THE ASSOCIATION FOR DRESSINGS & SAUCES ENCOURAGES HEALTHY EATING DURING AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH

(November 2006) ATLANTA, GA – Along with The American Diabetes Association, The Association for Dressings & Sauces (ADS) encourages everyone, young and old, to take time this month to become educated about diabetes and the risks associated with the disease. “Determine your risk and take appropriate measures to lower your chances of developing this disease,” says the Atlanta-based trade association of salad dressing and sauce manufacturers and suppliers to the industry.

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body's ability to produce or respond properly to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose (sugar) to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. According to The American Diabetes Association, nearly 21 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes, the fifth deadliest disease.

Though the cause of diabetes remains a mystery, it appears that genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise play roles in contributing to the disease. This month, take a close look at your diet and take proper steps to lower your risk. By following a few basic tips, you can jumpstart your journey down the path of healthy eating for life!

• Eat lots of vegetables and fruits from all colors of the rainbow, which offer numerous health benefits; don’t forget salad dressings and dips to add extra flavor and pizzazz
• Watch your portion sizes
• Re-hydrate your body with water and calorie-free drinks instead of high-calorie alternatives
• Choose fish and lean meats regularly; remove skin from poultry
• Ditch the high-fat, high-calorie snacks such as chips, cookies and ice cream; or eat in moderation
• Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products; try whole wheat pasta or brown rice
• Choose non-fat dairy foods including milk, yogurt and cheese
• Choose fats wisely; try to eat more of the good fats like those found in fish and olive oil; in fact, research has shown that salad dressings with fat increases the absorption of cancer-fighting carotenoids
• Include dried beans in your meals
• Cook with liquid oils instead of solid fats

Founded in 1940, The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. To fulfill this mission, the American Diabetes Association funds research, publishes scientific findings, provides information and other services to people with diabetes, their families, health professionals and the public.

The Association for Dressings & Sauces is an international trade association representing the manufacturers of salad dressings and condiment sauces and the suppliers to the industry. Visit us on the web at www.dressings-sauces.org to learn more about the nutritional benefits of salads and salad dressings, and to obtain tasty recipes as well as a copy of the brochure, “The Good News About Salad Dressings and Sauces.” To learn more about the positive impact fruits and vegetables can have on your nutritional health, visit www.saladaday.org.