Friday, November 24, 2006

Yogurt May Moderate Post-meal Blood Sugar


Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst analyzed samples of dairy and soy yogurts. They found ...
" ...that fruit-enriched yogurts - especially those made with blueberries or made from soy - contain active natural compounds that may curb some aspects of diabetes."

Specifically, the yogurts inhibited the action of two enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which break down carbohydrates into a form that is easily absorbed. The result is a reduced spike in blood glucose following a meal.

The researchers also found that soy yogurts acted as ACE inhibitors, stalling the action of Angiotensin-I converting enzyme or ACE-I, an enzyme responsible for constricting blood vessels and contributing to high blood pressure.

The study will appear in the December issue of the Journal of Food Biochemistry.

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For a summary of the study:
Fruit Yogurt Could Play Important Role in Diabetes Management, UMass Amherst Scientists Report

For the study (abstract):
Potential of Select Yogurts for Diabetes and Hypertension Management