Diabetics – Eat Your Veggies

If you do not listen to NPR you may have missed a recent (9/12/13) report on findings that low-income individuals who get local produce have improved health. Specifically a study of type 2 Diabetics in the Bronx, NY receiving good nutrition and exercise were found to have a significant decrease in high blood pressure insulin requirement and weight. Participants were required to meet weekly with a doctor to be examined and receive a prescription for a dollar a day for each member of the family ONLY to be spent on fresh produce-fruits vegetables. A decrease in child obesity and asthma attacks was also seen in population studied.

This is not a surprise finding, you know how important fresh vegetables and fruits are in your continue to prove that substituting pills high in vitamins, minerals and amino acids is not the same! Classic example used by doctors is the importance of consuming broccoli for an improved outcome in breast cancer survivors. Analysis of broccoli for what nutrient is present in high amounts then taking pure Glucosinolates (like glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiian, and glucobrassicin) pills did not have same benefical effect as the combination of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxifying nutrients when eating  broccoli. It must be the ‘right’ combination and concentration of nutrients. Hence eat broccoli and lots of cruciferous vegetables (bok choy, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, kale, cabbage).

Do doctors have culinary compassion, understanding or know about nutrition?

This blog informs about a new program that attempts to insure that the next generation of Docs might have more of a clue of what eating health entails. Joint culinary and medical school class albeit a short program was designed (Tulane Medical School) to show medical students that many lifestyle diseases result from eating wrong. Docs learn to choose food, cut food as well as arrive at a balanced diet. Healthier Doctor, make healthier patients!