It's a Houseplant, It's a Healer, NO... It's Cactus
Did you know that many foods and drinks labeled "no sugar", low in sugar, or "for diabetics" contain chemicals that can interfere with normal pancreatic function, while over stimulating your appetite and feeling of hunger? The pancreas is the organ in your body that is responsible for producing insulin. Be sure to watch for future issues to learn more about these troublesome chemicals.As you venture on this path to greater awareness, understanding, and appreciation of your blood sugar health, and the better choices you can make to manage your health in general. We hope you will incorporate the suggestions we offer to optimize your daily food choices. The benefits are real and the choice is yours!So what is this healing houseplant commonly found in homes around the world? Yes, it's the cactus, or the Aloe Vera plant, along with a cousin you may have never heard of.Aloe Vera? Yes. Also known as 'Nature's Silent Healer', Aloe Vera has been clinically proven to help assist the body in reducing glucose levels as well as triglycerides. It is the gel that is inside the shoots of the cactus that work as an anti-inflammatory agent. Who would have thought? But it is true. It is commonly used worldwide to treat sunburns and to promote quick skin healing; but Aloe Vera was also recently proven in scientific studies to both help the body to metabolize sugars and even lower glucose levels in people who are hyperglycemic.However, the cactus family has another lesser-known member, the Nopal Cactus, or the Nopales in Spanish, and we also know it as the Prickly Pear Cactus; in the supermarket you may know of them as Nopalitos (or Baby Nopales). The prickly pear fruit has recently garnered much interest in the scientific community because it is the richest source of betalains in the plant kingdom. Betalains are � � | �/td> | phytochemicals unique to nopal cactus, beets, and Swiss chard. It is these chemical, which gives these vegetables their ruby red color. Betalains are glycosides, which also means they help to reduce blood glucose levels. Medical research performed in the 1990's showed the benefits of the nopal cactus for diabetics to be significant.
Other important benefits include the antioxidant properties of betalains, which protect the inner lining of blood vessels and the lymph system. A 2004 clinical study published in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences states [that the betalains in prickly pear were clearly demonstrated to protect vascular endothelial cells from the free radical effects of redox alteration from cytokines, the "signal" proteins that regulate the immune system.]
That is excellent news - because both can be ingested as a simple daily supplement to get all the benefits that this cactus offers. Though you can also add them to a variety of recipes such as salads, eggs, and salsas to take advantage of their healthful benefits.
Today's Blood Sugar Health Tip
• Action Step: Include a 16-ounce glass of water with every meal; make it your drink of choice every time you think you are thirsty or even hungry drink tall glass first. Add a squeeze lemons or limes, and fresh cut wedge of lemon or lime to every glass. Make your daily goal to consume at least 2-quarts of water everyday. And think about adding some cactus to your regular nutritional routine.
The next issue of Blood Sugar Health will explain where your voracious appetite has come from, and what you can do to appease it. So keep your eye on your inbox to learn more!
To Your Better Blood Sugar
Your Blood Sugar Health Team
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