Cod Liver Oil Lowers Risk of Childhood Type 1 Diabetes

Seeing as it’s Diabetes awareness month, we wanted to share this information about the use of cod liver oil and how it’s associated with lower risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.  This information is available at omega-research.com.

AJCN – Cod Liver Oil Lowers Risk of Childhood Type 1 Diabetes

Stene LC, Joner G, et al. Use of cod liver oil during the first year of life is associated with lower risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes: a large, population-based, case-control study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Dec;78(6):1128-34.

BACKGROUND: In Norway, cod liver oil is an important source of dietary vitamin D and the long-chain n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, all of which have biological properties of potential relevance for the prevention of type 1 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to investigate whether the use of dietary cod liver oil or other vitamin D supplements, either by the mother during pregnancy or by the child during the first year of life, is associated with a lower risk of type 1 diabetes among children. DESIGN: We designed a nationwide case-control study in Norway with 545 cases of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes and 1668 population control subjects. Families were contacted by mail, and they completed a questionnaire on the frequency of use of cod liver oil and other vitamin D supplements and other relevant factors. RESULTS: Use of cod liver oil in the first year of life was associated with a significantly lower risk of type 1 diabetes (adjusted odds ratio: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.99). Use of other vitamin D supplements during the first year of life and maternal use of cod liver oil or other vitamin D supplements during pregnancy were not associated with type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSION: Cod liver oil may reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes, perhaps through the antiinflammatory effects of long-chain n-3 fatty acids. PMID: 14668274 See following website for full manuscript

Source: http://www.ajcn.org/content/78/6/1128.long

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

by Autumn, Vitamin Dept. Assistant Manager.

In November, it is Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada and the United States.  Our focus should be on prevention, because once we have developed diabetes we can not get rid of it. The best way to reduce the risk of developing diabetes is a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Become aware of your sugar intake and consider supplementing your sweet treats with stevia sweetened goodies. Stevia can satisfy sugar cravings without raising the glycemic index. Simple and inexpensive natural remedies and supplements can help manage our blood sugar levels. Some favorites are: chromium, cinnamon, greens powders and essential fatty acids.

Being overweight is one of the leading causes of developing diabetes. It is always difficult to change our lifestyle habits, but for our long term health, it is well worth the dedication. Regular physical activity helps manage blood sugar levels by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin for up to 72 hours. (Alive Magazine)

As winter approaches we all tend to stay indoors and on the couch more often. Remember that a little exercise is better than no exercise and it is possible to get a good workout in 20 minutes.  The goal is to elevate your heart rate and keep it up for more than two minutes. Simple daily tasks can become good for your body with just a bit more effort. When you’re walking to work, pick up the pace.

Remember it’s never too late to start exercising. Start slow and be kind to yourself. Exercising for 20 minutes a day, three times a week is a great starting point!  Include cardio and strength training in your workouts.

Vegetarian Smoothie Recipe

Recipe by Neil.

I’m always asked  by people who have never used a protein powder before, how to make a smoothie.  I find the most basic of recipes are the easiest to remember and make.  Below is my all time favourite.

• 1 Cup of water (or almond milk)
• Handful of frozen berries (I use fresh berries when they’re in season)
• 1 Banana
• 1 scoop of Vega Berry from Sequel Naturals
• 2 tbsp. of Udo’s Oil

I put all the ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.  Crazy tasty and chock full of awesome.

I love Vega because it gives me a good amount of protein, a great dose of multivitamins and minerals, Maca for helping me with stress, Chlorella for added energy and just the right amount of fibre to keep me feeling full & satisfied.  I love adding the Udo’s Oil because Essential Fatty Acids are awesome to keep my manly skin supple, and my mind sharp, plus it helps to further absorb the protein.

Give it a try.  What’s your favourite recipe?

Lorna Vanderhaeghe GlucoSmart

Chirositol™ in Glucosmart for Belly Fat,Skin Tags, Acne, Male Facial Hair Growth and PCOS

For over 25 years, a nutrient called D-chiro-inositol has been extensively studied at the Virginia Medical School. Over 30 published studies have been completed since 1979. Chirositol™, which contains around 95 percent D-chiro-inositol derived from carob, is a new nutrient for the treatment of insulin-resistant conditions including metabolic syndrome (syndrome X), type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), excess androgen (male hormone) conditions such as male facial hair growth in women and belly fat, and weight management. Chirositol™ has also been shown to reduce appetite and improve serotonin, our “happy” hormone. Reduced serotonin or poor metabolism of serotonin is linked to increased sugar cravings. So by modulating serotonin, Chirositol™ helps to control appetite. Chirositol™ is the ingredient found in Glucosmart.

Chirositol™ is a molecule that balances insulin activity. It is structurally similar to glucose. By mimicking insulin activity, it helps control blood glucose levels, glucose storage or disposal of glucose in the cell. And it will not cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar in those with normal blood sugar levels.

Beyond the compound’s insulin metabolism and blood glucose control benefits, existing studies have also shown that it is beneficial for PCOS, building muscle and weight control. In those women with PCOS, weight gain around the hips and thighs, insulin resistance, higher than normal androgens (male hormones), and infertility due to not ovulating are major components of the disease. PCOS is a very challenging condition to treat and Chirositol™ effectively reduced excess male hormones and reduced weight gain and appetite. In women who also do not ovulate or have irregular periods associated with insulin resistance and PCOS, Chirositol™ worked wonders. Most women with PCOS are overweight, but for those that are thin and have PCOS, Chirositol™ maintains normal blood sugar levels while normalizing ovulation, reducing excess circulating male hormones and normalizing menstrual cycles.

Article courtesy of Lorna Vanderhaeghe, www.hormonehelp.com.  Click here to purchase this product.

Check out our new mobile-ready website!

We are so excited to share our new mobile-ready website.  Using your smartphone, you can now find our location & hours, look at our Store Specials and even get some Healthy Recipes or Health News, on your smartphone of choice.  To view it, simply go to http://m.lifestylemarkets.com on your phone and start using it today.

Our mobile website screenshot

The awesome of magnesium

by Jane. RNC, Asst. Manager – Vitamin Dept.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is utilized in some 300 processes in the body and plays a vital role in bone, brain and heart health. A deficiency in magnesium is relatively common and can result in a variety of issues – stiff muscles, leg cramps or headaches are the most frequently noted, however long term deficiency in this simple mineral has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

Prairie Naturals Magnesium Solution is a great tasting, easy-to-use, and easy-to-digest liquid magnesium supplement in a base of organic orange and raspberry juices. In just two tablespoons, this gluten, soy, yeast and dairy-free formula provides 300 mg of elemental magnesium from an easily assimilated blend of Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Lactate and Magnesium Gluconate. Prairie Naturals Magnesium Solution may be especially beneficial for those suffering from fibromyalgia, as each two-tablespoon serving also contains 500 mg of malic acid, an organic compound that may help to ease muscle and joint pain and sensitivity to pressure.

Eggplant & Walnut Dip Recipe

Photo courtesy of freestockphotos.biz

If you’ve never tried an eggplant before, or if you haven’t had a new recipe in a while, give this one a try.  It’s a recipe from our website.

Eggplant and Walnut Dip with Toasted Pita Triangles

Authored By: Walnut Marketing Board

Raisins, mint, and garlic give this dip a unique flavor.

Diet Types: Low Fat, Low Sodium, Vegetarian

Ingredients:

1 pound eggplant

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/3 cup golden raisins, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon canola oil

salt and pepper to taste

5 (6-inch) fat- free, whole- wheat pita breads

5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Serves: 24

Cooking Time: Over one hour

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Pierce eggplant with tines of a fork and wrap tightly in foil. Place eggplant on baking sheet and roast for 1 hour. Cool slightly. Halve eggplant lengthwise and scoop out pulp into a medium bowl. Set aside and reserve.

Meanwhile, heat walnuts in a dry skillet over medium bowl. Set aside and reserve. Into bowl with eggplant, stir in walnuts, raisins, mint, lemon juice, garlic and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill slightly.

Preheat broiler. sprinkle pitas with cheese, dividing equally. Broil for 2 minutes or until cheese melts and pitas are lightly toasted. Cut each pita into 6 wedges and serve with dip.

You can find more recipe ideas like this on our website at www.lifestylemarkets.com