Antidiabetic plants; diabetes is, by definition, an imbalance and an abnormal rise in the level of sugar in the blood, called blood sugar. The disease starts when the pancreas no longer makes enough insulin, a hormone whose role is to keep glucose levels in the blood in balance. Glucose is a simple sugar, the main energy food for cells, serving as fuel for our body. Insulin counteracts hyperglycemia by distributing this glucose evenly to maintain balance and optimal sugar levels. The lack or failure to use insulin by the body is, therefore, the cause of diabetes.

The treatment of diabetes mainly consists of taking the medication by mouth or injecting insulin. Plants and natural food supplements (Fenugreek, burdock, sage, ginger, etc.) can also relieve symptoms associated with diabetes and help in the storage and removal of sugars.

Here are some plant extracts that are friendly to your blood sugar levels, according to scientific studies.

1. Antidiabetic plants; Nettle

Nettle, also called Urtica dioica, is said to have beneficial effects against diabetes. This plant has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and lowers blood sugar. According to one study, taking nettle for 8 weeks on an empty stomach lowered blood sugar, triglycerides, and liver markers in 50 women with type 2 diabetes. In addition, it helps prevent certain complications of diabetes, such as liver damage or cardiovascular disease.

You can consume this herb as an extract, in soup, or in herbal tea.

2. Antidiabetic plants; Gymnema

Our favorite plant against diabetes. Gymnema (Gymnema Sylvestre) is a potent and effective hypoglycaemic plant of great renown. In India, Gymnema is called "Gurmar," which means "destroyer of sugar." Used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, this natural plant is an effective way to maintain optimal glucose levels in the blood thanks to the gymnemic acid it contains.

Several studies show the interest of Gymnema in regulating blood sugar. Its unique active ingredient (gymnemic acid) helps reduce sugar absorption and improves insulin secretion, allowing better absorption of glucose by cells that need it (normal functioning of the pancreas). Plus, it regulates appetite and reduces cravings for sugar.

To consume Gymnema, we, therefore, recommend that you choose a product containing a minimum of 24% gymnemic acid, starting with a dosage of 400 mg per day, which you can increase if necessary.

3. Antidiabetic plants; Cinnamon

Cinnamon increases the cells' response to the hormone insulin and many other benefits of removing free radicals and reducing blood pressure.

You can use it by adding a spoonful of cinnamon powder to a cup of boiling water and drink, and it is better to add ginger for greater effectiveness. You should still pay attention to taking it for patients with blood-thinning, as it increases its liquefaction.

4. Antidiabetic plants; Flax

Flax contains amino acids, omega-3s, and fiber, so it has the ability to lower the level of sugar in the blood.

To use it, you can add ground flaxseed as a spice in food preparation or as an addition to bread dough.

Related: Definition of diabetes, symptoms and treatments

5. Antidiabetic plants; Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a plant with many benefits for the body. Its action on blood sugar is very interesting for fighting and treating diabetes. Indeed, it improves glucose tolerance.

Numerous studies indicate that Fenugreek can effectively lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. It is a plant with a thousand virtues that will act on the body at different levels (blood sugar regulation, digestive support, cholesterol regulation, athletic performance, etc.).

You can consume Fenugreek as a powder or as a seed in the daily diet, but to have a real effect on blood sugar levels, it is good to consume it as an extract in capsules. A study obtained excellent results in glycemic control and insulin resistance by having diabetic patients consume 1000 mg of fenugreek extract per day.

6. Antidiabetic plants; Broccoli extract

A concentrated extract of broccoli is useful to reduce blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes by 10%. Sulforaphane, a compound strongly present in broccoli and cruciferous vegetables, is thought to act on blood sugar. A study has shown its effectiveness, particularly in obese and diabetic patients, in addition to their medications.

7. Antidiabetic plants; Chia seeds

You can consume Chia seeds on a daily basis by adding them to the diet of the sick person to reduce the high level of sugar in the blood; using them in preparing breakfast, and by soaking two tablespoons of the seeds in a cup of boiling water, then leaving it for five minutes, and you can add a spoonful of nuts, or dried or fresh fruits.

8. Antidiabetic plants; Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has long been used around the world to treat certain disorders such as headaches, colds, and nausea. Ginger also has strong antioxidant power. One study showed that consuming 3 g of ginger per day for 8 weeks and on an empty stomach could improve insulin resistance and glycated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

9. Antidiabetic plants; ginseng

Ginseng is an extraordinary adaptogenic plant of great renown. Used for millennia by Asian medicine, Ginseng is the medicinal plant of vitality par excellence. The WHO (World Health Organization) recognizes its health benefits. What about blood sugar? Ginseng helps reduce glucose levels. Several studies support its effectiveness in the fight against hyperglycemia.

Therefore, Ginseng is an extremely interesting plant for diabetics and people who want to regulate their blood sugar levels because, in addition to its undeniable action on glucose, this medicinal plant acts in depth where the body needs it. Indeed, Ginseng is an adaptogenic plant (which adapts to different stresses).

Studies show that consuming 3g of ginseng powder per day is sufficient to regulate blood sugar. However, the ginseng extract in the form of capsules (200 mg) titrated in ginsenosides is advisable because this form allows to know precisely the quantity of active ingredients ingested. Thus, consumption is stable and controlled.

10. Antidiabetic plants; Berberine

Berberine is an alkaloid (natural organic molecule) extracted from different plants such as Chinese coptis or barberry (Berberis vulgaris). Berberine was initially used to treat gastrointestinal infections; however, researchers have also evaluated its blood sugar-lowering effects. A meta-analysis showed that berberine could improve blood sugar in the same way as metformin in type 2 diabetics with doses of 1.5 to 2 g per day. However, the effects were less in patients over 60 years old.

Originally published on Live Positively.