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Here is a way to improve your chance at combating diabetes… by eating! Researchers examined 24 common herbs and spices in order to determine this data. Besides having high levels of antioxidant rich compounds, ie. phenols, they also revealed a direct correlation between phenol content and their ability to block the formation of compounds that contribute to damage caused by diabetes and aging. Well hot dog!
How does this happen? When blood sugar levels are high, a process known as protein glycation occurs in which the sugar bonds with proteins to eventually form what are known as advanced glycation end products, also known as AGE compounds. Guess what the properly coined AGE compounds then do?
These compounds activate the immune system, resulting in the inflammation and tissue damage associated with aging and diabetes.
The researchers found a strong and direct correlation between the phenol content of common herbs and spices and their ability to inhibit the formation of AGE compounds. Spices such as cloves and cinnamon had phenol levels that were 30 percent and 18 percent of dry weight, respectively, while herbs such as oregano and sage were eight and six percent phenol by dry weight, respectively. For comparison, blueberries – which are widely touted for their antioxidant capabilities – contain roughly five percent phenol by dry weight.
So grow yourself a garden of fresh herbs and spices and enjoy! Not only will it taste good but also be beneficial.
