Stevia helps pancreas release insulin--helpful for diabetics

[Guest guest]

Stevia helps pancreas release insulin--helpful for diabetics

 

 

© Ray Sahelian M.D.,

 

http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/column.asp?Id=296

 

--

The natural sweetener stevioside, which is found in the plant stevia, has

been used for many years in the treatment of diabetes among Indians in

Paraguay and Brazil. However, the mechanism for the blood glucose-lowering

effect remains unknown. A study conducted at the Department of Endocrinology

and Metabolism, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, found that stevioside

enhances insulin secretion from mouse pancreatic islets in the presence of

glucose. The researchers state, " Stevioside stimulates insulin secretion via

a direct action on pancreatic beta cells. The results indicate that the

compounds may have a potential role as an anti-hyperglycemic agent in the

treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. "

Ray Sahelian, M.D., co-author with Donna Gates of The Stevia Cookbook

(Avery/Penguin, 1999), says, " Stevia is a wonderful alternative to sugar and

artificial sweeteners for those who have diabetes. This study gives us one

more reason to recommend diabetics take advantage of this safe, non-calorie

herbal sweetener. "

 

Reference: Jeppesen PB, et al. Stevioside acts directly on pancreatic beta

cells to secrete insulin. Metabolism 2000 Feb;49(2):208-14. Website:

www.raysahelian.com

 

 

© 2000

 

_______________

Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE!

http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/