Is Cinnamon Really Beneficial for Diabetics?

Everyone knows that cinnamon is used for enhancing our baking goods, such as cakes, pies, and other desserts. In addition to being a spice, there are some studies claiming that it is beneficial for diabetics. But is it really?

No one really knows and some of these studies are inconclusive.

There are two variations of cinnamon (Ceylon and cassia). Cassia cinnamon is what most of us use in our baking goods. At the same time, cassia cinnamon is the variation of cinnamon that was studies by researchers in terms of treating diabetes.

There has been studies claiming that cinnamon may reduce blood sugar by lowering insulin resistance. However, in Type 2 diabetics, cinnamon may be less likely to function properly--in other words, higher blood sugar levels are likely to occur. Just think about it, in Type 2 diabetes, or non-insulin dependent, there are either one or two problems that occur: (a) the pancreas keep some ability to make insulin, but not enough for the body's needs, or (b) the body is very resistant to the effects of insulin. These statements are very contradictory.

What is the Recommended Dosage?

There is no standard dosage due to the fact that cinnamon is not a proven source of treatment. A half to one teaspoon of cinnamon per day is a recommendation by some people. Others suggest one to six grams. In contrast, taking large dosages of cinnamon can become very toxic.

Side Effects

In terms of side effects, cinnamon does not generally impose any negative effects. However, heavy usage is likely to cause irritation with the lips and/or mouth, resulting in sores.

Risks

A substantial amount of cassia cinnamon may become toxic, especially in people who suffer from liver problems. Because cinnamon may lower blood sugar in diabetics, he/she may need to change their treatment if using cinnamon supplements. Pregnant women and/or nursing women should avoid taking cinnamon supplements altogether due to a lack of evidence for safety.

Interactions

If you are taking medications on a regular basis, then you should consult with a physician prior to beginning any cinnamon supplements. It may cause interaction with antibiotics, diabetic medications, blood thinners, heart medications, etc.

In case you are planning on purchasing cinnamon supplement, it is recommended that you select brands that are labeled with seals, as in NSF International, U.S. Pharmacopeia, or Consumerlab. These labels ensure that these supplements include the ingredients that are listed on the label. It also provides assistance with the guarantee that the supplements are not contaminated and/or included potentially toxic ingredients.

Edible Insects: Are They Really Healthy and Tasty?

Looking to get your dose of protein? No, no from eating that lean ground beef or that baked chicken.

Move over ground beef and chicken, there is a new source of protein that has (or probably will) enter our culinary lives--in the Western world---edible insects!

Yes, many people in the Western world do frown up at the notion of eating insects, (think about "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern!"). However, these insects are very delicious and have its health benefits.

Eating edible, or entomophagy, is not a new phenomenon in other parts of the world. They are the staple diet in many different regions. In essence, more and more people are including this food in their everyday diets. The good thing about edible insects is that it is very tasty, have nutritional benefits, and good for the environment. According to the FAO, or Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, the report states that insects have beneficial nutritional value, involve fewer greenhouse gases that are hazardous to the environment. It also states that it produces much more edible food per pound of feed in comparison to cattle. The research states that eating insects could have a positive impact on discussing food insecurities in the United States.


How To Consume Edible Insects

Many people that want to eat insects, or want to try eating them, have found out (or will find out) that it works excellent with dips and cookies, just to name a few. They are often included in our candies and chocolate-coated. So much that some restaurants are jumping on the edible insect eating bandwagon.


Edible Insect Nutritional Information

The following are some of the nutritional information that a few of these edible creatures can value--in this case--serving size: 100 grams:

• Caterpillar: 28.8 grams protein
• Cricket: 12.9 grams protein, 5.5 grams fat, 5.1 grams carbohydrates
• Grasshopper: 20.6 grams protein, 6.1 grams fat, 3.9 grams carbohydrates
• Red ant: 13.9 grams protein, 3.5 grams fat, 2.9 grams carbohydrates

In terms of protein, just think about the nutritional benefits of these crawling, edible creatures--that is like having ground beef with twenty-seven grams of protein. Also in the FAO report, in addition to the edible insects being economical and environment-friendly, it is also packed with the much-needed minerals (iron, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium). It is also packed with fiber.

As gross as it may sounds--at least from many Westerners' perspective--edible insects provide the nutritional and health benefits that are needed in order for our bodies to function. Not only these insects are very appetizing, they are also healthy, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly, unlike some of the traditional protein sources. The bottom line: attitudes are more likely to change about this delicacy and more people will be more open-minded and healthier.

Are There Health Benefits with Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar

We all know that apple cider vinegar are sold in our local grocery stores and supermarkets and it is generally used as an enhancement for our foods, as in cole slaw, or even a Caesar's Salad. Good news: there are studies that state that there are health benefits with using apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar comes from fermented and crushed apples. Vinegar has been utilized as a health treatment for many thousand years for different health conditions.

What is the Purpose of the Apple Cider Vinegar?

A few studies have found that apple cider vinegar may reduce blood sugar levels. This may be beneficial to people who suffer from diabetes. Since apple cider can make you feel fuller, it is often the go-to drink for weight loss. In addition to weight loss, apple cider has been used for conditions, as in high blood pressure and detoxifying, just to name a few. However, there are no clinical trials to support these traditional uses.

In terms of taking apple cider vinegar, there is not exact dosage on how much to take, may people choose to take at least two teaspoons a day with a juice or water mixture. They are also sold in tablet form (285 mg) dehydrated apple cider vinegar.

Risks and Side Effects of Taking Apple Cider Vinegar

Although there are health benefits of apple cider vinegar, there are also risks and side effects of taking this supplement. Taking a large dosage of apple cider vinegar may impose some risks. These can include anything from teeth enamel erosion to burning the mouth and throat.

Women who suffer from osteoporosis should avoid apple cider vinegar. This can decrease bone density. Also, diabetics should not use apple cider vinegar; it can change their insulin levels. For those who are on diuretics, heart disease medications, and diabetics should consult a physician prior to taking apple cider vinegar supplements.

Historically, the apple cider vinegar regimen has been around for over a thousand years for the treatment of various health conditions, especially for weight loss. As with any health-related treatments, there are risks with consuming apple cider vinegar. For best results, it is suggested to consult with a physician prior to trying out the apple cider vinegar regimen.

Whey Protein Shakes: Are They Necessary?

Craving that thick, milky drink that goes through the straw in a very slow rate? That drink sounds like a milkshake, right? Yes, for the most part. But there is a different type of shake that most of us are not visualizing drinking. This is more on the healthy side---like a protein shake!

The majority of us can acquire the proteins that we need by just consuming foods. Approximately forty-five to fifty grams of proteins each day should be consumed by healthy adults.

For those exercise buffs, of course, you are likely to need more protein from any source than people that live a sedentary lifestyle.

Before we get into the whey protein shakes, what are protein shakes? Protein shakes are usually consumed by athletes that require nourishment after their workouts. They can range from one-hundred percent protein to mainly carbohydrates with additional protein and fat. In protein shakes, there are a variation of flavors that come in either a powder form or ready-to-drink packages, as in cans and/or foil packs.

There are many methods of choosing a protein shake; it really depends on your health goal(s). For example, if your goal is to lose weight or body fat, it is best to change to a protein shake that is mainly protein, lower carbohydrates and a small amount of fat. Here is the catch--the shake should be more than fifty percent protein. Protein shakes can contain different protein types, as in milk, whey, casein, egg, soy, and rice.

You should be getting protein in every aspect of your diet. However, you can supplement with a whey and casein combination; just make sure that you are not lactose intolerant, since these are milk sources.

Whey Protein Shakes

Speaking of whey protein shakes, adding it to your diet can actually aid in weight loss. According to the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, the 2008 edition, people that took a whey protein supplement actually lost more weight and kept their lean muscle mass more than the people on the same diet minus the whey protein shakes.

The recommendation for women is to eat between 1,800 and 2,400 calories a day to maintain weight and for men to eat between 2,400 and 3,000 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Supplementing a Meal

As for replacing your meal with a whey protein shake, substituting one meal a day with this shake can assist in weight loss. The catch: avoid a meal that is calorie-rich and high in carbohydrates; replace them with a low-calorie meal. However, you have to continue to eat wholesome foods to make sure that an efficient intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber are fulfilled. In fact, whole food sources should be your first option before selecting a whey protein shake diet.

Consult your physician prior to consuming the whey protein shake diet.