by Michele Krauss

Ward Off Diabetes With Proper Diet
New cases of diabetes are diagnosed in this country with alarming frequency. Approximately 24 million Americans have the disease and, according to the American Diabetes Association, six million more don’t even know they have it. Doctors now believe that approximately 57 million are thought to have prediabetes, a condition that boosts the risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Dietary adjustments can actually guard you against this dangerous condition.
• One study found that those who had extra Vitamin C in their systems had the lowest incidence of diabetes.
• Researchers also found that adding spices and herbs to meals reduces inflammation most commonly associated with diabetes.
• A compound in brown rice helps reduce nerve and blood-vessel damage from diabetes.

Don’t Blame Schools for Poor Diet
There’s been quite a push in recent years to ban sugary soft drinks from school vending machines. But new research has shown that banning soft drinks may not have much of an impact on kids’ overall consumption. The study actually showed that children’s eating habits became worse in the summer. Kindergarteners and first graders increased their BMI two to three times as fast during summer recess as during the school year. It’s more proof that healthy eating habits begin at home.

Build Better Bones With Grapefruit
Sweet and tart, grapefruit is a classic breakfast item. But did you know it could also make your bones stronger? A study from the journal Nutrition found that rats fed grapefruit pulp daily had greater bone density and slower rate of bone loss that those who weren’t. Grapefruit is high in antioxidants, and this is thought to be one possible reason for its help in strengthening bones. Eight million American women suffer from osteoporosis.