Guest article by Linda Miller
University of Montreal scientists propose to us one good way cashew extract may treat diabetes. New research published for the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research shows cashew seed extract may play an important role in preventing and treating type two diabetes.
The cashew is a tree in the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae. The plant is indigenous to northeastern Brazil.
Scientists at the University of Montreal and the School of Yaoundé in Cameroon analyzed how cashew products affected the responses of rat liver cells to insulin.
In Canada, over 3 million Canadians have diabetes and this number is likely to reach 3.7 million by 2020, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
In U.S.A, according to the American Diabetes Association, from the 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, there are total 23.6 million children and adults in the United States - 7.8% of the population - have diabetes. 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older each year.
Scientists researched cashew tree leaves, bark, seeds and apples. They found that the cashew seed extract increased the absorption of blood sugar by the cells.
Extracts of other plant parts had no such effect, indicating that cashew seed extract likely contains active compounds, that can have potential anti-diabetic properties.
In certain people with diabetes, a disorder called insulin resistance prevents the body from processing the hormone, which regulates energy and also the processing of sugars in the body.
Not enough insulin can result in heart or kidney diseases with time.
The cashew nut is a popular snack, and its rich flavor means that it is often eaten on its own, lightly salted or sugared.
Cashews are a staple in vegan diets. They are utilised as a base in sauces and gravies, and can take on sweet properties for frostings and cookies. They are an excellent source of protein and a raw, natural way to obtain energy.
The fats and oils in cashew nuts are 54% monounsaturated fat, 18% polyunsaturated fat, and 16% saturated fat (9% palmitic acid and 7% stearic acid).
Without cholesterol cashew nuts are a healthy fat food for heart patients too. And because of their high amounts of monounsaturated essential fatty acids, they also help support healthy levels of good (HDL) cholesterol.
Here below a 4 servings recipe "The Cashew Curry" cooked in 45 minutes having a wok or frying pan, a wooden spoon an the following ingredients:
* ½ pound whole cashews
* 2 T extra virgin olive oil
* 5 shallots, thinly sliced
* 5 curry leaves
* 2-in bit of lemongrass or zest of 1 lemon
* 1 T coriander
* ½ t turmeric
* ½ t salt
* 2 chiles, thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 slices ginger
* 15 oz unsweetened coconut milk
* 2 T cilantro, chopped
Directions
- Sauté the shallots in the oil, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 10 mins.
- Add the curry, lemon, turmeric, chiles, garlic, ginger, and salt, and cook until fragrant, 5-10 mins.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer until thickened, another 5-10 mins. Remove curry leaves and serve, with diabetic rice or brown rice.
About the author
Linda Miller writes for diabeticcookbooks.org , her personal hobby weblog focused on cooking techniques to help individuals eat healthy to stop or deal with diabetes.
References:
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2010/...-94654599.html
http://www3.interscience.wil ey.com...home/home.html