ADS, Along with The American Diabetes Association Promotes Healthy Eating During American Diabetes Month

30/10/06 Along with The American Diabetes Association, The Association for Dressings & Sauces (ADS) encourages everyone, young and old, to take time this month to become educated about diabetes and the risks associated with the disease. "Determine your risk and take appropriate measures to lower your chances of developing this disease," says the Atlanta-based trade association of salad dressing and sauce manufacturers and suppliers to the industry.

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body's ability to produce or respond properly to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose (sugar) to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. According to The American Diabetes Association, nearly 21 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes, the fifth deadliest disease.

Though the cause of diabetes remains a mystery, it appears that genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise play roles in contributing to the disease. During November, take steps to lower your risk and jumpstart your journey down the path of healthy eating for life!

- Eat lots of vegetables and fruits from all colors of the rainbow, which offer numerous health benefits; don't forget salad dressings and dips to add extra flavor and pizzazz.

- Watch your portion sizes.

- Choose fish and lean meats regularly; remove skin from poultry.

- Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products; try whole wheat pasta or brown rice.

- Choose non-fat dairy foods including milk, yogurt and cheese.

- Choose fats wisely; try to eat more of the good fats like those found in fish and olive oil; in fact, research has shown that salad dressings with fat increases the absorption of cancer-fighting carotenoids.

- Cook with liquid oils instead of solid fats.