes management, and cholesterol control.
Cumin increases the activity of digestive enzymes speeding up the process of digestion. Cumin is a rich source of iron as well which supports growth in young children. Proper amount of doses can also contribute to weight loss and improved cholesterol in an individual’s blood. Using small amounts of cumin to season food can go a long way for providing antioxidants and iron for blood sugar control. Cumin water is said to promote insulin production and keep the diabetes in check.
Studies also suggest that cumin might slow blood clotting, so please consult your care giver before trying any supplements. Cumin is an easy addition to side dishes, grains, and entrees to improve flavor and to provide necessary health benefits.
My References:
https://www.ndtv.com/food/diabetes-cumin-seeds-a-natural-remedy-to-manage-blood-sugar-levels-1956019
Super Spi(c)es – Black Seed and Carom Seed
The number of individuals who suffer from health conditions late in life is drastically increasing daily and without proper health precautions this can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, trouble breathing, and narrowing of vessels. With various members of my family having to fight diabetes, I know the importance of receiving proper treatment and maintaining a balanced lifestyle to reduce the impact of diabetes leading to other organ damages. My grandparents take a mixture of Black Seed and Ajwain (Carom Seeds) as a supplement every day. These spices claim anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fungal health benefits although there is no proper scientific evidence to support it. They have been part of traditional medicine system.
Nigella sativa or Black seed is one shrub that can provides a great amount of nutritional benefit . The antioxidant properties of this contributes to its antifungal property and the ability to relieve inflammation for the skin. High blood pressure and cholesterol (commonly effects of diabetes) can be combated through taking this spice. It is consumed with oil to improve bioavailability.
Another plant with similar properties is Ajwain belonging to the Apiaceae family. Oils such as thymol which is found in this plant keep calcium out to lower blood pressure and can prevent infections growing. It is commonly used to solve digestive issues. Utilizing plant-based products can contribute towards improving nutritional well-being so that long-term issues will not arise. They have been made a part of ancient Indian diet system so that the consumption is moderate, and health is maintained.
Note that supplements should be consumed after consulting your healthcare provider for possible side effects and recommeded dosage.
My References :
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/black-seed-oil-benefits
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-ajwain
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/carom-seeds#The-bottom-line
Super Spi(c)es – Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the spices that has been around for years. It’s medicinal properties were known to ancient civilizations. It is inner bark of the evergreen Cinnamomum tree. It is high in cinnamaldehyde, which is thought to be responsible for most of cinnamon’s health benefits. Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant as it contains plant compounds called polyphenols , and has anti-inflammatory properties. It has shown to reduce blood pressure and has shown beneficial effects when consumed by people with Type 2 Diabetes. Compounds found in Cinnamon inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Cinnamon also serves as a prebiotic to improve gut health. It seems to help us battle Cancer, AIDs, IBS and Neurodegenerative diseases. The list goes on…
There are 2 varieties of this spice – Ceylon Cinnamon and Cassia Cinnamon. The second one is the most common one in the United States. The Cassia variety contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin, which is believed to be harmful in large doses. A large dose (greater than 3g) should not be consumed on a daily basis as it may impact blood clotting. This should be included as part of our daily diet only after consulting your healthcare provider.
Based on all this preliminary research, the potential of cinnamon seems enormous. But experts caution that it’s still too early in the scientific process to suggest cinnamon as a daily supplement.
My References:
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cinnamon
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon#TOC_TITLE_HDR_13
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-cinnamon
Managing Diabetes ..One day at a time
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that impacts how the body creates energy from food. Insulin facilitates a passageway for blood sugar to enter into cells for energy. With diabetes, not enough Insulin is produced by Pancreas (Type 1) or Insulin is not effectively absorbed (Type 2) and blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. Serious health problems also result from this to internal organs including the heart, vision and kidney.
Risk factors for Type 1 includes Family history, Age, Genetics. However Type 2 diabetes could onset if you are prediabetic, overweight, inactive lifestyle etc.
As per WHO, Diabetes is the 9th leading cause of death around the world. Structured lifestyle intervention including nutrition management and active lifestyle can reduce the risk by half. Insulin therapy is a keyway of managing diabetes. There are medications that slowdown the process of breakdown of carbohydrates, block certain enzymes, etc.
To increase awareness, the International Diabetes Federation has declared World Diabetes Day as Nov 14, 2021. This year marks the 100th Anniversary of discovery of Insulin. There are many advancement in wearable technology to monitor and manage Diabetes. WHO has added diabetic medication to the Essential Medicines list. The cost of Insulin is very high and is not readily accessible to low and mid income groups in developing countries.
The onset of diabetes in youth are also on the rise. We should follow a balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates or whole grains, lean meat, Non Starchy vegetables and fiber-rich-fruits and sweet in moderation, along with active lifestyle, stress management should help to sent Diabetes into remission.
My References
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html
https://www.idf.org/who-we-are/about-idf/logo.html
https://worlddiabetesday.org/activities/
https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/november-world-diabetes-day-and-diabetes-awareness-month
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