ABSTRACT
Functional foods are “nutraceutricals,” i.e., foods consumed as dietary supplements that provide medical benefits in addition to their basic nutritional value. In this case, those benefits may be free-radical scavenging/antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and blood sugar control.
The chapter details chronic systemic inflammation and the ways that we measure it (C-Reactive Protein), and observe its adverse effects. It documents the interlinkage of hyperglycemia, chronic systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. And, it details functional foods that can be integrated with treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Among the selected functional Foods that fight inflammation and support glycemic control are ginger, beets, green tea, chili, cinnamon, sea vegetables, mushrooms and curcumin.
