HEALTH ......

They aren't trendy, but the myriad health benefits of carrots—from lowering cholesterol to preventing memory loss—are unbeatable.

Lower cholesterol
Carrots contain high amounts of soluble fiber, largely from pectin, which could be the reason they’ve been shown to lower cholesterol.

Participants who ate about a cup of carrots each day for three weeks lowered their blood cholesterol levels, a U.S. government study found.
Reduce risk of cancer
The alphacarotene and bioflavonoids in carrots have been associated with lower risks of cancer, particularly lung cancer.

But stick to those carotenoids rather than beta-carotene supplements, which could be harmful to smokers.
Keep your vision sharp
If your parents told you to eat your carrots for better eyesight, they were on to something. Carrots won’t cure preexisting vision problems, but they can protect against sight issues caused by vitamin A deficiency.

The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, says Hans Fisher, PhD, a professor emeritus of nutritional biochemistry from Rutgers University, and that's important for healthy eyes. Carrots can prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as night blindness, which keeps eyes from adjusting to the dark.
Stop memory loss
Middle-aged people who ate the lowest amount of root vegetables showed more than three times as much cognitive decline as those who ate the most, according to a Netherlands study.

Researchers concluded that the beta-carotene in the vegetables—especially from carrots—protected the central nervous system against aging. An 18-year Harvard study determined that when men consumed 50 mg supplements of beta-carotene every other day, cognitive decay was delayed for the equivalent of 1 to 1.5 years compared to those who took a placebo.
Prevent diabetes
Carrots contain beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant associated with lower diabetes risk.

In one study, those with the most beta-carotene in their blood had 32 percent lower insulin levels than those with lower levels of beta-carotene.
Bolster your bone health
Carrots also contain small amounts of other vital nutrients such as vitamin C (5 milligrams per 1 cup serving) and calcium (96 milligrams per 1 cup serving).

Many people, especially post-menopausal women, don’t get enough calcium, so while carrots might not contain much, “every little bit helps,” Fisher says.

BEST FOODS FOR DIABETICS

A healthy diet including the following foods can help manage blood sugar levels, or even reverse early-stage high blood-sugar problems.

Oatmeal
High in soluble fiber, oats are slower to digest than processed carbs. Eat them and you’ll release glucose into the bloodstream more slowly, which will prevent spikes in your blood-sugar levels.

In a 2012 study from Sweden’s Karolinska University, researchers found that eating four servings of whole grains daily reduced the risk for developing prediabetes by 30 percent. Other research shows that if you eat whole grains you experience less inflammation, which could lower the odds of your developing insulin resistance, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Cinnamon
This sweet seasoning contains a compound called hydroxychalcone, which may stimulate insulin receptors on cells and, in turn, improve your body’s ability to absorb blood sugar.

Researchers from the University of California-Davis recently reviewed eight different studies on cinnamon and reported that about half to one teaspoon a day lowered fasting blood sugar levels by an average of nine points among people with diabetes. Sprinkle the fragrant spice onto oatmeal or add a dash to a cup of coffee.

Grapes
Eating more whole fruits, particularly grapes, blueberries, and apples, was significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a Harvard study published in the British Medical Journal in 2013.

People who ate at least two servings each week of certain whole fruits reduced their risk for type 2 diabetes by as much as 23 percent when compared to those who ate less than one serving per month. Eating the whole fruit seems to be key, though; researchers found that fruit juice drinkers faced as much as a 21 percent increased risk of developing diabetes.

Olive oil
This Mediterranean staple is rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), which may improve insulin sensitivity.

A Spanish study found that people who ate plenty of these good fats at breakfast had better insulin sensitivity throughout the day than those whose morning meal rich was in saturated fat or carbohydrates. MUFAs may also help zap belly fat, which can contribute to inflammation and increase type 2 diabetes risk.

Beans
These little legumes pack a powerful punch for diabetics, with a winning combination of high-quality carbohydrates, lean protein, and soluble fiber that helps stabilize the body's blood-sugar levels and keeps hunger in check.

An Archives of Internal Medicine study found that type 2 diabetes patients who ate more legumes had improved blood sugar control and reduced their risk of heart disease.

Eggs
Eggs provide a great dose of satiating protein (6 grams per whole egg), and are a healthy choice compared to many meats.

For people with diabetes, nutrition experts do recommend limiting yolks to about three times a week, but you can have whites more often. One large egg white has about 16 calories and 4 grams of protein, notes nutritionist Joy Bauer, RD on her website, making them a “perfect food for blood sugar control, not to mention weight-loss or maintenance.”

Dairy
The calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D in milk, cheese, and yogurt make your body more sensitive to insulin, according to the 2-Day Diabetes Diet.

In fact, Harvard Medical School researchers have found that every daily dairy serving reduces risk for insulin resistance by more than 20 percent. French research has also found that people who consume two daily dairy servings are about 26 percent less likely to develop high blood-sugar problems.

Kale
All vegetables are crucial to a healthy diabetes diet, but leafy greens pack a particularly powerful punch.

Rich in nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin K, kale and its cousins have been linked to better blood sugar control, according to the Reader’s Digest 2-Day Diabetes Diet book. Cruciferous veggies also contain a compound called sulforaphane, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help control blood sugar and protect blood vessels from cardiovascular damage.

Fish
Ample research shows people with the highest blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids—fish is one of the best sources—have less body-wide inflammation, which leads to and worsens diabetes and weight problems.

Since fatty meats can raise your risk for high blood sugar, according to a 2008 study from the University of Minnesota, swap them out for leaner options, like fish or skinless poultry.

THE BEST AND WORST DRINKS FOR DIABETICS

Liquid calories and nutrition can be good or bad for blood sugar and diabetes. Here's how you can get the healthiest bang from your beverages.

Drinks for Diabetics

When you have diabetes, choosing the right drink isn’t always simple. And recent studies may only add to the confusion. Is coffee helpful or harmful to insulin resistance? Does zero-calorie diet soda cause weight gain? We reviewed the research and then asked three top registered dietitians, who are also certified diabetes educators, what they tell their clients about seven everyday drinks. Here’s what to know before you sip.

Drink More: Water

Could a few refreshing glasses of water assist with blood sugar control? A recent study in the journal Diabetes Care suggests so: The researchers found that people who drank 16 ounces or less of water a day (two cups’ worth) were 30 percent more likely to have high blood sugar than those who drank more than that daily. The connection seems to be a hormone called vasopressin, which helps the body regulate hydration. Vasopressin levels increase when a person is dehydrated, which prompts the liver to produce more blood sugar.

How much: Experts recommend six to nine 8-ounce glasses of water per day for women and slightly more for men. You’ll get some of this precious fluid from fruit and vegetables and other fluids, but not all of it. “If you’re not in the water habit, have a glass before each meal,” recommends Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes. “After a few weeks, add a glass at meals too.”

Drink More: Milk

Moo juice isn’t just a kids’ drink. It provides the calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D your body needs for many essential functions. Plus, research shows it may also boost weight loss. In one study of 322 people trying to slim down (some had type 2 diabetes, some had heart disease), those who drank the most milk—about 12 ounces a day—shed about 5 more pounds over the study period than those with the lowest dairy intake, about half a glass daily. “Low-fat or fat-free milk is a great beverage for people with diabetes,” Brown-Riggs says. Adding milk to a healthy diet can also help lower your blood pressure (a concern for many people with diabetes) by three to five points, according to research from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

How much: Experts recommend two to three daily servings of dairy products, including low-fat or fat-free milk. Think you can’t possibly get that much? Drink a glass with breakfast or choose dairy for dessert, like yogurt or sugar-free pudding, mousse, or fruit parfait. “Drink milk with a meal so your body can handle the natural rise in blood sugar that happens when we eat carbohydrates,” says Baltimore, Maryland–based registered dietitian Angela Ginn, RD, LDN, CDE, a nutrition education coordinator at the University of Maryland’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology. Remember to factor in 12 grams of carbohydrates in every 8-ounce glass.

Drink More: Tea

No calories, big flavor, and a boatload of antioxidants have made tea—particularly green and black—trendy for healthy reasons, especially for diabetics. One Chinese study showed that black tea—not green or oolong tea—has the highest levels of polysaccharides, which slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Sipping four cups a day could lower the risk for developing diabetes by 16 percent, a new German study found. Tea may also help reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease. Exception: sweetened, bottled iced teas, which have tons of added sugar.

How much: Four to five cups of tea are OK for most people, just be sure the caffeine doesn’t keep you awake at night. More is fine if you opt for decaf. And watch what you add: Avoid sugar and full-fat milk and cream.

Drink Carefully: Coffee

Some studies suggest that coffee drinkers are at lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes. (A compound in coffee called chlorogenic acid seems to slow absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.) But other research indicates that for people who already have diabetes, coffee may raise blood sugar or make the body work harder to process it. Bottom line: It comes down to how coffee affects your individual blood sugar. What many people with diabetes add to their coffee may be more of the issue. “Sugar, sweetened creamers, and high-fat milk and half-and-half can raise your blood sugar and your weight,” Brown-Riggs says.

How much: Experts say sipping two to three cups a day is probably fine, but if you’re having a tough time controlling your blood sugar, it may be worth cutting out coffee to see if it makes a difference. “Everyone’s blood sugar response to foods is unique and individual,” Ginn says.

Drink Carefully: Diet Soda

Are fizzy, zero-calorie drinks a brilliant choice, or could they also lead to weight gain and mess with your ability to absorb blood sugar? Recent science has stirred the debate. In some studies, diet soda fans were at a greater risk for gaining weight than people who drank the regular kind. In another, diet soda drinkers were 67 percent more likely to develop diabetes than people who didn’t drink them. One explanation could be that people who sipped diet soda felt the diet drinks allowed them to have high-calorie treats later. Another theory posits that diet drinks keep taste buds “primed” for sweets, making it likely that people will indulge when they see cookies or ice cream. One Harvard study that followed 40,000 men for 20 years found no link between diet drinks and diabetes when factoring in body mass index, family history, and diet, which may indicate that diet soda drinkers tend to weigh more than people who skip them.

But don’t give up on diet soda just yet. Though there’s concern among researchers, the American Diabetes Association still suggests that diet soda is a better alternative to a sugar-packed version for people watching their blood sugar.

How much: If you already have a soda habit, it’s probably OK to sip one a day instead of a sugary version. But make sure to also drink healthy beverages like water and tea. Resist the temptation to see diet soda as a “magic eraser” for foods like chips, dips, sweets, fries, and burgers. People who enjoyed their diet pop as part of a healthy diet were about 30 percent less likely to have insulin resistance than those who ate fried and sugary foods in one University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study.

Drink Less: Soda and Sugary Fruit Drinks

With ten teaspoons of sugar in every 12-ounce can or bottle, sweet drinks can send your blood sugar soaring—and boost your risk for weight gain, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. One sugary drink a day adds 150 empty calories and 40 to 50 grams of blood-sugar-raising carbohydrates to your diet, and can lead to a weight gain of 15 pounds per year, say researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health. Research shows that sugar (whether table sugar or high-fructose corn syrup) can cause people to pack on belly fat and increases inflammation and insulin resistance, boosting the risk for diabetes and heart disease.

“If you have diabetes, cutting out soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks is one of the most powerful ways to control blood sugar, lose weight, and improve your health,” says Ginn. “Switching to healthier drinks can save hundreds of calories and a lot of carbohydrates. It’s often one of my first goals when I work with someone newly diagnosed with diabetes.” In a study from North Carolina, dieters who skipped soda were more likely to hit their weight-loss goals than those who didn’t.

How much: None, ideally. Or at least consider soda a treat, as you would a decadent dessert. If you have a soda habit, cut back by drinking a smaller size for a week or two, or mixing half regular soda with half diet soda or club soda to reduce your calorie and carb intake. Aim to go sugar-free: Water and club soda (including fruit-flavored types) are ideal and diet soda is an option.

Drink Less: Fruit Juice

Your mom served up OJ every day with breakfast. The labels display tempting photos of colorful fruit. But is juice healthy for blood sugar and weight control? A regular juice habit could be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in Diabetes Care. And real fruit is often a better deal. Compare the 56 calories, 12 grams carbohydrates, and no fiber in a 4-ounce serving of 100 percent orange juice, with the 45 calories 11 grams carbohydrates, and 2 grams of blood-sugar--controlling fiber in a small fresh orange. That said, diabetics can have a little 100 percent fruit juice, according to Dawn Sherr, RD, CDE, a practice manager with the American Association of Diabetes Educators. “They should just know the amount of juice they are consuming and factor the amount of carbohydrates into their eating plan.”

How much: Juice lovers, eat fruit or switch to a low-sodium veggie juice, which is much lower in calories and carbohydrates than fruit juice. If you’re really craving juice, try a 4-ounce serving with a meal. Test your blood sugar afterward, and then repeat with the same meal for the next three or four days. If your blood sugar doesn’t rise more than 35 to 50 points, a little juice may be fine.


          (PICTURES COURTESY:Riou/Thinkstock/Roy Morsch/Brian Hagiwara/Fuse)

SOME SILENT SIGNS YOU MIGHT HAVE DIABETES

Studies show a shocking 25 percent of people with diabetes don’t even know it. If you experience some of following subtle clues, talk to your doctor about getting tested.

Diabetes has plenty of early signs, but they're subtle enough that you might not notice.

“It’s not like you wake up one day and all of a sudden you’re thirsty, hungry, and [going to the bathroom] all the time,” says Melissa Joy Dobbins, RD, a certified diabetes educator in Illinois and a spokesperson for the American Association of Diabetes Educators. “It picks up gradually.” Indeed, “most people are unaware that they have diabetes in its early or even middle phases,” says Aaron Cypess, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and staff physician at Joslin Diabetes Center. Just because you’re not keyed in doesn’t mean you’re immune from problems associated with diabetes, he adds. The longer you go without controlling diabetes, the greater your risk for heart disease, kidney disease, amputation, blindness, and other serious complications. “We recommend that people with risk factors for diabetes, such as a family history or being overweight, get evaluated on a regular basis,” Dr. Cypess says. If you’ve been feeling off, talk to your doctor about getting a simple blood test that can diagnose the disease. And pay attention to these signs of diabetes.

You’re taking more bathroom breaks

When you have diabetes, your body becomes less efficient at breaking food down into sugar, so you have more sugar sitting in your bloodstream, says Dobbins. “Your body gets rid of it by flushing it out in the urine. That’s why you’re going to the bathroom a lot.” Most patients aren’t necessarily aware of how often they use the bathroom, says Dr. Cypess. “When we ask about it, we often hear, ‘Oh yeah, I guess I’m going more often than I used to,’” he says. But one red flag is whether the need to urinate keeps you up at night. Once or twice might be normal, but if it’s affecting your ability to sleep, that could be a clue to pay attention to.

You’re thirstier than usual

Urinating a lot will also make you feel parched. A common problem Dobbins sees with patients is that they use drinks like juices, soda, or chocolate milk to quench their thirst. These sugary beverages then pack the bloodstream with excess sugar, which can lead to the problem all over again.

You’ve lost a little weight

Considering that being overweight is a risk factor for diabetes, it sounds counterintuitive that shedding pounds could be a sign of the disease. “Weight loss comes from two things,” says Dr. Cypess. “One, from the water that you lose [from urinating]. Two, you lose some calories in the urine and you don’t absorb all the calories from the sugar in your blood.” Once people learn they have diabetes and start controlling their blood sugar, they may even experience some weight gain—but “that’s a good thing,” says Dr. Cypess, because it means your blood sugar levels are more balanced.

You feel shaky and hungry

It’s not uncommon for patients to suddenly feel unsteady and immediately need to reach for carbs, says Marjorie Cypress, a nurse practitioner at an endocrinology clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and 2014 president of health care and education for the American Diabetes Association. “When you have high blood sugar, your body has a problem regulating its glucose,” she explains. “If you’ve eaten something high in carbohydrates, your body shoots out a little too much insulin, and your glucose drops quickly. This makes you feel shaky, and you tend to crave carbs or sugar. This can lead to a vicious cycle.”

You’re tired all the time

Of course you're exhausted every now and then. But ongoing fatigue is an important clue to pay attention to; it might mean the food you’re eating for energy isn’t being broken down and used by cells as it’s supposed to. “You’re not getting the fuel your body needs,” says Dobbins. “You’re going to be tired and feel sluggish.” But in many cases of type 2 diabetes, your sugar levels can be elevated for awhile, so these symptoms could come on slowly.

You’re moody and grumpy

When your blood sugar is out of whack, you just don’t feel well, says Cypress, and might become more short-tempered. In fact, high blood sugar can mimic depression-like symptoms. “You feel very tired, you don’t feel like doing anything, you don’t want to go out, you just want to sleep,” Cypress says. She’ll see patients who think they need to be treated for depression, but then experience mood improvement after their blood sugar normalizes.

Your vision seems blurry

Don’t be alarmed—this is not diabetic retinopathy, where the blood vessels in the back of the eye are getting destroyed, says Dr. Cypess. In the early stages of diabetes, the eye lens is not focusing well because glucose builds up in the eye, which temporarily changes its shape. “You’re not going blind from diabetes,” Dr. Cypess says he assures patients. “In about six to eight weeks after your blood sugars are stabilized, you’re not going to feel it anymore; the eye will adjust.”

Your cuts and scrapes heal more slowly

The immune system and the processes that help the body heal don’t work so well when your sugar levels are high, explains Dr. Cypess.

Your feet tingle

Elevated sugar levels can cause complications well before you realize you have diabetes. One of these is mild nerve damage, which can cause numbness in your feet, says Cypress.

You’re more prone to urinary tract and yeast infections

Higher levels of sugar in urine and the vagina can become a breeding ground for the bacteria and yeast that cause these infections. Recurrent infections are particularly worrisome. “Usually when you keep getting infections, doctors will check for diabetes if you don’t already have it,” says Cypress. “Even women who go to the emergency room for urinary tract infections are often checked.”

                       (Pictures Courtesy To Photodisc/ iStock/Thinkstock)