KNOW THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF SPICES

       KNOW THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF SPICES

                                            

                                                  Compiled by

                                         Lizy Bonsal, Dietitian

Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre  

 
       

Garlic:  Thiosulfinates (allicin) found in garlic can bring about significant reduction in total cholesterol and in blood pressure; help prevent coronary artery disease and stroke.

Rosemary:  It is a herb which is a rich source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Rosemary also contains very good amounts of vitamin A. Vitamin A is known to have antioxidant properties and is essential for vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin A is known to help  protect the body  from lung and oral cavity cancers. 

Ginger: It reduces nausea induced by motion sickness or pregnancy and may help relieve migraine headaches.

Celery: It has been used in complementary medicines to reduce blood pressure, to relieve indigestion and as an anti-inflammatory agent. It  is also used as a diuretic to remove excess water from the body.

Fenugreek:  It lowers blood LDL-cholesterol levels by inhibiting bile salt re-absorption in the colon. Fiber, trigonelline present in the seeds helps lower rate of glucose absorption in the intestines and  thus controls blood sugar levels. The seeds are therefore recommended in diabetic diet. Fenugreek seeds are added to cereals and wheat flour (bread) or made in gruel and given to nursing mothers to increase milk production.

Pepper: It has been used therapeutically in dentistry as an antiseptic for tooth-decay and gum swellings.

Coriander seed: It helps to increase bulk of the food by absorbing water throughout the digestive system and helps ease constipation. In addition, dietary fiber  binds  to bile salts (produced from cholesterol) and decreases their re-absorption in the  colon, thus helping to lower serum LDL cholesterol levels. Together with flavonoid anti-oxidants, fiber composition of coriander helps protect the colon mucus membrane from cancers.

Sesame seed: The mineral zinc in sesame seed, promotes healthy bones. Sesame also contains copper which helps in relief of rheumatoid arthritis. Calcium in sesame, helps in the prevention of many health problems, like migraine, PMS (Premenstrual syndrome), Osteoporosis and colon cancer . Magnesium content in sesame, helps to maintain respiratory and vascular health. Sesame seeds are also anti –oxidant and anti depressant. They are also used to treat constipation.

Better Learn About Bittergourd (Bitter Melon)

              Better learn about bittergourd(bitter melon)

Compiled by 

Lizy Bonsal, Dietitian

Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre

• Fresh bitter melon is an excellent source of vitamin-C. Vitamin-C, one of the powerful natural antioxidants, helps body scavenge deleterious free radicals- one of the reasons for cancer development.            

• Very low in calories; provides only 17 cal per   100g. The pods are rich in phytonutrients like dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. 
• Bitter melon contains phyto-nutrient, polypeptide-P; a plant “insulin” known to lower blood sugar levels. In addition it also contains a hypoglycemic agent called charantin. Charantin increases glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in the cells of liver, muscle and adipose tissue. Together, these compounds can cause reduction of blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetes.
• Fresh pods are an excellent source of folate; contains about 72 mcg/100g.  Folate helps to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in offspring when taken by pregnant women during early pregnancy.

• It is an excellent source of health promoting flavonoids such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthins.   
•  It also contains good amount of vitamin A. Together, these compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging, cancers and various disease processes.
• Bitter melon stimulates easy digestion and peristalsis of food through the bowel until it is excreted from the body. Thus, it helps in relieving indigestion and constipation.
• The vegetable is also a good source of Niacin (vitamin B-3), Pantothenic acid (vit.B-5), Pyridoxine (vit.B-6) and minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, manganese and magnesium.

DIABETES IN PREGNANCY - THE NEED FOR EARLY DETECTION

            The World Health Organization's estimation of prevalence of diabetes in adults indicates an expected total tise of more than 120% from 135 million in 1995 to 300 million in 2025. This includes Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) which is defined as carbohydrate intolerance with first recognition or onset during pregnancy and pre GDM, a term that denotes known diabetic subjects who become pregnant.

          Women with GDM are at increased risk of future diabetes and their children are at risk of childhood obesity and diabetes later in life. This fact should warn the physicians and general public alike to the necessity to devote special attention to this problem. Uncontrolled diabetes in pregnancy leads to spontaneous abortions, birth defects, preterm labor, big baby, hypertension, sudden in-utero death, delayed and difficult labor. 

Source: http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/sep2009/9/8/big-baby-pic-afp-getty-75711017.jpg

              

            A team approach is needed in management of pregnancy in diabetes with the obstetrician, diabetologist, dietitian and pediatrician working in concert. Intensive monitoring, diet and insulin therapy are cornerstones for management. The importance of educating pregnant women with diabetes about the condition and its management cannot be overemphasized. 

          All pregnant women must be aware of when to screen for GDM and GDM mothers must know about its implications for her and her baby. Fetal growth must be evaluated with ultrasound and fetal echo done to rule out cardiac problems.

          Prevention of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in GDM is based on achieving maternal blood glucose as close to normal as possible. Gestational diabetic women require follow up. Glucose tolerance test with 75g oral glucose is performed after 6 weeks of delivery and if necessary repeated after 6 months and every year to determine whether the glucose tolerance has returned to normal or progressed. Diabetes in pregnancy needs holistic care for good health of women and her child. 

World Heart Day

World Heart Day 29 September, 2012

Nutrition Tips