A Sweet Way to Boost Your Immune System

By Kelley Herring

Most experts agree that sugar is one of the immune system's fiercest enemies. It raises insulin levels and decreases the vitality and number of white blood cells that respond to invaders. But thanks to a new breed of all-natural sweeteners, you can satisfy your cravings without spiking your blood sugar or hampering immunity.

The blood sugar benefits of polyols (sugar alcohols) have been mentioned in ETR before. Now I'd like to introduce you to another ingredient you can add to your low-glycemic baking repertoire: Siraitia grosvenori,better known as luo han guo (also spelled luo han kuo or lo han kuo).

Luo han guo is a member of the gourd family. It's low glycemic, heat stable, has a mere four calories per teaspoon, and can be used in baking just like sugar. But the benefits don't end there. New research suggests luo han guo may actually help reduce inflammation and enhance immunity, especially in people who have diabetes.

You're likely to hear much more sweet talk about this up-and-coming ingredient. Look for Jarrow Formulas' Lo Han Sweet at your local health food store.

[Ed. Note: Kelley Herring is the founder and CEO of Healing Gourmet (www.healinggourmet.com), and is editor-in-chief of the Healing Gourmet book series.]

Word to the Wise: Moil

"Moil" (MOYL) is hard work; drudgery. The word is from the Middle English for "to soil one's hands."

Example (as used by Alan Hollinghurst in The Spell): "He saw himself in the sleepless moil of early parenthood, and felt a plunging anxiety."

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2285, 02-22-08], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.