Give Peas A Chance, An Observation By Dr. Sharma At Panda!

While many of people won't realize a seminar inand diet to aid and treat Type 2 Diabetes.
Alberta Diabetes Institute, disclosed the benefits ofThe pea's project was part of work that aims to
locally produced dried peas. A study conducted bydevelop a prototype Alberta Diet to be developed
Catherine Chan, Professor of Physiology and Nutritionaround Alberta crops and foodstuffs. Apart from
Science experiment showed that animal feedingtesting local crops (i.e. legumes, peas, berries, canola oil,
beneficial effects on glucose metabolism. While thereetc.) for their effect on chronic disease, the
is some progressive effects also on pancreatic isletresearchers are also looking at innovative modifications
function but this is still under observation and yet to bein crop production and processing methods to increase
concluded. But surprising fact is that not all peas arethese beneficial effects.
made equal and considerable differences existUltimately, rural economists working in the PANDA
between the anti oxidative effects of different typesproject will ascertain the economic viability of adopting
of peas.the Alberta Diet with a careful look at both the financial
Dr. Sharma learned that this experiment is a part ofand health benefits of adopting such a diet for the
the larger project at the University of Alberta calledprevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
PANDA (Physical Activity and Nutrition for Diabetes inThe multi-year project is funded through a variety of
Alberta) a multi disciplinary, multi sectored researchsources including Alberta Innovates and other public
project centered on a multi range of projects intendedand private organizations.
to develop a practical ‘toolbox' of physical activity