Popular herbs lower blood sugar for diabetic

There are many ways that people do to maintain low blood sugar levels naturally. One way is to use spices.

Spices are not only known to be the quality of taste to food, but also its ability in terms of health.

During certain types of spices are known to lower the level of sugar in the blood and is useful for diabetic patients.

Turmeric (curcumin) lowers blood sugar

In the traditional system of medicine, several spices and herbs are thought to possess medicinal properties.

Alternative medicine systems such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine value a variety of herbs and spices for possessing proposed medicinal benefits. Both these ancient traditions use turmeric to treat a number of conditions.

The human study involved 100 overweight and obese Type 2 diabetics who took either 300 milligrams of curcuminoids daily for 12 weeks or placebo. Researchers found curcuminoid supplementation significantly reduces fasting glucose and insulin resistance. Curcuminoids reduced blood sugar partially due to their effect of decreasing free fatty acids, or FFAs. Elevated FFAs interfere with your cell's ability to take in glucose. This action significantly contributes to insulin resistance.

When your cells are resistant to insulin -- a blood sugar-lowering hormone -- blood glucose levels remain elevated

Insulin resistance occurs when your body fails to respond properly to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar. This is commonly called prediabetes because it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

   

Side Effects and Possible Interactions

The vast majority of studies have used curcumin. Both turmeric and curcumin are available as supplements.

Because this spice lowers blood sugar, it may increase the effects of diabetes medications.

This effect can cause hypoglycemia, which is when your blood sugar is too low.

Turmeric and curcumin may interact with blood-thinning medication, increasing bleeding risk.

Turmeric and curcumin stimulate bile production, which may cause problems if you have gallstones or bile obstruction.

Although few promising human studies exist, talk to your doctor before taking turmeric for therapeutic purposes. Side effects and drug interactions are possible.

Cayenne lowers blood sugar

For most people, putting more flavors in food is a lot better and one commonly used hot flavor is the cayenne pepper. But out of its ordinary function comes an extraordinary finding in making our body healthy and immune. Studies confirm that cayenne pepper has health benefits for people who regularly consume it. And so, it is considered as a "miracle herb". It eases pain in the body as well as bringing our body temperature, cholesterol and blood sugar level to the ground. It is even good for the heart and helps in fighting cancer cells.

Although there is very little research that has been conducted on using cayenne pepper to manage diabetes, there is some evidence that it doesn't hurt blood sugar levels either.

Cayenne pepper has been found to curb the amount of insulin needed to lower blood sugar after a meal. Capsaicin, an active ingredient in hot peppers, actually helps stabilize blood sugar levels and possibly even decrease insulin release, which is particularly useful for people with Type 1 diabetes.

If you are interested in using cayenne pepper, diabetes patients should consult with their doctor to see which ways to use it best within one's diet.

Oregano lowers blood sugar

Oregano contains compounds called glucosides that help lower blood sugar.

Known for its pungent smell and as a dried herb which is included in pasta sauces or other flavourful dishes, oregano is not just valued for its flavour but also for its positive effects against diabetes. From a study published in the Journal of Natural Medicine in 2008, glucosides in oregano are the ones responsible for lowering blood sugar levels. The 2008 study reinforced similar findings from a separate study done in 2004 where a significant decrease of blood sugar levels were noted in rats for the clinical study purposes. Oregano can be consumed by adding it in teas, sauces, and most Italian dishes. It would be best to have organic oregano, or have a pot of the herb from which you can get fresh leaves.