Diabetes is a common disease that creates fluctuations in the body’s insulin and blood sugar levels. Over time, it can cause serious health issues like heart disease, vision impairment, and more. In addition to changing one’s lifestyle and occasionally taking medicine, there are complementary therapies like best herbs to prevent diabetes and supplements that might be helpful.
In diabetes, the body either generates insufficient insulin or utilizes insulin ineffectively. Herbs and supplements cannot treat diabetes alone as a cure. However, they may lessen its symptoms and lower the risk of complications when used in conjunction with traditional treatment. lets see the best herbs to help prevent diabetes
In this blog, let’s learn about eleven herbs and supplements that benefit people with diabetes.
Aloe Vera
The bark of trees is used to make the fragrant spice known as cinnamon. It is a preferred ingredient in many baked goods, sweets, and savory dishes. There is less need for sugar if you use this spice to make a meal sweeter. It is popular among people with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, it entails other benefits too.
An older review from 2013 examined the use of Aloe Vera to treat diabetes symptoms in rats. The study suggests that Aloe Vera may help maintain and repair insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It can reduce fasting blood sugar and haemoglobin A1C, according to a 2016 study. The A1C test helps in diabetes diagnosis and control.
According to a 2020 study that examined animal cell experiments and found data to corroborate prior conclusions, Aloe Vera was found to be beneficial.
- Boost insulin production
- Improve the condition and quantity of the islets or related cells in the pancreas.
- Reduce oxidative stress to safeguard against diabetic kidney disease, depression, and anxiety.
- Improve eye health, as demonstrated in a rodent study
These findings seem encouraging, but additional human research will be necessary to confirm whether Aloe Vera is safe for people with diabetes.
Cinnamon
Like Aloe Vera, Cinnamon is also made from tree bark. It is a common ingredient in various baked goods, sweets, and savory dishes. This spice may sweeten food and lessen the need for added sugar. Even though it has other benefits, people with type 2 diabetes appreciate it for this reason alone. A 2016 review stated that cinnamon might lower fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or haemoglobin A1C levels (HBA1C). But throughout the research, most patients kept taking their hypoglycaemic drugs.
Another investigation revealed conflicting results regarding the impact of Cinnamon supplements on lipid levels or fat mass. In addition, a 2019 assessment of 16 research discovered data suggesting that cinnamon may aid those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in lowering fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance. The researchers observed that the following factors could affect the findings in each investigation:
- The variety of cinnamon has varying concentrations of the active component.
- The supplement’s dose
- Individual reactions
- Other current drugs
People can use cinnamon:
- In baked goods
- In teas
- As a supplement
Anyone considering cinnamon supplements must consult a healthcare professional first.
Bitter Melon
The fruit known as bitter melon, or Momordica charantia, is therapeutic. It is prepared and enjoyed in a variety of recipes. Bitter melon has long been a staple of traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. Recently, scientists have been studying its characteristics. There is some proof that bitter melon may aid in the control of diabetes. Ninety people tested this herb extract or a placebo in a 2020 trial. After 12 weeks, those who took the extract had lower fasting blood glucose levels, but their HBA1C levels remained unchanged.
The new analysis also points out that various plant parts have frequently been utilized to treat diabetes, with favorable outcomes. The following bitter melon preparations may cause some people’s blood sugar levels to drop:
- Seeds
- Blended vegetable pulp
- Juice
- Supplements
Milk Thistle
For several years, milk thistle has been used to treat various illnesses, particularly as a liver tonic. Silymarin, the milk thistle extract, received the most attention from researchers. It is a substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. best herbs to help prevent diabetes. These factors could make milk thistle a beneficial herb for people with diabetes.
According to a study from 2016, the effects of silymarin have been promising after the conclusion of several trial phases. However, their use has been restricted by specialists in treating diabetes. Similarly, a study from 2018 discovered scant evidence that milk thistle may aid people with diabetes and their glucose levels.
Although most people handle the herb quite well, they cautioned that milk thistle could result in:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
As with any supplement, the best practice is to speak with a healthcare professional beforehand.
Fenugreek
Blood sugar levels can be maintained by eating fenugreek seeds. It contains elements and fiber that aid in checking the absorption levels of sugar and carbohydrates. According to some research, eating the seed may also help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Those with prediabetes who took Fenugreek seed powder had a decreased chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes, per a three-year study published in 2015.
Seventy-four healthy participants who did not take the supplement and 66 diabetic patients who took 5 grams of the seed twice daily before meals each took part in the trial. best herbs to help prevent diabetes.The researchers concluded that consuming the seed preparation raised insulin levels, leading to a drop in blood sugar. They also discovered that the preparation caused cholesterol levels to drop.
However, certain questions remain, and scientists need further research:
A person can:
- Use the herb fenugreek in your cooking.
- Mix it with warm water, then consume it.
- Consume the seed powder after grinding the seeds.
- Choose a pill version of the fenugreek supplement.
Gymnema
The origins of Gymnema Sylvestre (sugar-breaker) link to India, one of the richest countries in herbs and other plantations. It is frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine. According to a 2019 assessment of cell and rodent studies, Gymnema can:
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Boost antioxidants and reduce stress
- Reduced levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
- Reduced body weight and inhibition of fat storage
- Boost insulin production
- Lessen inflammatory symptoms
In a study, participants who consumed a mint containing Gymnema reported having less appetite for sweets like chocolate. Patients with diabetes were not volunteers, though. However, it might help people with diabetes who want assistance lowering their sugar intake.
Ginger
Ginger is a different herb used in conventional medicine for a long time. The treatment of digestive and inflammatory problems with ginger is common.
It may be used to treat diabetes, according to a review from 2015. Researchers discovered that while ginger lowered blood sugar levels, blood insulin levels did not. They hypothesized that ginger could help type 2 diabetics. best herbs to help prevent diabetes.
The researchers demanded more studies and evidence to corroborate the results because it was unclear how ginger affected the disease. In a 2017 study, it was discovered that ginger helped lower HBA1C and fasting blood glucose levels.
People can take ginger:
- By incorporating it into raw or cooked foods as a powder or fresh, thinly sliced.
- Brewed to make tea
- In the form of a supplement capsule
- Consuming it with ginger ale
Here are a few things to remember when using herbs and vitamins for diabetes. Before ingesting any novel plant extract or supplement, a person should visit a healthcare practitioner. They will advise a dosage of different levels, preferably starting from low and reaching a higher level until there are favorable results.
Our mission at Longevity Mountain Herbs is to unearth and share the finest secrets of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We are dedicated to giving these formulations, extracts, and medications a fair price and educating people on how to use the best herbs to help prevent diabetes.
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