After I posted the last piece on Foot Problems in Diabetics 2 days ago, I received a couple of emails asking for information on preventing the problems. So, here are simple steps to take care of your feet, especially if you are diabetic –
Do not neglect the health of your feet!
Diabetics are more prone to problems in their feet than non-diabetics. If left untreated, it can lead to amputation. There are several reasons for diabetics to develop foot problems……
If you, your family member, or friend has diabetes, ensure that the feet are not neglected.
Omana, a dear friend, recently returned from Chile. She gave us some interesting insights into Chilean cuisine. Perhaps there’s a Spanish influence in their food, but Chilean cuisine contains 3 popular vegetables – lettuce, tomato and potato. Avocado is widely used in their dishes. Avocado is rich in mono unsaturated fats (the good variety). Meats, sea food, breads, corn form the carbs and protein sources in their diet. Pisco, aka Pisco Sour, is the local and most popular drink in Chile. Quinoa is also popular here because it’s one of their major crops. Compared to many other grains, quinoa has good amounts of protein.
If any of you have more inputs on Chilean cuisine, do share.
Membership to the Food Lovers Club run by Kripal Amanna, brought us a lovely hamper of some edible goodies and lots of dining privileges. One of the items in the hamper was virgin coconut oil with a salad dressing recipe which I have reproduced here with minor changes.
Coconut Oil Salad Dressing
Ingredients –
Virgin coconut oil – 2 teaspoons
Water – 1 teaspoon
Salt – to taste
Crushed peppercorns – 1/2 teaspoon
Honey – 1 teaspoon
Lemon juice – 1/2 teaspoon
Method of preparation –
Mix salt in water. Add all the other ingredients and mix well. The dressing is ready. Use it while making a salad.
Note – Coconut oil does not contain cholesterol. It can be used like any other edible oil in small quantities.
A new study that came out recently says that taking a cup of beetroot juice can help to reduce blood pressure. Nitrate-rich vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, beetroot, etc have a relaxing effect on the blood vessels which might bring down the blood pressure slightly.
This brings us back to the basic nutritional guideline of eating more vegetables for blood pressure control and better health.