There are a number of herbs said to help control blood sugar levels. Sometimes, it’s the fruit that helps, and other times, it’s the leaves.
Even though they provide temporary results, they are a good natural aid in the treatment of diabetes. Besides preventing blood sugar spikes, they also reduce the risk of developing the disease in the first place.
Here are some of the most popular fruits and leaves for controlling blood glucose.
1. Bitter Melon
This plant contains at least 3 natural compounds that help control blood glucose levels. Vicine and polypeptide-p provide insulin-like effects, whereas charantin shows blood sugar-lowering effects. So, they work together, or individually, to lower blood glucose levels.
You can take bitter melon raw, as a tea, or as a supplement.
2. Guava
The leaves from this plant provide excellent blood glucose-lowering effects. People prepare tea from them to prevent blood sugar spikes after meals. In fact, one study shows that drinking guava leaf tea before eating white rice reduces the glucose spike.
Another research suggests that this tea reduces fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
3. Insulin Plant
As the very name of the plant suggests, the insulin plant lowers blood glucose levels. Human and rat studies discovered that it reduces the levels of sugar and fat in the blood, at the same time providing antioxidant, diuretic, and antibiotic effects.
4. Mulberry
This is another plant that lowers blood sugar spikes after a meal by up to 44 percent. So, if our meal should spike our blood sugar to 250, mulberry won’t spike it over 140.
A University of Minnesota research discovered that mulberry tea helps prevent blood sugar swings after a meal. Even though we may not see a lot of difference in the HbA1c, we’ll feel much better.
In fact, this tea will help reduce the blood vessel damage due to inconsistent blood sugar levels.
5. Okra
The Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciences published animal research which shows dried, ground okra seeds and peels reduced blood sugar levels in mice with diabetes.
What’s more, a lot of people with diabetes say they have successfully reduced their blood glucose after drinking okra water in the morning. To make this water, soak okra pieces in water overnight.
Also, the Turks use roasted okra seeds as a natural diabetes medication for ages.
6. Blueberries
A 2009 study discovered that this tasty fruit improved fasting glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and body fat in rats. According to researchers, blueberries show these effects due to the phytochemicals in their content.
In addition, more recent research explains everything about the anti-diabetes effects of blueberries.
7. Ivy Gourd
This plant contains compounds which mimic the function of insulin. So, researchers say it could help improve blood glucose levels, even though more research is needed. The part which provides beneficial effects for diabetes management are the leaves.
Conclusion
Include more plant-based food to your diabetes diet, especially the ones listed in this article. Besides controlling your blood glucose levels, they can help reduce your risk of developing diabetes and prediabetes.
