Diabetes and Nutritional Help

Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition in which the glucose level (sugar) in the blood is quite high. The pancreas isn’t able to produce the right level of insulin needed by the body, and sometimes not even producing any insulin at all. Insulin is responsible for converting the glucose in our blood to energy but with diabetics, this is a major problem.

There is still no cure on diabetes, but medical studies have been done to prevent its complications. It is highly recommended that through proper diet, exercise, medication, and herbal supplements, we can help control diabetes. Recent research shows that there are certain herbs and plants that help control diabetes.  Below are recommended herbal supplements that can help control Diabetes.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia Linn) This is an Asian vegetable commonly known as Ampalaya in the Philippines, scientifically called “Momordica charantia Linn”, also known as    Bitter Gourd quite known for its anti-diabetes properties. This vegetable is also known as Bitter Melon, and is a popular part of a variety of Asian vegetable dishes. Quite notorious for its bitter taste, the Ampalaya vegetable is full of iron, beta-carotene, potassium and other nutrients.  This herb is known to lower blood sugar levels due to the plant’s insulin-like benefits and helps diabetics to have normal body processes since it suppresses the neural response to sweet taste stimuli.

Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)  This herb contains the highest amount in vitamin C, as much as 30 times the amount found in oranges. It is rich in anti-oxidants,has antibacterial properties and is used to stimulate the immune system. This herb aids in the healing of stomach ulcers, controls hyperacidity, dyspepsia. Also used as treatment for jaundice and cough and acts as an astringent in preventing infection. Research shows it helps to stimulate the heart and helps to control blood pressure and is a good cardio tonic.

Fenugreek (also known as Greek Hay and Fenigreek) This is common herb found in the Mediterranean region. Aside from the seeds and leaves being used as a culinary spice, it is also used as an herbal medicine, lowering blood sugar in diabetics, and enhances wound healing. The Fenugreek seeds are rich in fiber, containing an active compound called trigonelline, which helps in lowering the blood sugar in people with diabetes. It is also rich in Vitaminc C, postassium, niacin and diosgenin, a compound having properties similar to estrogen and has been found to help increase libido and lessen the mood fluctuations common in women having (PMS) pre-menstrual syndrome and who are experiencing menopause.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) Mainly used as a spice and is derived from the bark of a tree from the laurel family. Aside from being a spice, it has been used as a remedy in treating stomach gas, nausea and loss of appetite. Recent studies have shown that cinnamon helps fat cells become more responsive to insulin, thereby increasing the conversion of glucose to energy by twenty times. It also has anti-oxidant properties, reduces formation of free radicals, slowing down the complications of diabetes.

Garlic (Allium sativum) This herb is high in anti-oxidants, and is most effective in lowering blood pressure since it eases the spasm of small arteries and slows down the pulse, regulating the heart rhythm, relieving dizziness, shortness of breath. Aids in digestion and in the relief of gas formation in the stomach. Research shows that eating garlic on a regular basis prevents the risk of having stomach, colon and esophageal cancer because it reduces the formation of carcinogenic compounds.