Researchers at the University of Georgia have found a direct correlation such commonly used spices as clove and cinnamon, and inhibition of tissue damage and inflammation caused by high blood sugar levels.



The study, co-authored by James Hargrove, associate professor of foods and nutrition at the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences, stated that "because herbs and spices have a very low calorie content and are relatively inexpensive, they're a great way to get a lot of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power into your (diabetic) diet."

These results, which appeared in the August, 2008 issue of the Journal of Medicinal Food, evaluated 24 common herbs and spices.

According to study co-author Diane Hartle, a good herb and spice cabinet and liberally seasoned food could double or even triple the medicinal value of every meal with low calorie contribution.

The researchers found of all the spices tested, clove and cinnamon rated the highest in helping to lower diabetic blood sugar levels. Oregano and sage were rated lowest of all spices tested, yet had a "phenol" level higher than blueberries (blueberries have been considered to be one of the highest rated, anti-oxidant foods available). Of all herbs and spices tested, table pepper rated the lowest in helping lower blood sugar.

AGE compounds, a formation of sugar and protein, have a negative effect on our bodies that activate the immune system, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage that is related to aging and diabetes. Phenol content in the spices helps to inhibit the formation of these disease causing AGE compounds.

AGE compounds can also produce cholesterol plaque buildup and heart disease, both of which are commonly associated with high blood sugar levels.

"Culinary herbs and spices are all generally recognized as safe and have been time-tested in the diet", Hargrove notes. "Indeed, some of spices and herbals are now sold as food supplements because of their recognized health benefits."

For years, the alternative health industry has been battling a negative image of their products, so many supplement suppliers expressed satisfaction that herbal or natural remedies support their beliefs.

Other natural products, such as chromium, alpha lipoic acid and others have been tested and found to lower blood sugar levels, without the side effects or safety hazards found in more expensive, prescribed products such as Avandia and Retulin (both of which have been recalled by the FDA for serious, even fatal side effects).

A very Special form of Chromium, a Niacin-bound chromium (in the form of chromemate) is one of the most tested natural products on the market for Type 2 diabetics. It's extensive exposure to double-blind placebo testing at reputable medical institutions documented the blood sugar and weight reduction benefits of this product.

Although extensively tested and proven both effective and safe for Type 2 diabetes, the established medical community has been slow to recognize its value.

Alpha lipoic acid is a very popular supplement today. There are some forms of this supplement that are as much as 9 times more bioavailable the typical ingredient found in health food stores. It just takes some Internet research to find the best products available.

Also finding published clinical results and those double-blind placebo tests takes some research. But it is worth the effort to get the benefits.

Controversial Author, Kevin Trudeau, author of the Natural Cures book series, has been highly critical of what he refers to as "Big Pharma" and its impact on the industry's ability to deliver lower cost, highly effective natural solutions to diabetes sufferers.

The success of his books and continued documented evidence, such as the University of Georgia study, show that natural cures, though thousands of years old, may be the next big thing among disbelieving medical practitioners.