 |
| ISTOCK/VICUSCHKA |
A healthy meal can help strengthen our fight against diabetes. Tossing in herbs and spices that have anti-diabetic and/or anti-inflammatory properties into the food we eat is one way of naturally controlling our blood sugar levels and managing diabetes.
Cloves
Clove is an aromatic spice that possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties. According to a study, clove helps to improve insulin sensitivity and lowers the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
To take advantage of its benefits, we can soak 3-4 cloves in a cup of water overnight and drink it in the morning. Adding whole or powdered cloves into our meals is also recommended.
Thyme
Present in thyme is 75 active phytochemicals that work against diabetes. Thyme supports inflammation-fighting cytokines and helps certain immune cells (macrophages) secrete agents that douse inflammation. Thyme possesses a delicious aroma that enhances any dish.
Ginger
Ginger is an aromatic spice that can help lower down blood glucose levels. Numerous studies showed that ginger helps to control blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity.
We can simply chew raw ginger, have ginger tea, use it in our food, or add it as an ingredient to a glass of juice.
Chamomile
Chamomile lowers our blood sugar and prevents diabetic complications by taking the sugar out of our blood and putting it into storage in our liver. Have a soothing and calming chamomile tea after a day of hard work.
Garlic
Aside from being good for our hearts and protecting us against cancer, garlic also has a strong anti-inflammatory force that suppresses exactly those cytokines acting up in diabetes. Raw or cooked garlic or aged garlic extract can help to regulate blood glucose and potentially stop or lower the effects of some diabetes complications.
Oregano
This exotic herb contains glycosides that lower the blood sugar levels in the body. Rosmarinic acid separated from oregano extract has been shown to increase the pancreatic amylase activity, boosts the immune system, and increase insulin activity, and mobilizes glucose in the cells.
Make oregano tea by adding a teaspoon of dried or fresh oregano to a cup of boiled water. Let it steep for 5 minutes. Oregano can also be added to our food or chew its leaves.
