Diabetes is a medical condition characterized by high blood glucose levels. Besides following the drug therapy recommended by your doctor, the American Diabetes Association supports the benefits of using so-called low-glycemic foods for better managing diabetes. Low-glycemic foods do not cause rapid increase of blood glucose levels and therefore are beneficial for diabetes. Due to its low glycemic index and the content of nutrients, fennel can be successfully incorporated in a diabetic diet. Talk to a nutritionist to learn more about the benefits of fennel.
Fennel & Diabetes
Fennel is good source of several nutrients: vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese and fibers, and has a low glycemic index, explains Sofia Layarda, MPH, RD. In a study published in October 2009 issue of "Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome," a combination of fennel and few other herbs and the aminoacid L-carnitine was evaluated for potential benefits in managing obesity and diabetes. This study involved animal subjects and the authors found that fennel combined with the other natural ingredients reduced blood glucose level, insulin and reduced insulin resistance. This herbal combination also improved the blood levels of the fats.
Fennel & Complications of Diabetes
Aldose reductase is an enzyme involved in the conversion of glucose in another compound called sorbitol. An increase of the activity of this enzyme is believed to play an important role in the development of complications of diabetes, indicates S. Narayanan, in an article published in 1993 in "Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science."
In a study featured in 2008 issue of "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition," fennel and few other herbs and vegetables commonly used in Indian cuisine showed significant inhibitory effects on the activity of aldose reductase. The authors believe that including fennel, as well as spinach, cumin, lemon, basil and black pepper in a diet, may help manage diabetic complications.
Recipe Sample
Use both fennel bulbs and seeds in your diet. For example, a diabetic-friendly diet provided by American Diabetes Association recommends a fennel-based salad. Slice and combine two medium fennel bulbs with two large tomatoes, a quarter of a red onion and four cups of mixed green vegetables. The dressing can be prepared from two tablespoons of vinegar, two tablespoons of oil, two tea spoons of mustard, one clove of garlic minced and one teaspoon of fennel, ground. Serves four.
Considerations
Consult a nutritionist to find out more how you can include fennel and other healthy herbs and vegetables to your diet. Keep in mind that fennel does not replace and should not be used to replace any anti-diabetes drugs.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Glycemic Index and Diabetes
- American Diabetes Association: Recipes, Summer Fennel and Tomato Salad
- HealthCastle.com: Fennel; Sofia Layarda, MPH, RD
- "Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome" ; Effect of Carnitine and Herbal Mixture Extract on Obesity Induced by High Fat Diet in Rats; KA. Amin et al; October, 2009
- "Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science.";Aldose Reductase and its Inhibition in the Control of Diabetic Complications ; S Narayanan ; 1993
- "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition" ; Dietary Sources of Aldose Reductase Inhibitors: Prospects for Alleviating Diabetic Complications; M.Sarasvat et al; 2008
