Based on scientific evidence, the best and natural way to control diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels is weight loss, as this causes less fat in the body, which improves liver and pancreas functions, as well as improving insulin sensitivity, making your job easier. In order to lose weight, it is very important to have a balanced diet, as well as regular exercise.
However, along with weight loss, there are also some herbs that can be used to boost the effect of insulin and help control blood sugar levels, especially in people with pre-diabetes. These plants should only be used after consulting the doctor who is directing the treatment, as some plants can interfere with the effect of some medicines used for diabetes and can cause serious complications, like hypoglycemia.
Any of the plants listed below can also be consumed in the form of a food supplement, sold in health food stores as capsules. In such cases, its use must be made in agreement with the manufacturer or in accordance with the guidance of a nutritionist or herbalist.
Some of the plants that have been scientifically proven to regulate blood glucose include:
Fenugreek
Fenugreek
Fenugreek, scientifically known as Trigonella foenum-graecum is a very versatile medicinal plant that can be used to treat various health problems but has a strong effect on controlling blood sugar levels. This is because this plant has, in its seeds, an active substance, known as 4-hydroxy leucine, which, according to several studies, seems to increase the production of insulin in the pancreas, decreasing the high glucose levels, common in diabetes.
In addition, fenugreek also appears to delay stomach emptying, decrease carbohydrate absorption, and promote the body’s use of glucose by lowering blood glucose.
Ingredients
One cup of water.
Two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds.
Mode of use
Put the water and leaves in a pan and let it boil for 1 minute, then turn off the heat and let it rest for another 5 minutes. Finally, remove the seeds and drink the tea after it has cooled down. This tea can be used after meals to help regulate glucose levels; however, it should not be used if diabetes medications are used as it can cause hypoglycemia, especially if the doctor is not aware of it.
The use of fenugreek may have some side effects in children, pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding, and, therefore, it should be avoided in these cases.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng, is a medicinal root widely used throughout the world for various purposes, especially to improve cerebral blood circulation and improve performance. However, this root also helps to increase the production of insulin by the pancreas, in addition to improving insulin sensitivity.
Thus, ginseng can be a great choice for people with type 2 diabetes, helping to better regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.
Ingredients;
One cup of water.
One tablespoon of ginseng root.
Mode of Use;
Bring the water and ginseng to a boil for 5 minutes then represent another 5 minutes. Finally, strain, let it warm, and drink 2-3 times a day.
Regular consumption of this tea can cause side effects in some people, the foremost common of which include feeling nervous, headache, or insomnia, for instance. Also, pregnant women should not use this tea without the obstetrician’s supervision.
Dandelion
Dandelion is another plant that appears to have a strong effect on diabetes, as both its leaves and roots are able to regulate blood sugar levels. In fact, dandelion root even has a substance, known as inulin, which can increase insulin production, since it is a type of sugar that is not metabolized, that is, it doesn’t lead to a rise within the level of blood glucose.
Dandelion can thus be used as a good natural choice for pre-diabetic people.
Ingredients;
One cup of water;
One tablespoon of dandelion root.
Mode of Use;
Let the water and roots boil in a pan for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand for another 5 minutes. Strain and drink after warming. This tea is often drunk up to three times on a daily basis.
Chamomile
Chamomile is another plant widely utilized in folk medicine because it is understood as a natural tranquilizer, however, this plant also has an impact on the blood glucose level, helping to keep it controlled. In addition, it also appears to protect against complications of the disease, such as blood vessel damage.
Some of the components that appear to be liable for these effects include substances like umbelliferone, esculin, luteolin, and quercetin.
Ingredients;
One tablespoon of chamomile;
One cup of boiling water.
Mode of Use;
Add chamomile to boiling water and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, let it warm, and drink 2-3 times a day.
There are some studies that indicate that chamomile should not be taken during pregnancy; therefore, pregnant women should consult their obstetrician before using this tea.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon, in addition to being an excellent aromatic spice, also helps control blood sugar levels as it contains a component, known as hydroxy-methyl-chalcone, which appears to mimic the effect of insulin in the body, which helps with insulin metabolism. glucose.
For this, cinnamon can be added to food or taken in the form of cinnamon water, for example.
Ingredients;
1 to 2 cinnamon sticks;
1 liter of water.
Mode of Use;
Add the cinnamon sticks to the water and leave to rest in the refrigerator overnight. Then remove the cinnamon sticks and drink throughout the day.
There are some studies that indicate that cinnamon should not be taken during pregnancy, so it is advised that pregnant women consult their obstetrician before using this tea.