Sugar is a necessary part of a healthy diet. It is broken down into glucose and used by the body for energy. The hormone insulin is used to help regulate blood sugar levels. However, excess sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance, or Type 2 diabetes, as well as obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition to proper diet, certain herbs may help lower blood sugar naturally. Check with your doctor before using herbal supplements.
Stevia
Stevia is a plant in the sunflower family native to Central and South America. The leaves are used as a natural sweetener that is 300 times sweeter than regular cane sugar, but with fewer calories. The Guarani Indians of South America used stevia traditionally as a flavor enhancer, to improve digestion and as a weight loss aid. Scientists are now finding that it may also help lower blood sugar and regulate insulin. In a 2010 study published in the British journal "Appetite," researchers found that stevia helped lower both blood glucose and insulin levels in humans when taken with meals. Also, participants did not eat more food despite the decrease in calories, and reported feeling satisfied after eating. Consult your doctor before trying stevia.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnena sylvestre is a climbing plant that grows throughout the tropical regions of India. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat diabetes. According to a 2007 research review from the "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition," studies have shown that extracts of gymnema sylvestre help regulate blood sugar by delaying glucose absorption in the bloodstream. When given to diabetic patients, it also stimulates the release of insulin. It also appears to decrease the tongue's ability to taste sweets. The herb has been considered an adjunct treatment for both diabetes and obesity. Check with your health care provider for proper use of gymnema sylvestre.
Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng, also known as Asian or Korean ginseng, is a root herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is considered an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to the effects of stress. It is used by herbalists as an immune booster and in the treatment of both diabetes and cancer. In a 2010 study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," researchers discovered that one variety, panax notoginseng, had hypoglycemic, or blood sugar-lowering, and anti-obesity effects in laboratory mice. The herb appears to improve both insulin and leptin sensitivity. Leptin is the chemical in the body that helps control appetite. While further research is needed, ginseng shows promise as a useful herb for managing blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor about panax ginseng.
Licorice
Licorice is a sweet herb used in baking and candies. It is 50 times sweeter than table sugar, and is sometimes used as a sugar substitute or natural sweetener. It has been used in herbal medicine for hundreds of years to treat a variety of illnesses, such as asthma, respiratory infections, indigestion, ulcers and diabetes. It has also been studied as a possible weight-loss aid. One such study from 2004 found in the "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin" showed that obese mice treated with licorice oil had lower blood glucose levels and stopped gaining weight, despite being fed a high-fat diet. Further studies would need to confirm these effects in humans. Check with a health care professional about using licorice to lower blood sugar.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another common spice used in herbal medicine. It was traditionally used as a blood purifier and digestive aid. It is sometimes included in herbal formulas to enhance the action of other herbs. It is a stimulating herb and believed to increase metabolism. It may be used by herbalists today to treat obesity and Type 2 diabetes. In a 2009 study published in the "Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine," researcher Paul Crawford studied 109 patients with Type 2 diabetes and found that cinnamon appeared to lower hemoglobin A1C, or glucose-bound hemoglobin. He concluded that cinnamon could be useful in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes when combined with conventional care. Consult your doctor before using cinnamon to manage blood sugar.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Glycemic Index diet: Losing Weight With Blood Sugar Control
- "Appetite"; Effects of Stevia, Aspartame and Sucrose on Food Intake, Satiety, and Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Levels; S. Anton et al.; August 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition"; Gymnema Sylvestre: A Memoir; P. Kanetkar et al.; August 2007
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Anti-Diabetic Effects of Panax Notoginseng Saponins and Its Major Anti-Hyperglycemic Components; C. Yang et al.; July 2010
- "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin"; Licorice Flavonoids Suppress Abdominal Fat Accumulation and Increase in Blood Glucose Level in Obese Diabetic KK-A(y) Mice; K. Nakagawa et al.; November 2004
- "Journal of American Board of Family Medicine"; Effectiveness of Cinnamon for Lowering Hemoglobin A1C in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes; P. Crawford; September 2009
