Can eating mango lower your blood sugar?

Can eating mango lower your blood sugar? That is the question on researcher 's (and frankly, mine too) minds. A recent study by associate professor at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Edralin Lucas, Phd provides a small glimpse at the answer to this burning question.

20 obese (BMI > 30) subjects were chosen at random (11 women, 9 men) and given 100g (roughly 1/2 a mango) in freeze dried form once daily in addition to their normal diets daily for 12 weeks.  Body composition and other parameters such as blood sugar, blood pressure etc were measured before and after. Blood sugar levels at the conclusion of the study were significantly lower than baseline in all subjects.

Mangoes are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and they sure are delicious.  Still trying to locate the original study to figure out what KIND of mangoes they used.

Does this mean you should run out and eat all the mangoes your belly can contain cause they are SO healthy for you? At 100-130 calories per 1 average sized mango, it's significantly higher in calorie than most fruits so go easy. Eat responsibly. With your hands!

Alternative Therapies #005: Tamarind

1. FIBER! Tamarind is full of fiber. Who knew? 100grams of tamarind fruit pulp contains about 6 grams of your daily required fiber. Recommended daily allowance (RDA) of fiber vary between 20-35 grams for men and women at various stages of life. What does that mean? 100grams of tamarind can provide 17-30% of your necessary fiber! Keeps those bowels moving and helps get rid of that bad cholesterol! 

2. STRONG BONES! Tamarind contains 429mg of calcium per 100grams. RDA of calcium varies between 700-1300 mg for men & women at different stages of life from age 1-100+ . This means little ol' tamarind could offer you 30-60% of your necessary calcium daily. Impressive? Absolutely. 

3. ANTIOXIDANTS! Tartaric acid is naturally occurring acid present in several fruits and plants. Tamarind is one of those fruits. The acid is responsible for the sour taste of the tamarind. Tartaric acid is a powerful antioxidant. Prevent those nasty free radicals!

4. VITAMINS! Tamarind contains 15% of your RDA of Potassium (628mg) , 36% of your RDA of Thiamine (0.4mg) and 12% RDA of Niacin amongst many others. 

5. In traditional medicine, Tamarind has been used  for many things but most notably as a laxative agent and  to lower body temperature. 

Bring on the tamarind. I'll start the petition for it to be made a superfood. 

Alternative Therapies #002: The Drunken Raisin

Golden Raisins soaked in Gin have an overwhelming reputation as a remedy for arthritis related pain. Not just a random amount either.....9 raisins daily. What's the science? Theories:  Gin contains Juniper Berries which Terpenin, a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Golden raisins contain sulfites added to stop them from becoming dark in the drying process. Grapes/Raisins are also thought to have some anti-inflammatory effect naturally as well. Placebo? Maybe. There have been no major trials to compare results to but maybe there should be!! (Send me an email if you fancy a study on this)