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India has one of the lowest rates of diabetes and much has to do with the type of food, particularly the spices used in cooking such as turmeric, curry and chili powder. In fact it has been shown that these spices can help diabetics regulate their blood sugar.
Here is a list of essential herbs which you should take to help you lower your blood sugar, control your cholesterol and may even help you lose weight:
Gymnema Sylvestre is one herb that has been used in India for centuries to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. It is a plant that grows in the tropical regions of India. In one study 400 mg of Gymnema extract was given to 22 type 2 diabetic patients along with their oral medications. All of them experienced improved blood glucose control and 5 of them were able to discontinue their drug use. Direct application of this herb to the tongue helps people eat fewer calories at a meal. It enhances the action of insulin. Recommended dosage is 200 mg two times a day.
Bitter Melon as the name implies is not easy to take. It's a cucumber like plant that grows in Asia, South America and Africa. It's strength lies in its ability to lower blood sugar. Just 2 ounces of the juice was shown to improve glucose levels in 73% of type 2 diabetics.
Fenugreek seeds were often used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. In order to lower blood sugar, about 15 to 50 grams twice daily is needed. The active ingredient is the soluble fiber along with the alkaloid trigonelline. It helps both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Considering its bitterness, it's not very palatable to swallow in capsule form. Use is as a condiment or as a spice like the East Indians use.
Salt Bush is native to the Middle East. Just 3 grams taken daily has shown to provide improved blood sugar regulation in type 2 diabetes.
Bilberry, known as European blueberry, was used in France since 1945 to treat retinopathy, the deterioration of the retina in the eye, one of the many complications from diabetes. It protects the macula of the diabetic eye. Many diabetics have found improved vision using supplements from 80 to 16o mg 3 times a day.
Gingkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living trees that has survived over 200 million years. So adaptable one survived the nuclear blast in Hiroshima. Over a thousand scientific studies have been done over the last 40 years showing the value of ginkgo biloba in effective treatment of diabetes. The extract is widely prescribed in Europe today. It's an effective antioxidant. It improves the body's circulation and expands the small capillaries that nourish the extremities in the eyes, hands and feet. It inhibits the stickiness of cells, and helps reduces inflammation and allergic responses. It improves overall circulation in the body.
Ginseng is one of the oldest herbs known. It helps to lower blood pressure and can even raise it if it is too low. Just 3 grams before a meal can reduce blood sugar spikes in type 2 diabetics. American ginseng helps to stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas and thus increase the output of insulin. Native Americans often used the herb. Korean ginseng increases insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood sugar. One of its interesting side effect is the improvement of sexual function.
These are just some of the major herbs that can help you control your blood sugar. Consider using them to help you fight the disease and avoid the complications that often afflict many diabetics.
Mario Carini is a diabetic and treats the condition through natural means. One of the best products he has tried is Optimum Diabetics. You can find out about the product here: http://www.optimumdiabetics.com/?aid=745693
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