Abstract Reality
Building upon the previous discussion about abstracts, several have wondered “how do I find the balance between too much information and too little?” That answer is not as cut and dried as one would hope, so let us start with the basics. An abstract is a one paragraph summary of an entire dissertation that generally does not exceed 120 words. That 120 word limit does not leave a lot of room for specific details, so just the main points are discussed. It is to be accurate, self–contained, concise and specific. Make sure that everything in the abstract relates specifically to the topic at hand. It should be able to stand alone and make sense by itself, and any details that are included should be worded as succinctly as possible. Generally, the purpose, results, conclusions and a few of the most important concepts, findings or implications are included in the abstract.
Misty White, MA
Research and Writing Advisor
Can Sugar Cravings Be Stopped?
For the following study, it should be noted that due to the involvement of human participants, the study design, informed consent and other aspects of the study were subject to guidelines, prior approval, and monitoring of the CCNH Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects.
A study of non-diabetic adults ages 18 to 63 was conducted to determine if Gymnema sylvestre was effective in decreasing sugar cravings in non–diabetic participants. A control group took a placebo during this blind trial. All participants in the experimental group receiving Gymnema sylvestre, reported that the herb completely or partially stopped their cravings for sugar.
Volunteers in the experimental group took 400 mg tablets of Gymnema sylvestre three times daily. They also utilized tincture and tea as needed for sugar cravings. They continued use of the Gymnema sylvestre tablets, tincture and tea for thirty days.
The Gymnema sylvestre builds up in the body over time, working on the intestinal absorption of sugar via a receptor–blocking mechanism. The tincture or tea acts directly on the taste buds, blocking the ability to taste sugar. Therefore, it is considered that the effect of reduction in sugar cravings would not have been achieved without the use of both tablets and either tea or tincture to control daily sugar cravings. Most participants noted both the tincture and tea presented a bitter taste, indicating that they would not choose this method of delivering the Gymnema sylvestre on a routine basis. However, without both components of blocking of intestinal sugar absorption and taste–blocking of sugar, the control of sugar cravings would be more difficult. The study concluded that, for this sample, the herb Gymnema sylvestre was effective in reducing sugar cravings.
Karen Gibbons is a recent graduate of the Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Nutrition program at CCNH, and is currently furthering her expertise with additional specialist training in Holistic Nutrition, as well as in the Herbal Studies Certificate program at CCNH.
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