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Soy Yogurt for Treating Diabetes

Diabetes results from the malfunctioning of the pancreas gland that produces insulin, the main element that converts sugar to glucose that can be absorbed into your body. This is called as Type 2 diabetes and can occur in mature adults. Diabetes can be an emotional roller coaster for the patient with the repetitious chore of administering injections and treatments, in addition to strict diet control. Alternatives to manage the blood sugar levels and reduce the need for injections or tablets are being researched.

  1. Research on Yogurt

    • One such research was published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry, December 2006 by researchers from the University of Massachusetts. The study involved use of different kinds of yogurt, such as soy yogurt and the researchers were searching for compounds that might help control diabetes. Researchers screened select brands of soy yogurt, both plain and fruit-enriched like peach, strawberry and blueberry. The goal was to find yogurts with rich phenol content and antioxidant activity. These enzymes called pancreatic alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase are helpful in Type 2 diabetes in vitro inhibition. These enzymes block or slow the digestion of sugars and carbohydrates, which in turn lowers (or maintains) the blood sugar level after a meal.

    Soy Yogurt and Fruit

    • Researchers have found that soy yogurt enriched with fruits especially the blue berry variety had high phenol content. Researchers advise that the use of soy yogurt in daily diet can help diabetic patients overcome this health problem. They claim that even plain soy yogurt is very potent and the fruit-based ones have richer phenol and antioxidant content that helps in controlling diabetes and hypertension. While the diabetic patients are always advised to stay away from sweets and fruits, this is an interesting exception.

    Results

    • Though this study is not conclusive as this is the only one done of its kind, as of October 2009, and needs more research to confirm the effects of plain and fruit-enriched soy yogurt on children and chronic diabetic patients. Further the commercial variety of soy yogurt currently available normally has high content of sugar and this kind of research should encourage manufacturers to introduce sugar-free plain and fruit-enriched soy yogurt, specially for the diabetics.

    Conclusion

    • It is obvious through the study that soy yogurt does have good effects on the diabetic patient that can help to improve their health with proper physician care, diet and exercise. It was also concluded that more study is needed for further proof.

    Warnings

    • Do not partake in any treatment or dietary involvement without first consulting your physician.

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