[Health&Healing] Stevia Help Pancreas Release Insulin- Helpful For Diabetics

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Stevia helps pancreas release insulin--helpful for diabetics

© Ray Sahelian M.D.,

 

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

 

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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