Ampalaya through one of America’s foremost nutrition authors

http://www.mb.com.ph/WLBG2006052163926.html#

Sun May 21, 2006
Much has been written about the anti-diabetic potency of the Bitter Melon, scientifically known as Momordica charantia. In fact, hundreds of pre-clinical and clinical studies have already been conducted worldwide to verify its medicinal uses. But that didn’t stop one of America’s foremost authors on nutrition from writing about the therapeutic wonders of Philippines’ local Ampalaya.
Frank Murray, senior editorial advisor of several fitness magazines in Los Angeles and author/co-author of 46 books on health and nutrition, traveled to the country last year to research and gain a first-hand look at the Ampalaya and how it is used to help diabetics in the country. His new book, entitled "Ampalaya, Nature’s Remedy for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes" contains many case studies observed during his time in the Philippines, as well as numerous cases and documented studies from Europe and the USA.
AMPALAYA TAKES THE CENTERSTAGE. Photo shows (from left) Lito Abelarde of Herbcare Corporation, makers of Charantia Ampalaya Food supplement; Frank Murray, author of the book handing a copy of the book to Philippine Consul General Cecille Rebong ; and Oscar Barrera of Fullife Natural Options Inc.Published by Basic Health Publications Inc., and launched during the recently concluded Natural Products Expo held in Anaheim, California, the book is set to hold its debut in the Philippine market this month with Murray flying in the country on May 19 until May 25 for a series of activities.
AMPALAYA,
NATURE’S ANSWER TO DIABETES
"Commonly known as ampalaya in the Philippines, researchers refer to it as a vegetable, fruit, or herb. It is indigenous to Asia, but is cultivated around the world, where it goes by almost 90 different names," wrote Murray.
In his book, Murray confirmed, "As scientific studies have reported, the dried fruits, leaves, and seeds of ampalaya have been used in the formulation of food supplements – teas and capsules – to lower the blood sugar of people with diabetes."
Murray even quoted research of doctors Reynaldo Rosales and Ricardo Fernando of St. Luke’s Medical Center published in the Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine saying, "Plant products have been used in the treatment of diseases for many years, and they could be historically considered to be the first drugs. Philippines have been blessed with very rich natural flora which are known to have medicinal properties."
On the other hand, the 224-page book also discussed the complications of diabetes as well as detailed care of the eyes, feet and kidneys of diabetics making the book a must have for people afflicted with the disease.
THE ROLE OF DIET
AND NUTRITION
"Before the era of insulin therapy, dietary recommendations were the only treatment available for people who had diabetes. In 1982, E.P. Joslin suggested that dietary carbohydrate had to be restricted in type 1 diabetes, because of impaired carbohydrate metabolism," Murray wrote.
He further noted, " These diets Joslin was investigating were largely ketogenic and were composed largely of fat and protein, that is, meat, cream, butter, cheese, and eggs. He suggest that such a diet was atherogenic and that, if people did not die of diabetic ketoacidosis, they would probably expire from coronary heart disease"
Murray’s book went on explaining about sugar and artificial sweeteners, the benefits of a Mediterranean diet and recommendations from the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.
More notably, and perhaps even more significant to mention about the book is a chapter of it dedicated on the importance of exercise. According to a quote from dietician Nell Armstong, "walking is an ideal way to manage diabetes and enjoy the dividends of exercise at the same time."
She continued, "Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, if your blood glucose is frequently in the 250 plus range, get it under control before beginning a walking program. High blood glucose can be worsened by exercise because there isn’t sufficient insulin to lower it properly."
OPERATION DIABETES
Moving on the last chapter of Murray’s book, he commended how Philippines’ own effort in combating the disease is worthy of imitation by other countries. "The Association of Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines, along with Herbcare Corporation, launched Operation Diabetes, which might well be a model for other nations to emulate. The campaign is designed to alert the people to recognize the warning signs and learn how to prevent the disease."
Launched early last year, Operation Diabetes is all about prevention at the grassroots level – preventing those with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and predisposed persons from acquiring diabetes, and the diabetics from developing complications.
Murray observed, "Many of the diabetes clubs are being urged to recommend ampalaya as a means of lowering blood-sugar readings. Among the proponents of the vegetable are William Torres, Ph.D., who received his degree from the University of Mississippi and was director of the Food and Drug Administration in the Philippines from 1999 to 2002. He maintains that ampalaya, when taken regularly, helps to increase glucose tolerance and potentiate insulin."
Lastly, Murray concluded, "Research studies on type 1 and type 2 diabetes show that using the dried leaves, fruits, and seeds of ampalaya – as teas or capsules – can safely lower blood sugar, thereby improving the overall health of people with diabetes. The vegetable itself is also tasty and beneficial. This book will teach you everything you need to know to put ampalaya to work for you."