Sugar cravings are common for both women and men. Whether the underlying cause for these cravings is mental or a physical health condition such as insulin resistance, there are a variety of supplements that may help curb them. Many of these supplements are plant extracts that have a long history of use for suppressing the appetite or regulating blood sugar levels. Before you use a supplement to curb your sugar cravings, speak to your health care provider about potential side effects.
Gymnema
Gymnema sylvestre is a native Indian herb that has a history of traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps prevent sugar cravings by altering your ability to control blood glucose levels. It does this by helping your body regenerate the pancreatic cells that release insulin and increase the overall amount of insulin released. Gymnema should not be used by people who take insulin or other medication for diabetes. This combination can cause low blood sugar.
Hoodia
Hoodia gordonii is a species of succulent plant native to regions of the Kalahari Desert. It has a history of use as an appetite suppressant and was used by Kalahari natives to suppress hunger while on long hunting trips. Chemical analysis been used to identify Hoodia's active compound as a pregnone steroid glycoside named P57. Although Hoodia is sold as an ingredient in many weight loss products, there is limited information available on the pharmacology of P57 and how it works.
Stevia
Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial plant native to South America. It has a long history of use by South American Indians who would use Stevia leaves to sweeten their food. More recently, Stevia extracts have been commercialized as a natural low-calorie sweetener throughout the world. Its sweet glycosides that help satisfy sugar cravings without the need for sugar have made it a popular weight loss product. Because Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, very small concentrations can be used to satisfy cravings.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds have a long history of use as a medicine and as a food ingredient. Traditionally used to treat digestive problems, its seeds are now sold as ingredients to suppress your appetite and control symptoms of diabetes. Fenugreek may suppress your appetite by helping to control your blood sugar levels, but there is limited clinical evidence available to support this. Fenugreeks can cause side effects and should be discussed with your health care provider before you use it.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Sugar and Fat: Cravings and Aversions; Susan Yanovski; March 2003
- "Journal of American Herbalists Guild"; Richard Karel; Ten herbs for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes; October 2009
- Drugs.com: Hoodia
- Drugs.com: Stevia
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Herbs at a Glance: Fenugreek
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