Diabetes is marked by a high blood glucose level. If uncontrolled, it increases the risk of heart disease, including plaques and high blood pressure, kidney disease, nervous system damage and deterioration in the eyes. Beyond controlling carbohydrates and limiting sugar in the diet, specific foods can be of interest for people with diabetes.
Cinnamon
In the past, scientific studies reported mixed results on the benefits of cinnamon for managing diabetes. However, a study published in the October 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine showed that 1 gram of cinnamon capsule a day for 90 days lowered HgA1C, short for hemoglobin A1C. A lower HgA1C indicates that glucose level has been low in the blood. Other than the polyphenols--antioxidants--in cinnamon, it acts as an insulin sensitizer, meaning it helps the cells respond to insulin and absorb glucose from the blood.
Garlic
The ancient, global, antioxidant-rich plant lowers the blood glucose level. Garlic extract slows down the damage diabetes exerts on the liver and kidneys. It may lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, prevent stiffening of the arteries and reduce plaque formation---three conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome. Try black garlic; it's a stronger antioxidant than regular white garlic.
Onions
Besides lowering the blood glucose level, onion extracts have antioxidants that reduce liver and kidney damage associated with uncontrolled diabetes.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a health gem many are not familiar with. According to the National Institutes of Health, fenugreek oil lowers blood the glucose level, stimulates insulin action, decreases pancreatic damage, reduces toxicity in the kidneys, boosts antioxidant levels, reduces free radical damage, and strengthens the immune system. Fenugreek seeds are also high in soluble fiber, which slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing sharp spikes in blood glucose.
Cumin
When there's too much glucose in the blood, it binds to proteins and forms substances that disrupt normal tissue function. When this occurs in the eye lens, cataracts develop. Ground cumin prevents this process, delaying cataracts and lowering the risk of blindness, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Turmeric
The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, delays cataract development in people with diabetes. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that reduces the damage caused by diabetes on the lens.
Cocoa
One study found that cocoa extract prevents sharp spikes in blood glucose level after meals, improves antioxidant level, and reduces free radical attack. Cocoa also lowers the concentration of free fatty acids in the blood. However, it doesn't affect glucose in the long term. Choose dark chocolate because it has a high concentration of cocoa compared to other types.
References
- "Journal of American Board of Family Medicine;" Effectiveness of cinnamon for lowering hemoglobin A1C in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled trial; P Crawford; September 2009.
- "Food Chemistry Toxicology;" Biochemical study on the hypoglycemic effects of onion and garlic in alloxan-induced diabetic rats; F M El-Demerdash; January 2005
- "Indian Journal of Medical Sciences;" Effect of fenugreek, onion and garlic on blood glucose and histopathology of pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic rats; G A Jelodar; February 2005
- "Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol;" Immunomodulatory, beta-cell, and neuroprotective actions of fenugreek oil from alloxan-induced diabetes; K Hamden; January 2010
- "Journal of Nutrition Biochemistry;" Delay of diabetic cataract in rats by the antiglycating potential of cumin through modulation of alpha-crystallin chaperone activity; P A Kumar; July 2009
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