No More Sweet Tooth
Gymnema Sylvestre leaf has been used to treat ailments in other countries for over 2000 years, according to Health and Wellness website vitanetonline.com. It was noted early on that chewing the herb's leaves helped you lose your sweet tooth. Today, research confirms the leaf's chief ingredient gymnemic acid not only blocks the taste of sugar, but also that of artificial sweeteners. This is because gymnemic acid's molecular structure is similar to that of sugar. If gymnema molecules serve as "sugar stand-ins," the taste buds are satisfied and do not require the real deal. It stands to reason that if your sweet tooth has all but disappeared with this herb, you are less likely to consume high sugar items that will negatively impact your glucose or blood sugar levels.
Blocking Sugar's Aborption
Gymnema Sylvestre is also said to block the passages in the body that usually absorb sugar, preventing calories from being absorbed that would otherwise alter blood sugar levels.
The structure of intestinal tissue is similar to the taste-bud structure that detects sugar. As long as gymnemic acid fills the role of sugar for the intestine's receptors, absorption of sugar will not happen because the spot has already been filled.
Increased Insulin Release
Scientific evidence suggests that Gymnema Sylvestre can increase pancreatic function, which can in turn impact the production of insulin and control blood sugar. This ability is promising for managing a host of conditions including diabetes and hypoglycemia. In fact, a 1999 study of Gymnema Sylvestre and the Simulation of Insulin conducted by a group at Kings College showed that the Gymnema Sylvestre leaf can direct certain pancreatic cells to increase their release of insulin.
