Have you seen Medicine Man with Sean Connery? It was a predictable but engaging tale about how a scientist found a cure for cancer in the jungles of the Amazon Rain Forest, and how the cure was being destroyed by deforestation.

There are examples everywhere as to how a miracle pill started out as a plant…most notably with Digitalis. This plant-based drug is used to treat heart failure.

However, it is also known to be horrendously toxic, especially to children, pets, pregnant women, and animals.

So careful control over its use is required. But not all plant-based formulations are as readily obvious in their toxicity and contra-indications as foxglove.

Take Emulin, for example.

This brand new food additive is a compound that emulates insulin, thus the trademarked name, Emulin.

It is being branded as the biggest, most important find of the 21st century, and is being billed all over the Internet and news media as an astonishing, life-changing miracle that is poised to reverse the trend of Type II diabetes completely.

Wow! That sounds amazing. And it might even be true. But I have to say, that any food additive, supplement, or drug that claims there are no side effects or negative consequences to its use makes me very nervous (Olestra, anyone?)

This also what the producers of saccharin used to tell people back in the 50’s, and did for many years even after it was discovered to be a carcinogen.

I do believe, though, that this incredible finding is very much worth exploring, since it is completely plant-based. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it natural, though, because it’s not like they zested and dehydrated the grapefruit peel. The fruits they use are processed, refined and concentrated (just like corn is to make cornstarch).

So how does it work?

It is derived from the peels of citrus fruits. Its inspiration comes from the effects of grapefruit on health, most notably in weight loss, Type II diabetes, High LDL cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome.

The marketers of the product claim that it has been shown to inhibit the conversion of complex carbs to simple sugars, increase insulin sensitivity, and acts as a buffer so its sugar isn’t converted as quickly to glucose.

The theory, one ATM Metabolics claims has scientific evidence to support, is that the compounds found in these very sugary citrus foods can be isolated, refined, and mass-produced.

They are also showing on news reports, etc that adding the compound to colas, brownie mix…even Twinkies will help reverse the trend of metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, and Type II diabetes…IF they can get it added to every food product on the market.

The byline that caught my attention in the first place was something to the effect of Type II diabetics not having to control their blood sugar or what they eat. Of course my reaction was…oh yes they do…and 80% have not been doing a good job of it at all because of the sugared soda, brownies and Twinkies.

The actual “out loud” premise of the news stories is that you can still eat what you want if this product is added to it, and you will see your condition improve because of the purported effects mentioned earlier.

What isn’t reported, and that I haven’t found studies on, is its effect on statin drug interaction, namely the “grapefruit effect” whereby an enzyme in grapefruit destroys the enzyme that is needed to break down the statin drug components for absorption. Does this occur with this additive? Too early to tell.

But I wouldn’t want to gamble with it if I were ever to need that kind of medicine.

As far as a food additive, I think I will have to say that it’s probably a good one and generally safe. However, the idea that it should go in all boxed, canned, and jarred foods as a workaround to changing the diet and exercise mistakes is really deeply disturbing.

The best way to helping to permanently and effectively change the relationship your body has with food is to change the relationship your MOUTH has with food. The best way to change exercise habits is to just start exercising.

I appreciate much of what food scientists have done for us, but I am truly hoping this doesn’t turn out to be one of those highly revenue-generating band-aids. Fixing the problem where it starts is better than sprinkling miracle powder on it.

For more information on an effective, safe, and natural method to reverse Type II diabetes that explains the inflammation relationship, click here.

To Your Best Health,

Jodi Knapp

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