If you would like to learn more how these and other spices can't help lower your blood sugar click the link here
Red Ginseng
Ginseng root has long been used in Chinese medicine to address a range of ailments. The root is traditionally used as a tonic to improve energy, stamina, mental performance and improve immunity, however it can also be used for diabetes. There are two main species of ginseng—American ginseng and Asian or Korean ginseng—though the kind which is diabetes-specific is Korean red ginseng. This kind of ginseng has been proven to provide glycemic control, improve pancreatic cell function and enhance the uptake of blood sugar from tissues. When used in animal studies it has significantly decreased blood glucose levels, blood glucagon levels, and increased blood insulin levels. When performing similar studies on humans it was found that even in non-diabetics, ginseng impacted blood sugar levels. The inherent benefits of red ginseng can be further enhanced if it is fermented, since the live bacteria which result from the fermenting process helps optimize the absorption of ginsenosides within the ginseng. Beyond blood sugar control, red ginseng has also been found to provide antioxidant protection, an important element when dealing with diabetes. All these things combined make this herb a powerful diabetic, anti-hyperglycemic ally.
Psyllium
Psyllium comes from seed husks of the plantago ovata plant. It is most commonly known for it’s laxative effects, and because of this, is featured in many fiber supplements to treat constipation, diarrhea or other intestinal ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome. Psyllium helps lower blood cholesterol, as well as blood sugar levels, resulting in less need for insulin. For those wanting to treat type 2 diabetes, psyllium is key. The high-fiber, soluble nature of psyllium helps control blood sugar; it doesn’t raise blood glucose levels—ensuring it doesn’t spike unnecessarily—and slows the absorption of sugar. The husks transform to a gel when mixed with water. When ingested, this gel quality plays a pivotal role in how food is assimilated in the body; the psyllium slows down and delays food digestion, reducing the absorption of sugars—and consequently—minimizing blood sugar peaks. In fact, in 2000, a study performed by K von Bergmann showed a high intake of dietary fiber “improved glycemic control, decreased hyperinsulinemia and lowered plasma lipid concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes.” In fact, information published in the Oxford University Press confirmed that psyllium is a great addition to any health program because of it’s glycemic benefits and glucose-reducing action.
Garlic
Containing more than 400 powerful chemical components—such as disulfide, allicin, and S-ally Systerine—garlic is highly regarded for it’s ability to address a number of physical ailments and issues (it can protect the heart, is antimicrobial and even protects against cancer.) Components such as the ones mentioned above are responsible for lowering blood sugar and helping diabetes. Allicin in particular—a sulfurcontaining compound—has been noted for it’s powerful hypoglycemic effect. These compounds increase the insulin released from beta cells in the pancreas as well as increasing hepatic metabolism. Garlic in any form is potent—raw, aged or cooked. It regulates blood glucose, aids blood flow, and increases insulin by supporting the liver. There have even been studies which pit garlic tablets against metformin (using placebo tablets as a control group.) The result of these studies have been impressive; whereas there was no change in the placebo groups’s readings, garlic tablets positively effected fasting blood glucose and were pronounced “comparable to metformin
Sage
Belonging to the same “family” as lavender, thyme, rosemary and mint, and used frequently in Mediterranean cooking, sage contains a number of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Sage has been noted for it’s metformin-like effects and is a known antidiabetic plant. It can be drunk as a tea (an infusion) or used in the form of essential oil. It is useful in the treatment of diabetes if taken supplementally. There have been a number of studies performed which confirm these findings; in 2010 a study by KB Christensen found that sage tea infusions can be as effective as metformin in type II diabetes, increasing the action of insulin and lowering the production of liver glucose. Sage tea can also improve the lipid profile as well as increasing antioxidant defenses. When used in an animal study, sage decreased serum glucose in type I diabetic rats and an aqueous extract of the herb was discovered to have an insulin-like effect in the body. Essential oil of sage has also been used for it’s antidiabetic effects.
Rosemary
You may typically use this herb to flavor your meals, maybe spice up a chicken dish, but rosemary also has therapeutic value, both as a protective and treatment measure for diabetes. It is high in antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid, gallic acid and eugenol. It is considered medicinally potent in both it’s fresh and dried forms, although fresh is thought to be the better of the two options. The impact of rosemary is two-fold: it stabilizes blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss. In fact, the plant is known to be anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic. Both of these offer major benefits for those with diabetes. When taken consistently in therapeutic doses, this herb has been found to regulate and lower blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Win, win, win.
To learn more once again please click here to find out more about how these herbs and spices can impact your bloog sugar. Thank you!
Comments
Post a Comment