A four-year Italian study done by the University of Naples was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, on September 1, 2009. The interesting twist of this study is that newly diagnosed type-2 diabetics were put on two different diets. After four years, only 44 percent of those who were put on a Mediterranean diet required medication to lower blood sugar, compared with 70 percent of those that were put on the low fat diet. Out of every 100 newly diagnosed diabetics 26 more people were able to manage their blood sugar without medication, just by changing the type of foods they ate. If I could be granted a wish for my newly diagnosed loved ones and friends – and for yours too – I wish that they will each become one of the 26 per hundred.

The other interesting fact is that the Mediterranean group did better in losing weight, improving blood glucose levels, and lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. Since those with diabetes have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, this is a wonderful outcome.

This hearty vegetable bean soup is good with or without the meat.

Vegetables and White Bean Soup

By Joyce Bunderson Published: July 27, 2010

A four-year Italian study done by the University of Naples was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, on September 1, 2009. The …

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup onion diced
• 2 cups portabella mushrooms chopped
• 1 cup red bell pepper chopped
• 2 cups green bell pepper diced
• 1 cup celery diced
• 1 cup carrot sliced
• 6 ounces chopped ham or cooked chicken cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Hickory Smoked Salt
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups spinach chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 14.5 ounces can tomatoes diced, un-drained
• 2 15 ounces can great Northern white beans
• 1 teaspoon tabasco sauce

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot heat olive oil over medium heat.
   
2. Add onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, celery, and carrots.
   
3. Sauté, stirring, until onion is just tender.
   
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add broth, spinach, optional meat and garlic; cook for a couple minutes.
   
5. Add remaining ingredients; cook for 5 - 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
   
6. A Mediterranean Pot - Vegetables and White Bean Soup Hot soup to warm your tummy and nourish your body and spirit.
   

• Course: Soup