DIABETES being part of your life

[letric]

Having diabetes type 2 for the past 19 years, will like to discuss it with others who are similiarly afflicted. Of course, not wanting to sound or to appear a hypochondriac, believe it might be productive to share varied experiences.

[lexbarker]

Sorry to hear about your illness. I had 2 severely diabetic coworkers for over 25 years. One was kinda wild, drank a lot and used to put coffee in his sugar. He recently died around the age of 74 and I was surprised that he lasted so long. 2 months prior I met him at the pub and learned that his eyesight was failing and no longer drove.
The other took care of himself and is still going fairly strong. I will be having breakfast with him tomorrow and he is already 75.

[letric]

Thanks for warm and compassionate thoughts expressed. Living in England, retired, has been a sort of blessing, as it is possible to receive the relevant treatment for the diabetes. It is prevalent with most people, unfortunately, many are not aware of it. The good fortune lies in the fact that mine is treated by diet and tablets, having the regular checkup etc., I do not indulge in alcoholic drinks, apart from the occasional glass of wine, compared with most social indulgences are done in moderation. Suffice it to say, am fortunate in having a caring and loving family. Hope you enjoyed the breakfast meeting with your friend.

[letric]

Preserving health by too severe a rule is a worrisome malady

[letric]

Having type2 diabetes has not been a problem, perhaps due to the fact in this country, it is monitored properly. Indeed, it has been a source of food fortune, since I do not indulge as I did before, doing most things in moderation.

[Wayne]

Having diabetes type 2 for the past 19 years, will like to discuss it with others who are similiarly afflicted. Of course, not wanting to sound or to appear a hypochondriac, believe it might be productive for share varied experiences.
I was diagnosed with diabetes since Jan,2003....at that time I was 52 years old,my glucose #
was 473...the doctor said I was "just short" of diabetic/shock,coma.The doctor said probably
what saved me at that time was exercise,I ran and worked out in a gym,every other day.I am
on a daily medication of METFORMIN in pill form,twice daily.I ceased drinking any type of
alcohol.I still go to fetes and I and my wife are probably one of the few teetotalers at a party.
My wife monitors just about EVERYTHING that I consume.I can get as "high as a kite",just by
drinking a coke or eating some "good" chocolate and anything made with flour, also white rice,corn,
just about anything with carbohydrates is not good for me.I eat anything with "moderation"....I watch the "sugar" % ...and I drink at least 3 liters of water daily.There is also the ED thing that comes (sic) and goes.....but I deal with it......things could be worse.

[letric]

Enyaw, it has been a delight to read your comments on having diabetes, also the varied experiences. In instances like these, it is important to have a caring partner, comparable to the manner with which you have described your better half. I have been fortunate to have such a partner/other half also, and through her constant monitoring (I will not say nagging) have been able to remain on the path of moderation in all things. Thanks for the insight relative to how you are successfully dealing with the diabetes. Of course, there are times when it is an inconvenience, but have accepted it as part of my life.

[Wayne]

lectric,if I resided in Trinidad now,with diabetes type2;I would be so tempted to consume all the nice and
tasty Trini foods that are not good for me.However in Tampa,FL.,I live in a suburb and the nearest West
Indian store/restaurant is a long distance away,therefore I can "treat" myself when I want,how I want ,whenever I "feel" for a roti,doubles,aloo pie,sweetbread and whatever else they have to offer.My wife is an
excellent cook who learnt her cooking skills from her mother and Home Economics at Holy Name Convent,so I still have tasty Trini dishes at our home to consume.My wife (my food monitor,my nutritionist),helps me plan
my food menu,but I sometimes cheat when I visit the place of Trini food(and she's not with me).I have ceased to do that,because of the "side effects" and its not good for my kidneys...I have learned to live with
diabetes and will continue to do so........I hope that they find a cure for it soon.....many people are very
"border line" with this disease and they don't know it.......Take Care.

[letric]

Look to your health; and if you have it praise God, and value it next to a good conscience; for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of; a blessing that money cannot buy.


The Complete Angler. (1653) pt.1, ch.21

[letric]

Scientists at Imperial College, London, have identified a gene that may play a part in the development of Type 2 diabetes. This new genetic link - the first to involve insulin resistance - was found after scientists screened the DNA of more than 14,000 people identifying thousands of genetic variations associated with diabetes. They finally whittled them down to the one with the greatest effect which appeared to influence the amount of protein produced by the IRS1 gene, suggesting a direct link with insulin resistance.
Dr Victoria Knight, Diabetes UK's Research Manager, said
Any research that advances our knowledge of the causes of Type2 diabetes is a definite step forward.
However, any new treatments as a result of these finds are, at best, a long way off. It is also import to remember that Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors...so it remains important to stay active and eat a healthy balance diet.

www.diabetes.org.uk/balance
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2009( COMMENTS)

[letric]

Super speedy seafood stew. Put peppers, onion and garlic in a large sauce pan.
1 red pepper, chopped Add the bay leaf and herbs. Pour in the wine,
1 yellow pepper, chopped bring to boil, cover and simmer for 5 minutes
1 large courgette, chopped until soft. Stir in tomatoes, stock and courgette
400g packet prepared Bring to boil the simmer uncovered, for 5 minutes.
cooked seafood Stir in the seafood, sugar and seasoning.
2 tsp caster sugar Heat ofver a low heat, stirring, for about 5 minutes
1 clove crushed garlic until piping hot. Discard the herbs and ladle into
1 bay leaf
A few sprigs of thyme warmed bowls, sprinkled with chopped parsley.
1 large sprig of rosemary Eat with crusty bread.
2 tsp, crushed coriander seeds
400g can chopped tomatoes
2 ml (7fl.oz) dry white wine
200 (7fl oz) fish
or vegetable stock
Salt and ground black peppe
2 tbs chopped parsley.

[lexbarker]

I don't know if this article about soursop can do any help but it is worth checking out.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/natural_ ... ate=310709 (http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/natural_health/article01//indexn3_html?pdate=300709&ptitle=Eating%20soursop%20to%20beat%20diabetes,%20 cancer&cpdate=310709)

[letric]

Have read the article, sounds interesting, however, do not know if soursop is available in the UK
Enquiries are to be made to validate the contents of the report. Possibly might have to await next trip to T&T in March...Thanks anyway for submitting the report. Much appreciated.

[letric]

Having recently returned from Trinidad after spending one month,
tried the sour-sop treatment, so far, yet to discover any significant change.

[letric]

A survey has found the 75 percent of UK South Asians are not aware that they are much more
likely to develop heart disease than people from other ethnic backgrounds. Cardiovascular disease is a potential
complication of diabetes itself is more common among South Asians people than white Europeans.
The survey, by NHS (National Health Services)] Choices, the NHS website showed that South Asians did have a
greater understanding of their increased risk of diabetes.


Further information: www.nhs.uk/southasianhealth

[letric]

Consoling a bereaved friend writer Abdul Rais found himself comparing notes on their Type 2 diabetes. He'd heard doctors blame genes, a high fat diet and lack of exercise for a higher rate of the condition in South Asian people ...
I was horrified to learn that his blood glucose levels are normally in double figures on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. Just then, his young son came into the lounge with two cups of tea and some tea cakes. My friend offered me some artificial sweeteners. I declined as I don't drink sweet tea. My friend then put a few in his cup and offered me a cake. Again, I declined. To my horror, he then consumed three tea cakes, one after the other, while we chatted away. I couldn't resist lecturinghim on this suicidal tendency of his. He just laughed. it all happens with Allah's (God's) will. My wife died because that is how long Allah willed for her to live. I will also die when He will. Eating sweets has nothing to do with it. I tried to explain it wasn't just the sweet factory but also the fact that cakes are made of flour, ie carbohydrates which break down into glucose .... But my friend was not willing to accept any of this. Even my argument that the risk of hereditary diseases, such as diabetes multiple several times over as a result of first-cousin marriages was laughed at by my friend. He, again, quoted Allah's will as being the major factor for this.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.diabetes,org./uk/

[Angie]

I was diagnosed as diabetic in May 2008. 45 minutes exercise a day, and a well controlled diet of mostly fruits and vegetables has worked wonders for me. My last HBA1C test has been and holding steady at a 4.9. For the past 3 weeks as my gardening activities have escalated, I have cut back on my exercise.

White rice, Spaghetti and White bread is no longer a part of my diet ... I use Basmati brown rice and whole wheat bread and spaghetti but in moderation. Most days it's just fruits, fish [wild Salmon] and veges. I have introduced Fish oil Capsules [Omega 3, 6 and 9] and chromium in my diet.

With the meds I am on [Metformin] I have noticed my fasting blood sugar been falling into the upper 70s low 80s so I will consult with my Doctor on Monday as that is definitely too low.

I take extra precaution with my feet as it is one of the first part that will be greatly affect by Diabetes.

[letric]

contd: ...
Here are some examples of counter-arguments that I have received when trying to explain:
Chapattis don't taste sweet: I don't eat sweet rice, and
I could never manage without chapattis. My stomach is never full otherwise. The rich food phenomenon is almost traditional This is regarded as a status symbol. The richer the food, the wealthier one was assumed to be. So when a guest would arrive, this would be your opportunity to show off your wealth by cooking a really oily meal. Add to that traditional hospitality and you get a lethal combination of long hours of sitting on the sofa and being fed a huge amount of a super -rich food all the time. The showing of your wealth factor may not necessarily exist anymore but the rich food tradition carries on. There is even less understanding about hereditary diseases. There is a theory that men are more likely to develop diabetes than women. This may well be true when one compares this with other ailments or conditions, eg coronary diseases. But, I think there are far more women with diabetes who have been actually diagnosed As women are less likely to visit their GP alone (they would be expected to be accompanied by a male member of the family), this condition may go unnoticed over a long period of time and they may not become one of the statistics. With diabetes on the increase at record levels, there is an urgent need for the medical professions (dare I say for the government?) to make this issue a priority above all for this particular section of this community.

Further information:
Diabetes UK Free Community
Champion Programme for Black,
Asian and minority ethnic
communities. Email the Equality and Diversity Team at equalitydiversityteam@diabetes.org.uk

[letric]

It is thought that approximately one third of
all cancers may be linked to diet and
certainly the incidence of certain cancers,
especially bowels and stomach. has increased
as large-scale food processing has replaced
many of the wholegrain cereals, pulses and
roots in our diet with white flour and refined
cereals and sugars. Many foods contain
protective substances called antioxidants
and bio active compounds are found in
garlic and onions.

[Sly1]

Diabeties? I am proud of you Letric for living healty with your illness. I do not have diabeties, though I live with the thought daily. You see my parents and grandparents had this affliction and I decided while quite young that I did not want to get diabeties and that I would do what ever it takes to TRY to keep it away from me. In Trinidad you know we were raised with sweetned tea in the mornings? Well that was my first move I gradually removed sugar from my tea then focused on the quality of my foods. So far so good thank God.:)
My elder sister who was one year older than me died from complications of diabetes, heart problems, kidney etc etc. My son was raised with the knowledge of diabeties in his genes and so he is taking care of himself. My sister left 2 teenagers and one has type 2 diabetes. Hope that she will learn how to take care of herself? I have given up as she is fully grown and has NO interest in living right. Though she has 2 girls and that is where my energies have gone. I literally drew a family tree and pointed out who had the afliction and that they are next in line to get it genetically. By example I have been teaching them to make changes and pointing out the white sugar, white flour etc.

Yes I love to cook and they love to eat....Oh my what an opportunty to teach with out lecturing.
Yes I love to work out in the garden.....so I get my exercise...it is used as a teaching opportunity to.

I have fibromyalgia from head to toe literally but I have learned to change the life my doctors had drawn out for me :rofl: (long long long story) I refuse to be a MEDICATED patient who will stay in bed and go and die. If you think I am joking, I am not. I insist that I will live my life and will show others how to jump through the hoops of life.

[mivs]

Syl1 I admire your strength and courage.
my husband died from diabeties since then my kids and I have gradually started making changes to our lives

[Sly1]

MIVS: I am very sorry to hear about your husband. Now you and your children have a big lesson to learn and live. I believe most people who have diabetes can be helped, then there might be an extreemly small group who can not be helped with this affliction and could this have been the group your husband fitted in? Lectric could help you and me understand more. I believe I would be correct to say that the diabetic diet/food to live by is the best. Which basically is healthy fresh foods.
Since there is diabeties in my family all around me I must be strong and smart:) and learn from all who wish to share their informations. I am always willing to try new things.
How old are your kids?
Me courage and strength? Hmm, it is choices I must make for life. You could even take it as far as religious. God gives you life, what are you going to do with it and how are you going to live it? And when I say God I mean God and not religion.

Thanks to Letric for starting this topic. Thanks fella:)
MIVS hon, lets keep talking and learning.

[letric]

Sly1... Having read your descriptive narrative concerning your condition,
forced to do some research, for a greater understanding and knowledge of
Fibromyalgia, have discovered is seldom seen outside of Western
Industrialised countries, leading researchers to theorise that lifestyle
or dietary factors may play a role. But theories are all that's available
so far; no one yet knows what causes this ailment. Indeed, there are
some herbal remedies suggested.

[Sly1]

Letric: This thread is for discussing diabeties and I might get in trouble with switching to Fibromyalgia. So I will let you call the shot here fella. Should we discuss it here or privately?
I will go ahead share my information. Fibromyalgia can be triggered by trauma. Which is what happened in my case. I was involved in 2 automobile accidents and in both incidents I was hit from behind from drivers who were not looking where they were going:) Yes it is funny, sad funny but funny any way. Imagine looking in your reveiw mirror and seeing a car barrelling down on you and a woman talking to her daughter and reaching down for something on the passengers side and then BAM. The next one watching a red truck being driven by a man talking to his 2 daughters in the front seat and then BAM. Put them together and then it does have a laugh factor.
I'll leave you to catch your breath:)

[letric]

The milk from a camel is tasty and
can help diabetics

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/letters/7895637/The-milk-from-a-camel-is-tasty-and-can-help-diabetics.html

[kemist]

I remember attending a seminar (~ 10 years ago) by a researcher from Guyana who showed some interesting studeis he had done on carailee (spelling?) juice, and how it helps lower blood sugar levels. If i recall correctly, he recommended drinking a shot (2-3 oz) of the juice every morning.

[letric]

I remember attending a seminar (~ 10 years ago) by a researcher from Guyana who showed some interesting studeis he had done on carailee (spelling?) juice, and how it helps lower blood sugar levels. If i recall correctly, he recommended drinking a shot (2-3 oz) of the juice every morning.

Expect to be in TT 19th October - 19 November 2010, intend to find out further information on the use of Ca-rilee juice. Many thanks....

[lexbarker]

I came across this site where they say that diabetes could be cured in 30 days by eating a diet of raw food.

http://www.rawfor30days.com/index4.html

[letric]

Fish in banana leaves

8 pomfret
4 tbsp lemon juice
60g coriander, chopped
60g fresh coconut, grated
3 tsp cumin seeds
6 cloves fresh garlic
1/2 tsp salt
4 banana leaves (or foil/rice paper)

Cut the fish fillets into pieces roughly 5cm3.5cm. Sprinkle with half he
lemon juice and set aside for 30 minutes. Grind the coriander leaves, chillies,
coconut, cumin and garlic to a fine paste. Mix salt and the remaining
lemon juice, and then use to coat the fish pieces. Leave to marinate for at
least 15 minutes. Cut the banana leaves into four pieces each. Put one
marinated fish piece on each piece of banana leaf, along with a little of
the marinade and fold up the leaves. Heat sufficient water in a steamer
and steam the fish for 15 minutes. Serve the fish hot, still wrapped in the
banner leaves.

Healthy hint: This recipe uses flavourful fresh coconut. Small amounts
of fresh coconut on occasion is fine, but bve careful not to use creamed
coconut in recipes too often - high in unhealthy saturated fats.

Fish in banana leaves and Yogurt chicken first featured
in Healthy Indian Cooking for Diabetes
www.diabetes.org.uk/shop

[letric]

Masoor dhal

200g masoor dhal (red lentils)
1 tsp turmeric
2 tsp salt
1 tsp ghee
2 tsp fresh garlic, crushed
2 small onions, chopped
2 dry chillies
Handful fresh coriander, chopped

Soak the dhal for 2 hours and wash thoroughly in fresh water before
transferring into a medium-size saucepan and adding a generous amount
of water. Add the turmeric and bring to the boil, then cook on slow heat
for 15 minutes until tender. When the dhal is cooked, skim off all the
frothy water and add salt. Heat the ghee in a small frying pan and add
the garlic, onions and chillies and cook for 1 minute. add this tarka
mixture to the dhal and simmer for a few minutes to allow the spices
to blend in, adding more water if you prefer. Garnish with fresh finely
chopped coriander leaves.

Healthy hint: Start to gradually reduce the amount of salt you use in
cooking. You get far too much from bought and processed foods,
so make adjustments in your home cooking and avoid adding salt
at the table.

www.diabetes.org.uk
The site has been reviewed and is supported by a number of organisations in the UK
and including the British Heart Foundation
www.Thelsmali.org/nutrition

[Angie]

Expect to be in TT 19th October - 19 November 2010, intend to find out further information on the use of Ca-rilee juice. Many thanks....



Letric, for the past 4 months I have not used any Metformin for controlling my blood sugar. I have been eating carailli twice a day and my blood sugar has stayed IN the normal range. My last A1C which was done just over a week ago was at 5.0


My oldest sister who is also diabetic is doing the same thing and has seen remarkable improvement in her blood sugar levels. Her A1C has gone down from a 9.7 to 6.1

[letric]

Angie, do appreciate the information I write this with depth of sincerity.
Definitely intend to get some carailli while there. Any forumiite reading
this who lives in Uk knowing where it can be obtained here, do let
me know.Thanks again

[Angie]

Letric, just in case if you cannot get Carailli, you can get it in pill form as a supplement. Since I have them growing on my vine outside during the Spring and Summer months, I cut up and freeze as much as I can for the Winter months. At the end of October I set 1 seed in a fairly good size pot and keep it inside near the window where it can get some Sunlight ... that way I am never out of it.

[sacky]

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/05May/Pages/DiabeticSugarControlCutsHeartAttacks.aspx

[letric]

Letric, just in case if you cannot get Carailli, you can get it in pill form as a supplement. Since I have them growing on my vine outside during the Spring and Summer months, I cut up and freeze as much as I can for the Winter months. At the end of October I set 1 seed in a fairly good size pot and keep it inside near the window where it can get some Sunlight ... that way I am never out of it.

Angie, travelling to TT next month intend to pursue getting Carailli while there. Many thanks.

[letric]

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/05May/Pages/DiabeticSugarControlCutsHeartAttacks.aspx

Sacky ... interesting article, thanks for sharing it.

[sacky]

bolamyn sr 500 anyone uses this.

[kayt]

Angie, do appreciate the information I write this with depth of sincerity.
Definitely intend to get some carailli while there. Any forumiite reading
this who lives in Uk knowing where it can be obtained here, do let
me know.Thanks again

Hi Lectric,
I've seen many shops that sell Asian stuff that have carailli for sale. I see them when I pass all the time. I'm not a big fan of it unless it is sliced thinly, deep fried with some salt. I would however be open to try some new recipes with it. Who knows maybe I'll learn to like it. I'm not a diabetic but I could do with making my diet more healthier these days since it has not been of late.

[letric]

Kayt, appreciate letting me know where to find carailli, which means going to Worthing or Brighton
where the Asian and other ethnic shops are. Incidentally, traveling to TT next two weeks bringing
some back. Do advise me on the success of your discoveries. Thanks again.

[draja]

Get someone to make some Kalownjee for you. De last time ah wuz dong dey ah get Carailee chow. Ah bring back a big plastic jar full in mih suitcase.

[letric]

Get someone to make some Kalownjee for you. De last time ah wuz dong dey ah get Carailee chow. Ah bring back a big plastic jar full in mih suitcase.

Draja ... many thanks for your suggestion. Much appreciated,

[snowbird]

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF ANY COURSE OF TREATMENT OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE…. I AM SIMPLY SHARING BASED ON THE TOPIC OF THE THREAD:

Having just had a discussion with a Geriatrics Specialist a few days ago (no, not for me yet…. For my 90 year old mother lol) this thread tweaked my interest.

This is what I learned about Diabetese.
Coming from the Caribbean… We like many others (in my family) carry the diabetic ‘gene’…. this is true, since many of my relatives have already been diagnosed with this condition
…..because of the Indo/Afro et al … pure race marriages or the inter-marrying with those races….. most of us are pre-disposed to this condition.

Even though we may not yet be diagnosed with diabetes….there are some tell tale signs…. while these are not the only symptoms of pre-diabetese http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prediabetes/DS00624 it is certainly common

…..the weight gain towards middle age (or even sooner) …. especially the increased girth around the abdomen (as you body stores fat and sugar ….. for later).

She (the doctor) recommended that we who carry the gene be pro-active in dealing with the condition…she suggested to us (there was a group in this consoltation) that while diet is important for helping to regulating our sugar intake….. EXERCISE is the key….. Since our body also creates sugar and extracts sugar from the things we eat… she feels that a better ‘attack’ would be to ‘burn off that sugar’ on a regular basis.
She too felt that introducing a regime of Metformin http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Metformin
before we are actually diagnosed would be beneficial in ‘staving off’ the disease…. Now not being a proponent of ‘traditional’ medicine…..I’m looking for alternatives to a drug regime.

Oh she did say that anyone who has been diagnosed with any ‘stage’ of diabetes…..should be having ‘annual eye examinations’

I will be taking note of some of the 'suggestions' here in terms of some of the 'local' foods that some of you have been eating and having good resutls with.... like I said.... I haven't been diagnosed with diabetes 'yet' ... so trying some of those foods won't hurt...even if they don't work lol

[letric]

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF ANY COURSE OF TREATMENT OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE…. I AM SIMPLY SHARING BASED ON THE TOPIC OF THE THREAD:

Having just had a discussion with a Geriatrics Specialist a few days ago (no, not for me yet…. For my 90 year old mother lol) this thread tweaked my interest.

This is what I learned about Diabetese.
Coming from the Caribbean… We like many others (in my family) carry the diabetic ‘gene’…. this is true, since many of my relatives have already been diagnosed with this condition
…..because of the Indo/Afro et al … pure race marriages or the inter-marrying with those races….. most of us are pre-disposed to this condition.

Even though we may not yet be diagnosed with diabetes….there are some tell tale signs…. while these are not the only symptoms of pre-diabetese http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prediabetes/DS00624 it is certainly common

…..the weight gain towards middle age (or even sooner) …. especially the increased girth around the abdomen (as you body stores fat and sugar ….. for later).

She (the doctor) recommended that we who carry the gene be pro-active in dealing with the condition…she suggested to us (there was a group in this consoltation) that while diet is important for helping to regulating our sugar intake….. EXERCISE is the key….. Since our body also creates sugar and extracts sugar from the things we eat… she feels that a better ‘attack’ would be to ‘burn off that sugar’ on a regular basis.
She too felt that introducing a regime of Metformin http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Metformin
before we are actually diagnosed would be beneficial in ‘staving off’ the disease…. Now not being a proponent of ‘traditional’ medicine…..I’m looking for alternatives to a drug regime.

Oh she did say that anyone who has been diagnosed with any ‘stage’ of diabetes…..should be having ‘annual eye examinations’

I will be taking note of some of the 'suggestions' here in terms of some of the 'local' foods that some of you have been eating and having good resutls with.... like I said.... I haven't been diagnosed with diabetes 'yet' ... so trying some of those foods won't hurt...even if they don't work lol

Snowbird, thanks for the information revealed. Interesting.

[snowbird]

Letric....You are welcome

You may not know this but .... Carailee is also know as..... 'Bitter Melon' .....and may be marketed in your region under that name which is why you can't find it..... I have seen them in may West Indian and Asian stores in Canada..... maybe if these stores exist you your neck of the woods .... you'll be able to find the product

http://chinesefood.about.com/od/vegetablesrecipes/ig/Chinese-Vegetables-Pictures/Bitter_Melon_Photo.htm

Draja.... how do you make 'chow' with carailee? I'm always open to a 'new chow' lol

Angie.... does freezing the carailee not destroy or deminish the 'healing properties'?

[snowbird]

also found these articles on 'Bitter Melon'

Uses Today: Bitter Melon is used today to treat diabetes and as an anti-viral to treat HIV
http://altmed.creighton.edu/preg/bitter_melon.htm

..... Bitter Melon has been around for centuries and used in Chinese medicine to treat high blood sugar......
http://enhansulin.com/herbs/bitter_melon.htm

[letric]

Letric....You are welcome

You may not know this but .... Carailee is also know as..... 'Bitter Melon' .....and may be marketed in your region under that name which is why you can't find it..... I have seen them in may West Indian and Asian stores in Canada..... maybe if these stores exist you your neck of the woods .... you'll be able to find the product

http://chinesefood.about.com/od/vegetablesrecipes/ig/Chinese-Vegetables-Pictures/Bitter_Melon_Photo.htm

Draja.... how do you make 'chow' with carailee? I'm always open to a 'new chow' lol

Angie.... does freezing the carailee not destroy or deminish the 'healing properties'?

Snowbird, we are in a small village between two major towns. The information supplied should be
able to get Bitter Melon from the Chinese grocery in Brighton. If we are successful will inform you.
Thanks.

[letric]

Get someone to make some Kalownjee for you. De last time ah wuz dong dey ah get Carailee chow. Ah bring back a big plastic jar full in mih suitcase.

Draja, my people in TT never heard of Kalownjee, is there another name?

[draja]

Draja, my people in TT never heard of Kalownjee, is there another name?It's made of Karailee, stuffed with massala and fried.

[draja]

Draja.... how do you make 'chow' with carailee? I'm always open to a 'new chow' lolAh tink dey call it Karailee "Choka" dong dey yuh no.
Roast de Karailee and den remove black(burnt) parts. Wash it, cut it up in very small pieces and den squeeze any water (moisture) out. Cut up yuh onion, garlic pepper etc and mix it in with some roasted saltfish if yuh want. Add salt if yuh doh have saltfish.

[snowbird]

Ah tink dey call it Karailee "Choka" dong dey yuh no.
Roast de Karailee and den remove black(burnt) parts. Wash it, cut it up in very small pieces and den squeeze any water (moisture) out. Cut up yuh onion, garlic pepper etc and mix it in with some roasted saltfish if yuh want. Add salt if yuh doh have saltfish.

Again.....I question....when you cook the carailee.... aren't you destroying the properties..... and if you are 'squeezing' out the moisture..... aren't you also 'throwing away' some of the ...'good stuff'?

I need to learn a little more about exactly what it is in that vegetable/fruit that is so valuable.....and under what conditions or in what form we must ingest it...for it to be of any value.

[lexbarker]

Draja, my people in TT never heard of Kalownjee, is there another name?

I think Kalownjee is a spice (small black seed just bigger than geera) that they used in the old days when making home made massala and curry.

[mivs]

I think Kalownjee is a spice (small black seed just bigger than geera) that they used in the old days when making home made massala and curry.

kalownjee is not a spice. it's carilee made with spices

[letric]

I think Kalownjee is a spice (small black seed just bigger than geera) that they used in the old days when making home made massala and curry.

Lexbarker, thank you for the information

[letric]

kalownjee is not a spice. it's carilee made with spices

Live and learn, thanks a lot

[mivs]

all this carilee talk had meh craving for it ah went out an bought some today
my children doh like it no matter how it's made

[sacky]

anyone using wild corailee

[draja]

anyone using wild coraileeYuh mean dem very small ones that grow wild all over T&T. I used to suck the seeds from them when they ripe.

Snow, here's a link for "bitter melon"

http://www.juicing-for-health.com/bitter-gourd-benefits.html

[sacky]

yeah them ones draja:D

[snowbird]

Yuh mean dem very small ones that grow wild all over T&T. I used to suck the seeds from them when they ripe.
Snow, here's a link for "bitter melon"

http://www.juicing-for-health.com/bitter-gourd-benefits.html


Thanks Draja...I'll keep this information and share it with my diabetic relatives.

..... and Yes, as a child, I too used to suck the red pulpy seeds of carilee that grew wild in the backyard of my grandparents yard...loll

[Solachica]

I heard people does put meethi seeds in their water.

[letric]

If, I have gained anything from TTOL, it is that there is always
someone with information concerning any given subject. Live
and learn. Thank you all!

[draja]

Did sumbody menshun bathing in Karailee bush? Sorry, ah jes kidding.

[Mailman]

Interesting new study that found a correlation between air pollution and diabetes. It is consistent with lab studies on mice that showed increased insulin resistance with particulate exposure.

"Our results suggest PM2.5 may contribute to increased diabetes prevalence in the adult U.S. population. These findings add to the growing evidence that air pollution is a risk factor for diabetes."

http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/33/10/2196.full