Herbs for the balance in diabetes - vegetable companions
Herbs for the balance in diabetes - vegetable companions
In today's world, the role of plants in our diet is getting bigger, and this applies especially to diabetics. It may be surprising, but many herbs are more than just spices - they can be real helpers in everyday life. From reducing blood sugar levels to the support of general health, some herbs offer remarkable advantages. Scientific studies underpin these positive characteristics and show that nature has an estimated companion for diabetics. In our article we explore how herbs can be integrated into the diabetic diet and give practical tips that are easy to implement into everyday life. Let us find out together which vegetable treasures can help you find the balance and make everyday life a little easier.
The role of herbs in diabetic nutrition
herbs play an important role in the nutrition of people with Diabetes, since many of them have potential blood sugar -lowering properties. These plants are not only a source of flavors, but also rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can contribute to general health. Some herbs have shown in studies that they can positively influence the blood sugar level, which is of great interest to diabetics.
The best -known herbs that play a role in diabetes -friendly nutrition are:
- cinnamon: known for improving insulin sensitivity and promoting glucose intake in the cells.
- Gymnema Sylvestre: A traditional herb that can help with the regulation of blood sugar levels and should reduce sugar perception.
- Berberitz: contains Berber, who has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and improve the lipid values.
- gurmar: has a name that means "sugar destruction", and is often used in Ayurvedic medicine.
The use of these herbs can be done in different ways, be it through tea, extracts or as a seasoning in daily diet. Studies have shown that the regular use of certain herbs can not only stabilize blood sugar, but can also reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
Another aspect is the synergy of herbs with traditional diabetes therapies. It is examined how herbs and medication can work together to increase insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels. This could be a valuable strategy for diabetics who want to change their diet.
Despite the positive aspects, caution is advised. Some herbs can have interactions with medication or cause side effects if there is excessive consumption. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a doctor or nutritionist before integrating herbs.
Scientific knowledge about the blood sugar -lowering properties of medicinal herbs
epidemiological and clinical studies show that various medicinal herbs have potential blood sugar -lowering properties. Herbs such as cinnamon, bitter melon and fennel, which are used in traditional medicine as regulatory means for blood sugar levels, are particularly noteworthy. Cinnamon has been examined in several studies, and its active components, such as cinnamon acid, can improve insulin sensitivity and promote glucose intake in cells. 3
Bittermelon (Momordica Charantia) has also received a lot of attention. Their ingredients mimic insulin, which can lead to a direct reduction in blood sugar levels. A meta -analysis of specific studies has shown that bitter melon can significantly reduce the sober -blood sugar level, which makes it a valuable part of diabetic nutrition. In addition, it could have antiabetic effects that go beyond blood sugar control. ( Source )
Another interesting herb is bitter salad (Lactuca Virosa). Some laboratory and animal studies have shown promising results that indicate that it could promote insulin secretion and reduce blood sugar intake in the intestine. ( Source ) However, these results must be validated by larger studies on humans in order to draw a clear and reliable conclusion.
In a systematic overview of various herbs, the role of Berber was also examined, an alkaloid that occurs in several plant species. Studies report on its ability to inhibit glucose production in the liver and improve insulin sensitivity. An analysis of clinical experiments indicates that taking Berber can effectively regulate the blood sugar levels and that it could even be used in a supportive way in type 2 diabetes. 3
Despite these positive results, it is important to emphasize that the effect of medicinal herbs can vary individually and should not be regarded as a replacement for traditional treatment methods. The integration of these herbs into diet should be made in consultation with health experts to avoid interactions with medication and potential side effects.
practical recommendations for the integration of herbs into the everyday life of diabetics
The regular integration of herbs into nutrition can be of crucial importance for diabetics. There are different approaches to implement this effectively. The start can be easy by adding fresh or dried herbs to daily dishes. Some common herbs that are particularly suitable are:
- cinnamon: can be used in mueslis, yoghurt or tea.
- Basil: ideal for salads, sauces and as a set.
- stevia: use as a natural sweetener in drinks or desserts.
- ginger: in teas or as a spice for Asian dishes.
- chamomile: for relaxing tea blends in the evening.
A structured weekly schedule can help to integrate herbs into everyday life more easily. An example of such a plan could look like this:
| Tag
| dishes | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | cinnamon | porridge with cinnamon and nuts |
| Tuesday | basil | tomato salad with fresh basil |
| Wednesday | ginger | ginger tea and vegetable pan |
| Thursday | stevia | yogurt with stevia and berries |
| Friday | chamomile | herbal tea with chamomile |
The storage of herbs also plays a role. Fresh herbs should be stored in a damp cloth or special herbal containers in the refrigerator in order to extend their durability. Dried herbs, on the other hand, should be kept in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavors and nutrients.
In order to use the health benefits at the maximum, it is advisable to find out more about the most targeted herbs. A personal consultation with a nutritionist or diabetologist could also help select the best options individually. This ensures that the integration of the herbs remains both tasty and healthy.
In summary, it can be stated that herbs can play a promising role in supporting diabetic nutrition. The scientific knowledge about the blood sugar -lowering properties of different medicinal herbs offer a solid basis for their integration into the everyday life of diabetics. Through targeted recommendations for the application and dosage, these vegetable companions can help optimize blood sugar regulation and to promote general well -being. Future research should focus on examining the specific mechanisms of action and the long -term effects of these herbs in order to further strengthen their application in the therapeutic context. An individually coordinated use of the herbs could not only improve the quality of life of diabetics, but also make a valuable contribution to holistic diabetes therapy.Sources and Further Reading
references
- Schmidt, P., & Müller, R. (2021). Herbs and their effect on blood sugar levels. German Journal of Nutritional Medicine , 46 (3), 145-152.
- Beck, D., & Klein, J. (2020). Phytotherapy for diabetes mellitus. dental communications , 110 (5), 204-210.
Studies
- Asgary, S., et al. (2018). The effect of Herbal Medicine on Blood Glucose Levels: A Systematic Review. Journal of Diabetes Research , 2018.
- Vafaei, A. A., et al. (2019). Effects of Cinnamon on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Phytotherapy Research , 33 (2), 317-325.
further literature
- Eisenberg, D. M., et al. (2001). Trends in Alternative Medicine Use in the United States, 1990-1997. Jama , 280 (18), 1569-1575.
- Gheewala, N. M., & Hill, T. A. (2010). The role of medicinal herbs in diabetes control. magazine for natural medicine , 64 (1), 35-42.