Plants and Metabolic Diseases

Hyperlipidemia, obesity and diabetes are complex metabolic disorders affecting millions of people in the world. In the United States about 98 million people have elevated cholesterol levels, 58 million have weight problems and 16 million have diabetes. The cause of these diseases is not always known; it is assumed that they have a genetic component because they often run in families. Other factors involved are: age, diet, physical activity, ethnic background, environmental and psychological factors, and perhaps hormonal disorders. These diseases greatly increase the risk of premature death; in addition, they are the major risk factors for developing heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease and some forms of cancer. Most people with diabetes, weight problems or hyperlipidemia can lead normal lives and dramatically reduce the risk of serious complications by carefully balancing their diet and by increasing physical activity. In some cases, the use of drugs may help to normalize metabolic functions.