Diabetic: Know the glycemic index of the food you eat (blood sugar)

Many still thinks that table sugar or anything with it, for example soft drinks is the worst kind of food for diabetic person. There are, however others as bad or worse than table sugar. I was surprised when the doctor of my uncle (who is diagnose with diabetes) said that watermelon is one such example watermelon is my favorite fruit I'm glad that I don't have diabetes, I can eat all watermelon I like.

The doctor also said that what is important is to adjust the diet of a diabetic person to mange the weight because there is a close relationship between the incidence of diabetes and greater body weight. The doctor also said that diabetic people has to look closely at the glycemic index (GI) of the carbohydrates in the food they eat. It is important for people who are diabetic, to keep the blood sugar under control. The glycemic index of food in each 50g of carbohydrates is a measure of the food's ability to elevate blood sugar in the two or three hours after eating. Some are broken down more quickly in the intestine than the others, causing the blood sugar level to rise rapidly, and sometimes to dangerous levels. These carbohydrates have a high GI. Carbohydrates that are low in GI enter the bloodstream slowly and are the preferred type. They provide sustained energy and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. However he also said that do not eat this food too much, too much of anything is unhealthy. Eating an excess low GI food could cause an increase in body weight. Also stick to a low fat diet and exercise regularly.

Below are list of foods categorized according to glycemic index (GI):

Foods High in GI

white rice
raisins
white bread
watermelon
honey
cheerios
cornflakes
cooked carrots
cane maple and corn syrup
baked potato
glucose

Foods with Moderate GI

whole wheat bread
apple juices
bananas
sweet potato
brown rice
corn
popcorn
grapes
oatmeal
spaghetti/noodles
orange and orange juices

Foods with Low GI

barley
grapefruit
kidney beans
lentils
green peas
milk and milk products
pears
yogurt
plums
figs
peanuts
peaches
apples

Sugar: Cancer suspect food

Image via WikipediaEverybody needs a little bit of sweetness specially in some of our foods, but too much sugar are link to cancer, diabetes,heart conditions and other life threatening conditions. When we eat food (carbohydrates), it is true that the body sorts out all the elements and eventually breaks down the constituents into simple sugars (glucose and fructose). Glucose is the major sugar present in blood and body tissues. This is a essential sugar because all cells, specially brain cells, depend on glucose. But there is no RDA or recommended daily allowance for any kind of sugar , including glucose. We are not required to eat a measure of glucose everyday. The specialized enzymes of the digestive tract are equipped to convert carbohydrates into the basic glucose slowly into blood stream during the metabolic process, along with other needed nutrients.

One of the most common misconceptions today is that a white sugar (which is not glucose, but sucrose) provides quick energy and is a good food. The catch is that sugar is not absorbed and metabolized in the body in the same efficient way as the complex carbohydrates are. When we eat sugar, it is rapidly absorbed and passed on the liver where it is converted to triglycerides. The triglycerides are released onto the bloodstream and end up being stored as fats deposits in the veins and tissues and it means high cholesterol build up. High cholesterol and triglycerides are implicated in the development of cancer and other life threatening conditions.

Cancer is fearful disease because terminal patients die so slowly and painfully. It is the most common cause of death. Nutrition, lifestyle and everyday environments create the most common cancer risks. This risk can be reduced by dietary and lifestyle changes
So think twice before you put sugar and sweets in your mouth, Taking care of yourself is like living in a sweet life.