Thursday, September 18, 2008

A Kid Favorite That’s Good for Blood Sugar

There’s something sweet and creamy that kids love -- and it may actually be good for your blood sugar. 

It’s not chocolate pudding. It’s peanut butter. Adults in a recent study who ate this childhood fave at least five times a week reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes by 27 percent. 

Go Nutty
Researchers speculate that the unsaturated fats in nuts -- and nut butters -- may partly explain the big dip in diabetes risk. These healthy fats may somehow improve insulin sensitivity and keep your blood sugar stable. The fiber and magnesium in nuts may also decrease insulin demand and resistance. (Better than takeout: Satisfy your cravings for Chinese food with these deliciously healthy Spicy Peanut Noodles.) 

**However, one thing to be aware of is mold in peanuts. And believe it or not, the safest source is generally the cheap garden variety Jif, Skippy or the like...because they buy their peanuts fresh, put them through an effective cooking and homogenization process, and then seal them in air tight jars.  The mold buildup on those will be much lower than your typical "fresh" or natural peanut butters.


Source:  RealAge

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