Ashitaba and Diabetes

When you have diabetes you either have less insulin available or your insulin is not working effectively, which effects your blood glucose level. You need insulin in order to allow glucose into your cells for energy now, as well as to store some glucose in your liver for energy later. All foods containing carbohydrate are broken down into glucose.

Serious long-term complications include: cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, retinal damage (which can lead to blindness), nerve damage (of several kinds), and micro- vascular damage (which may cause erectile dysfunction - impotence) and poor healing.

Poor healing of wounds, particularly of the feet can lead to gangrene (which can require amputation).

Fortunately by watching one's blood pressure, cholesterol, bladder control, and lifestyle factors (such as not smoking and keeping a healthy body weight) one may stave off most of these complications.

We would recommend including ashitaba as a part of your diet for the following reasons:

  · Ashitaba helps regulate blood sugar and promotes metabolism.
  · Ashitaba contains chlorophyl which promotes wound healing.
  · Ashitaba stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) which alleviates peripheral neuropathy (a common neurological disorder resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, which originate from the brain and spinal cord) - a common side affect of diabetes.
  · Ashitaba aids in weight control
  · Ashitaba improves vision
  · Ashitaba reduces blood pressure
  · Ashitaba regulates cholesterol levels
  · Ashitaba enhances liver and kidney functions
  · Ashitaba acts as an effective diuretic to remove toxic waste from the body.

Ashitaba has many other beneficial properties - these are just the ones most useful to complement the process of gaining and maintaining health for a diabetic.

Several testimonials show that sufferes have been able to reduce and even stop insulin intake after including ashitaba in their daily diet. Others have been able to regain feelings in their extremities and thus avoid impending amputations.

The following are some suggestions for healthy eating principles for diabetics. You may also want to look at the Okinawan food guide by clicking on the food pyramid. Okinawa boasts the highest percentage of centenarians anywhere.

Healthy Eating Principles - Diabetes

The principles of healthy eating for people with Diabetes are the same as those for everyone else.
No foods are banned – but some should be eaten less often and adapt recipes while enjoying eating healthy.
The principles of healthy eating:
- Portion control, eating regularly and at regular intervals
- Eat regular meals that contain carbohydrates (because they are your body’s main source of energy)
- Eat more high-fiber foods, including fruits and vegetables (at least 5 portions per day)
- Choose whole grain foods if possible
- Cut down on fat
- Eat red meat in moderation
- Omit added sugar/sugar foods
- Reduce salt intake

Will I Need to Follow a Diabetic Diet?

Type 2 Diabetes impairs your body’s ability to produce insulin effectively – so, it is important to choose foods wisely so you have both fiber and good fats in the meal.
Fiber and fats help slow down digestion, so that the demand on your body to produce insulin is gradual.
Avoid eating large quantities of carbohydrate containing foods all at once . It is both unnecessary and impossible to avoid sugar altogether. You can limit your sugar intake by not adding sugar to food and drink and by avoiding sugary foods and drinks most of the time, but many foods (such as fruit) that contain natural sugars are excellent sources of beneficial vitamins and fiber.

Consistency and Variety are Key

Consistent eating habits can help you control your blood sugar levels.
Eat about the same amount of food at about the same time
Include a variety of foods to help meet your nutritional goals
Your dietician can help you plan a program that meets these guidelines:

NUTRIENT	AIM FOR
Carbohydrates	45% to 65% of daily calories
Protein	15% to 20% of daily calories
Fats	20% to 35% of daily calories

If you stick to your meal plan and watch your serving sizes, you will eat about the same amount of carbohydrates and calories every day.
· This helps control your blood sugar and your weight.
· The flip side to this is the more you vary what you eat, especially the amount of carbohydrates, the harder it is to control your blood sugar.

Research on Ashitaba and Diabetes:

Antidiabetic Activities of chalcones Isolated from a Japanese Herb, Angelica keiskei.Enoki T, Ohnogi H, et al,. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Jul 25;55(15):6013-7. Epub 2007 Jun 21. “Miracles by Ashitaba” by Dr. S. Yamanouchi

BOOK TITLE: Ashitaba, Nature's Longevity Herb by Dr. Howard Peiper, N.D.

Ashitaba, the Nutritional Treasure House by Dr. S. Yamanouchi

TAKARA's scientists discover compounds enhancing in vivo production of Nerve Growth Factor

Research Study Report by Dr. Kimie Baba

Eat like an Okinawan

Okinawa Diet See also our pages on NGF and Research