- Thanks to those vulnerable unvaccinated, COVID-19 is still with us. Had everyone been vaccinated against COVID-19 from the first day vaccines were available, we should have had herd immunity, and COVID-19 would have left us. Between April 21 to April 27, 2024, there were still 5,098 patients hospitalized for COVID-19. While the death rate was down to 0.8 percent, that is still significant. As I have said often, one life lost is one too many.
While the respiratory season may be ending in the United States, a new group of COVID-19 variants, called “FLiRT” is now flirting with us as variant KP.2, which overtook the JN.1 omicron subvariant. KP.2 accounts for 25 percent of infections nationwide, according to the U.S.-CDC. The other variant is KP.1.1.
Will there be another surge of COVID-19?
Let us get the new vaccine for the new strains of COVID-19 and continue our vigilance.
Rice and diabetes
All carbohydrates (sugars), which have high glycemic index (easily digested after eating and cause blood glucose (sugar) spikes) are the nemesis of diabetics. Among these carbs are the notorious soft drinks, rice, bread, pasta, potato, beans, milk, popcorn, cookies, corn, cakes, ice-cream, pies, and most desserts.
Rice is the staple food in most Asian countries, and now also in Latin America and Africa. It usually provides more than 50 percent of the calories consumed in those continents.
Diabetics are advised to minimize carbs (like rice, bread, sweets) in the diet, which significantly and rapidly affect blood sugar levels.
Brown rice, which has more fibers and nutrients, fewer calories and carb in it, is actually not healthier than white rice, as previously thought. The hull of brown rice (which is removed, only bran remains) contains significant toxins like lectins that injures gut lining, causes brain fog, and triggers the auto immune system in some people. The hull that has been removed also contains arsenic.
White rice (refined carb) lacks fiber and nutrients, hence it is enriched during production. It has a high glycemic index, compared to brown rice. White rice is one of the reasons why Asian countries, especially the Philippines, have very high prevalence of diabetes Mellitus T2.
Basmati rice, which has higher fiber, lower calories, and lower glycemic index, is healthier than refined white rice. It has more nutrients, lower arsenic contamination, more folate, thiamine, selenium, B Vitamin, Zinc, phosphorus in it.
The best strategy is moderation in intake of rice in general. Personally, I love basmati rice, but am minimizing it for caloric control. Diabetics should get at least 50 percent of their daily carb from whole grains (lower glycemic index than rice), which contains complex carbs that takes the body longer to break down, reducing sugar spikes. Many health-conscious people are giving up rice for vegetable salad with olive oil-vinegar dressing.
Some of the whole grain foods are oats, whole grain wheat bread, quinoa, rye, buckwheat, bulgur wheat, millet, whole barley, spelt (ancient wheat) and brown rice. Nothing beats vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Red meat is not essential, and man can stay healthier without red meat.
Caloric portion or quantity is essential, especially for those who are overweight and/or are diabetics. Discuss this with your physician or dietician for proper guidance, or “consult Dr. Google.”
Nightshades and arthritis
There are vegetables that are called nightshades (belonging to the Solanaceae family). They are inflammatory food items that are bad for the body, especially for those with arthritis. They aggravate joint pains. Some of these items are tomatoes, white potatoes, pepper, eggplants, paprika. Tobacco actually belongs to the nightshade family and tobacco contains a carcinogenic substance in it.
The inflammatory ingredients in tomatoes are in the skin and in the seeds; removing them before cooking helps minimize them. It seems to be the same for eggplants, which are good antioxidants.
Avoiding inflammatory food items is important for everyone, not only to those with arthritis. Our bodies’ enemies are oxidation, inflammation, and imbalanced microbiome. Luckily, we have the knowledge and resources to fight these nemeses. It’s now up to us.
Olive Oil: Benefits
Olive oil, especially the one from Morocco, northwest Africa, with high levels of monosaturated fats (73 percent healthy oleic acid) and a lot of powerful antioxidants, polyphenols (hydroxy-thyrosol), provide large healthy anti-inflammatory properties.
For cooking (frying, etc.) the light tasting olive oil is the best, better than canola, vegetable oil, coconut oil, palm oil or corn oil. The extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), cold pressed, is especially good for dips, and for drinking (one teaspoon daily). Monosaturated fats are quite resistant to high heat, unlike canola and other oils, making light olive oil a healthy choice for cooking. Oil that is not heat-resistant and burns is detrimental to health, much like charcoal-burnt red meats, and poses a risk for cancer.
The biologically active antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances (oleocanthal, with action like ibuprofen) in olive oil reduce the risk for chronic illnesses and lower cholesterol, hence heart healthy. Olive oil can reduce biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol, helps prevent stroke, and reduces heart disease. It lubricates the joints and reduces joint pains in osteoarthritis, and also in rheumatoid arthritis, especially when combined with fish oil.
Olive oil may also help prevent Alzheimer’s, which is associated with plaques in the brain. Olive oil was shown to reduce plaques in the brain in mice. It also has anti-cancer properties by reducing oxidative damage due to free radicals, a leading driver of cancer. Olive oil also has antibacterial properties and also lowers the risk for dementia-related death. Olive oil is a wonderful drug for prevention of diseases and for maximal health and longevity.
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: [email protected].
