At present, prescription medicines are getting more and more expensive as well as controversial. While on the other hand, alternative medicines are famously known for a good reason.
When talking about diabetes type 2, you have many options to choose from. You can have therapies to reverse it through lifestyle and diet changes. Natural supplements can also help stabilize blood sugar levels. There are also herbs available that can significantly lower blood sugar. These alternatives are not only safer than synthetic drugs but are also easier on your pocket.
It is necessary for us to maintain a normal blood sugar level. Some spices and herbs can naturally lower down blood sugar levels and can produce overall health benefits to the body as well.
Below are some of the famous herbs and spices that can deal with your blood sugar level problem.
Cinnamon
This is a famous Indian spice that can improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control.
Because it contains 18% polyphenol content in dry weight, cinnamon may have positive effects on lipid profile and glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.
Gymnema Sylvestre
This herb is native to Central & South India and used in traditional Indian medicine since the 6th century BC. It lowers blood glucose by promoting glucose utilization in the cells. The leaves of this plant contain ‘gymnemic acids’ that have the amazing ability to slow down the transport of glucose from the intestines to the bloodstream. Some individuals feel that this is the most powerful herbs for treating high blood glucose—both type 1 and 2 diabetics.
Some of its additional health benefits are as follows:
- Prevent the liver from releasing more glucose into the bloodstream
- Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
- Help rejuvenate beta cells in the pancreas
Cloves
Cloves offer analgesic, anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits for diabetics. Aside from this, it has antiseptic as well as germicidal properties as it contains 30% of the antioxidant phenol in dry weight, along with antioxidants anthocyanins and quercetin.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds help lower blood sugar by slowing down the process of digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine. You can soak the seeds overnight and directly chew or you can use them in a recipe. Seed powder can also be used to attain desired results.
Ginseng
Ginseng does not only reduce insulin resistance, but it also lowers HbA1C levels. It has been the most potent herbs for blood sugar control in traditional Chinese medicine. Panax Ginseng is a type of ginseng that able to help both diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
Oregano
Popular in Italian, Spanish and Mediterranean cooking, oregano lessens oxidative stress under diabetic conditions through inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, it may also prevent or delay the onset of renal damage.
Curry Leaves
Curry leaves is another Indian spice that helps stabilize blood glucose levels and impact carbohydrate metabolism. The leaves contain a phytochemical that helps control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes by reducing fasting and postprandial blood sugar level.
Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of curry leaves can increase pancreatic cell production, thus improving insulin function.
Sage
According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, sage can have a Metformin-like effect. For centuries, this herb has been used in traditional medicine to reduce blood sugar level. But here’s a word of warning – high doses of sage along with other diabetes medication may cause your blood sugar to go too low and lead to a condition called hypoglycemia. Be careful and monitor your blood sugar carefully.
Ginger
A spice that is popular for soothing your stomach and aiding digestion, Ginger also has the ability to normalize blood sugar levels. Multiple studies conducted on rats show that ginger extract can have a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect. It lowers serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and increases the HDL-cholesterol levels.
Diabetics often face issues with acid reflux. Ginger soothes the entire digestive tract, giving diabetics another reason to add ginger to their supplement regimen.
Garlic
In a study published in the journal Phytomedicine, it was found that oral administration can significantly decrease serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, creatinine, AST and ALT levels of rats – which was the subject of the experiment. It was concluded that garlic can be an excellent candidate for future human studies on diabetes mellitus. Aside from this, garlic can also reduce high cholesterol levels.
Turmeric
Turmeric has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that all come together to help diabetics manage more stable blood sugar levels. It also boosts immunity and prevents infections that diabetics usually suffer.
Since the sugar-laden blood and inflammatory processes typical of diabetes often damage joints, many diabetics suffer from arthritis. Turmeric can ease these joint pains with its anti-inflammatory abilities.
Cayenne
Cayenne pepper stimulates glucose absorption from the small intestine. Add a bit of cayenne pepper to your home-cooked meals to stabilize your blood sugar levels naturally. The entire pepper family – chili peppers, bell peppers, and cayenne are known to help fight inflammation. Use Cayenne wisely to get its anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
Rosemary
This herb commonly adds flavor and aroma to soups and meats. It naturally normalizes blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss as well.
Marjoram
This is one of the lesser-known herbs that lower blood sugar. Marjoram is rich in polyphenols which aid in stabilizing blood glucose levels. According to studies, Marjoram reduces the formation of Advanced Glycation End (AGE) products. AGE is responsible for various complications that are faced by diabetics such as damage in eyes and arteries.
Next time you’re in the kitchen, add these tasty spices and herbs to your everyday recipes for you to obtain its maximum health benefits.
