Green Tea and Diabetes

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) is an evergreen shrub, characterized by thick dark green leaves. The plant itself is usually cultivated at heights approaching 8 feet.

Green tea has been used for thousands of years as a beverage and therapeutic agent. Most traditional uses of Green tea is focused on ritual, but has been used as a whole body tonic; used to rejuvenate one mind and to provide vitality for life.

Today, Green tea is prized because of its high antioxidant activity and harnesses the potential to treat and prevent many diseases, especially cancer. The primary constituents of green tea that lend to its high antioxidant activity are the polyphenols. The most well known polyphenols are:

• catechins
• and gallocatechins.

Polyphenols are one sub grouping of a larger classification of molecules known as flavonoids which are well known for their antioxidant potential.

Green tea also contains several other constituents, such as tannins, that allow it to be a useful remedy for diarrhea. It also contains caffeine, vitamins, and minerals. Although not as high as amounts the amount found in coffee, the caffeine in green tea has been shown to stimulate the central nervous system.

Diabetes

Green tea has been used traditionally to control blood sugar in the body. Animal studies suggest that green tea may help prevent the development of type 1 diabetes and slow the progression once it has developed.

People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin, a hormone that converts glucose (sugar), starches, and other foods into energy needed for daily life. Green tea may help regulate glucose in the body.

Glucose M2 - Helpful for Blood Sugar Levels

Progressive Health's Glucose M2 may help you manage glucose levels, by addressing your body's nutritional needs. When used in conjunction with regular exercise and sound diet, Glucose M2 can provide you with an effective means to manage glucose in your body.

Research has shown that the ingredients contained in this unique formula may be able to enhance carbohydrate metabolism and control fluctuating blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Ingredients in Glucose M2:

• Magnesium - Magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. It may influence the release and activity of insulin, the hormone that helps control blood glucose levels. A lack of magnesium can affect insulin resistance.
• Chromium - Chromium may be helpful for moving glucose and other nutrients into the cells of the body more efficiently. Additionally, low chromium levels are linked to other areas of health. Low Chromium levels may be responsible for glucose tolerance and glucose levels in the blood and urine.
• Zinc - Low zinc levels reduce the body's abilities to synthesize and secrete insulin, and glucose.
• Calcium - The most abundant mineral in the body, Calcium is involved in maintaining a multitude of functions in the body including a healthy heart beat. This mineral is also thought to be involved in blood pressure regulation.
• Vandium- Supplementation with Vandium has been reported to help with diabetes. Animal studies have shown that Vandium can help maintain blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. It has been shown in human studies to be beneficial as well, possessing the ability to promote healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
• Alpha Lipolic Acid- Alpha Lipolic Acid affects insulin as well as the body's regulation of blood sugar. In addition, some of these studies have revealed favorable lipoic acid effects that appear to be independent of its antioxidant properties, including; increased glucose uptake, promotion of new neurite growth and chelation of transition metals.
• Bitter Melon Ext. - The blood sugar leveling action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been shown in both experimental and clinical studies. Bitter melon's many constituents contain several compounds with properties shown to promote healthy blood sugar levels. Of these compounds, Momordica also contains an insulin-like polypeptide, polypeptide-P, which promotes healthy blood sugar levels. 50-60 ml of the juice has shown positive effects in clinical trials.
• Gymnemna Sylvestris Ext. - Gymnemna is thought to promote insulin secretion, and several studies report that it does control blood sugar. Gymnemna assists the pancreas in the production of insulin. It may also decrease one's cravings for sweets.

To learn more about Glucose M2, click here.

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