Antioxidants are very important for a few reasons. First, they neutralize free radicals that we have in our bodies. These properties have been associated with many protective health benefits from many diseases and conditions such as cancer, aging, vision and heart disease. But did you know that antioxidants can help with type 2 diabetes?
Well they can.
In my over 8 years in the medical industry I have shared the benefits of drinking green tea on numerous occasions because it is so high in antioxidant, which can lower blood sugar.
So what's the big deal about antioxidants?
In clinical trials, people with type 2 diabetes had higher rates of blindness, kidney failure and early death was found when they had lower levels of antioxidants in their blood compared to people with higher levels of antioxidants. This, if nothing else is a great reason for adding more antioxidants to your diet.
Antioxidants Explained
So what are antioxidants? Antioxidants are chemical or substances that prevent oxidation. Oxidation is the process that creates particles called free radicals. These free radicals are responsible for creating chain reactions that damage and destroy cells in your body.
Here's a list of some common antioxidants:
- Beta-carotene and other related carotenoids
- Minerals like selenium and manganese
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are two powerful antioxidants for a few good reasons.
Vitamin E improves insulin sensitivity by improving the action of insulin and helps to prevent many of the long-term complications of type 2 diabetes. Most people with type 2 diabetes are deficient in vitamin E. It is important that you use a natural vitamin E with all the tocophenals and tocotrienals factors.
Another good one, manganese, is also shown to improve blood sugar control. Type 2 diabetics have half the manganese levels to those of non-diabetics. The recommended dosage of manganese is no more than 30 mg per day.
Vitamin C is important for the immune system and type 2 diabetics tend to have a weakened immune system. The reason for this is diabetes damages immune system cell function when it is not controlled. Some foods that are high vitamin C are: broccoli, red peppers, brussels sprouts, kale, and spinach.
Research has also found that type 2 diabetics should keep their antioxidant levels up around the recommended dosage of 500 mg of Vitamin C, and 800 mg of vitamin E.
The Most Potent Antioxidant
Alpha lipoic acid or commonly called lipoic acid or LA is probably the most potent of all antioxidants. It has been studied more widely for its effects on widely diabetes and diabetic neuropathy than any other condition that it is effective at improving. Its powerful antioxidant effects were realized when it was shown to prevent symptoms from deficiencies in Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
The thing that makes lipoic acid so special, is that it acts similar to insulin in the muscle and fat cells. It helps sugar get into the cells. This process is defective in most people with type 2 diabetes. Other studies have shown that LA is very effective at improving nerve damage in diabetes as well. The general recommendation for type 2 diabetics wishing to supplement lipoic acid into their diet is 200 mg twice per day.
In my 8-plus years in the industry, I have discovered that this diabetes natural cure is a good one, but there are many more for controlling your blood sugar. Get the Free Report of me spilling the beans on the diabetes diet, what really works, and why most diabetes diets fail at http://DiabetesDietCures.net now.
Prior to using any of this dietary and exercise advice please consult with your doctor. There are a number of situations and conditions out there and no diet is perfect for everyone.