Diabetes is one of the most worrisome, fastest-growing and life-impairing chronic diseases. As an indispensable part of a complete treatment, lifestyle adjustments, following a balanced diet and the consumption of herbs and supplements, which act as an exceptional natural complement without side effects, are an indispensable part of a complete treatment.
Diabetes is one of the most worrisome chronic health conditions today. Broadly speaking, it is a disorder that affects insulin and blood sugar levels. In the United States, the prevalence of diabetes is estimated to be 6.6% among the population aged 20 to 74 years, and this percentage will continue to rise to 10% in the coming years. Furthermore, it is estimated that deaths in U.S. patients with diabetes account for 15-20% of all deaths in the population over the age of 25, and these figures double in patients over the age of 40. Fortunately, every day new data is revealed about the best treatment, which is based on the balance of several factors: an adequate medical follow-up, changes in lifestyle and diet, and some complementary therapies, such as the consumption of herbs and supplements that can be of great help.
Although nature and food can be the best medicine, it is important to know that these natural supplements will not cure diabetes and are not a stand-alone treatment. However, when combined with the conventional medical scheme to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, they are associated with quite positive qualities in the control of the disease.
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the most popular medicinal plants, in principle it is considered the best ally to treat various skin conditions and other geniuses. However, one of its greatest medicinal qualities is associated with its properties to slow down the progression of type 2 diabetes. According to a recent report, aloe vera helps protect and repair the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, which researchers believe is directly related to its powerful antioxidant effects. Among the ways most recommended by experts to consume aloe vera and improve the treatment of diabetes are: the use of its pulp in the preparation of juices and morning smoothies and the consumption of capsules as a dietary supplement.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most famous and used spices in the world, it is obtained from the bark of a tree and is one of the most aromatic ingredients that exist. While it is known for adding sweetness to all kinds of dishes without the need to add additional sugar, it is also highly valued for its medicinal properties, and among the main ones are its benefits to improve the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. In fact, there are numerous scientific studies that prove its qualities to control typical aspects of diabetes, such as: balancing high glucose levels, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing lipids or fats in the blood, regulating blood pressure and enhancing digestion. Specifically, a recent study found that consuming cinnamon in the morning is a great habit to reduce fasting blood glucose. Of course, one of the best ways to consume it is to integrate it in the preparation of daily dishes, although the systematic intake of infusions and supplements is also recommended.
3. Bitter melon
Melon is one of the most representative summer fruits and is considered highly medicinal, especially bitter melon or momordica charantia. The truth is that melon goes far beyond being a light fruit, low in calories and highly recommended for weight loss, not in vain in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine has been used for centuries for its healing potential. In such a way that several studies have come to light to prove its benefits, such is the case of the recent evidence that positions it as a great ally to reduce the symptoms of diabetes. Research has shown that consumption of bitter melon leads to a reduction in blood sugar levels. Among the most common forms of consumption are: seeds, pulp, juices and supplements. Most of these products are readily available in health food stores.
4. Milk thistle
Milk thistle is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs nowadays, it has been used since ancient times in the treatment of various ailments, specifically hepatic and digestive ailments. It is remarkable for its content of an active compound: silymarin, a substance of great medicinal power that science has confirmed its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to these benefits, milk thistle is considered one of the best natural herbs for the treatment of diabetes. The herb is usually consumed in the form of infusion and even easier in natural supplements.
5. Fenugreek
Also known as fenugreek is the seed obtained from a flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family and is a popular natural ally for lowering blood sugar levels. The seeds contain fiber and chemicals that help slow the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar. There is also evidence for the benefits of seeds in delaying or preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes. Of specific note is a 3-year research study published in 2015, which confirmed that people with pre-diabetes were less likely to receive a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes while taking fenugreek seed powder. Therefore the scientists who led the study concluded that consumption of fenugreek in supplements led to an increase in insulin levels in the body and with it a reduction in blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels. The consumption of fenugreek seeds in powdered form is recommended as a supplement in juices, herbal teas and beverages, or through capsule supplements.
6. Gymnema
Gymnema sylvestre is one of the most popular and well-known herbs in India. Its name means “sugar destroyer” and it is therefore a natural supplement widely used in traditional oriental medicine to treat diabetes. According to a 2013 review noted that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who took gymnema had considerable improvements: those with type 1 diabetes who took the leaf extract for 18 months, their fasting blood sugar levels decreased significantly, compared to a group that only received insulin. Also in people with type 2 diabetes, who consumed both the leaf and the extract, had: lower blood sugar levels and higher insulin levels. It is recommended to consume the ground leaf or leaf extract as a nutritional supplement in daily beverages.
7. Ginger
We cannot leave without talking about the wonderful ginger, an oriental root that has positioned itself as the best medicinal food of ancient and modern medicine. It shines for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in fact there is enough evidence that positions it as one of the best allies to reduce blood sugar levels. It is popular for improving digestive, respiratory and inflammatory conditions. In 2015 a study came to light in which its benefits for treating diabetes were confirmed, the main reason was associated with the power of its active compound ginerol which has the ability to reduce blood sugar levels. Ginger is one of the most accessible and easy alternatives to integrate into the daily diet, experts recommend its consumption in natural form in drinks and dishes, in infusion, powder and as a supplement in capsule.