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When Food Becomes Medicine And Medicine Becomes Food |
Diabetes
is a metabolic disorder where the human body does not produce or properly uses
insulin, a hormone that is required to convert sugar, starches, and other food
into energy. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by constant high levels of
blood glucose (sugar).
There
are two types of diabetes, diabetes I known as Insulin dependent diabetes where
insulin therapy is needed as the beta cells cant synthesis insulin. Diabetes II
may refer to as Insulin non dependent diabetics as insulin is produced by the
body but in lower amount or it becomes insensitive to act on glucose. It is
possible for us to treat diabetes II through proper dieting, medication and
regular exercise.
Most of the people suffering from diabetes were unaware of
the disease, when they recognized the disorder it becomes more complicated.
Untreated diabetes will lead to complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy,
nephropathy, cardiovascular problems etc.
Moringa leaves and pods contain 90 + nutrients and 46
antioxidants. Moringa leaves have more antioxidants than the green leaves.
Researchers recently reported that vitamin D is essential
for the pancreas to be able to secrete insulin properly. The studies have shown
that individuals with the lowest vitamin D levels experienced the worst blood
sugar-handling problems and had a greater risk of developing diabetes. Moringa
as a rich source of ascorbic acid helps in insulin secretion. It is interesting
to note that certain nutrients like vitamins B1, B2, B12, pantothenic acid,
vitamin C, protein and potassium - along with small frequent meals containing
some carbohydrate - can actually stimulate production of insulin within the
body.
Vitamin
A as an antioxidant helps convert beta-carotene efficiently, which reduces the
risk of blindness in diabetics. Vitamin B 12 is effective in the treatment of
diabetic neuropathy. High dose supplements of Vitamin C have been shown to
prevent sorbitol accumulation and glycosylation of proteins, both of which are
important factors in the development of diabetic complications such as
cataracts. Studies have shown that a low vitamin E concentration was associated
with a 3.9 times greater risk of developing diabetes. Vitamin E reduces
oxidative stress, thus improving membrane physical characteristics and related
activities in glucose transport. Magnesium helps in the metabolism of glycogen,
Mg works closely with vitamin B 6 to help the metabolic process with in the
cell. Moringa has all these nutrient and helps the diabetic patient to control
their blood glucose level.
