Looking for natural ways to lower your blood sugar? You’re on the right track. Natural blood sugar reducers should be a focus for nearly everyone’s diet. Millions of American adults are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes each year, with the number continuing to grow, making it pertinent that you partake in prevention.
(Note: Lifestyle changes can make a difference for Type 2 diabates which is what we’re addressing in this article. We are not addressing Type 1 diabetes.)
We live in a day and age where it’s common to rely on prescription medications as the quick fix for a variety of ailments, including lowering your blood sugar.
But, with a growing concern over how these synthetic options might not be the right first choice and the issue of how expensive it is to attain them, it’s important to become aware of alternative options to help keep your health in check.
In this post we are talking about natural blood sugar reducers in the form of food and herbs. Yum!
There are many natural ways you can boost your chances of steering clear of Type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels and insulin including a variety of herbs, spices and various other common foods.
Below are 9 natural ways to lower your blood sugar with whole foods, herbs, and vitamins:
Natural Blood Sugar Reducers
Cinnamon
A study conducted at The University of Georgia discovered a direct connection between the phenol content in herbs and spices and their ability to inhibit the production of AGE compounds, or advanced glycation end products, which are proteins or lipids that become glycated as a result of exposure to sugars.
Cinnamon has been found to have 18 percent phenol content in dry weight, making it a great option for improving insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control.
Blueberries
Do blueberries lower blood sugar? Blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits you can consume and are recommended by nutrition specialists for dealing with a variety of health issues.
The dark color in them means they provide antioxidants and various other compounds that are good for your boosting your well being. They’re well-known for improving insulin sensitivity, too.
Cloves
Not only do cloves contain 30 percent levels of the antioxidant phenol in dry weight, but they also have the antioxidants anthocyanins and quercetin.
The benefits of consuming them have shown wide and varied, from serving as an antiseptic and germicidal to being anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and digestive aid.
A study done in 2006 found that individuals who had been taking some level of clove supplementation every day for 30 days showed a decrease in risk factors for diabetes as well as heart disease.
Ginger
Well-known for soothing the stomach and aiding in digestion, ginger is also a great option for leveling blood glucose levels.
A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition discovered that the popular kitchen ingredient may be an effective treatment for the prevention of diabetes.
The study concluded that “ginger improved insulin sensitivity and some fractions of lipid profile, and reduced CRP and PGE2 in type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore ginger can be considered as an effective treatment for prevention of diabetes complications.”
Oregano
Your favorite pizza spice could lower blood sugar. Oregano, sometimes referred to as marjoram, this herb makes its way into many Spanish and Mediterranean recipes.
Medicinally speaking, oregano is thought to treat bacterial and parasitic infections.
One study, published in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, discovered that compounds in the herb appear to mimic prescription drugs used to fight diabetes.
Turmeric
Commonly used in curry powders, scientists have shown interest in the potential blood sugar-lowering properties of turmeric and curcumin, which is one of the spice’s active substances.
Researchers in Thailand conducted a placebo-controlled study that involved 240 participants with prediabetes who took curcumin extract for nine months or placebo.
The study concluded that none of the participants who took curcumin developed diabetes, while 16 percent of the placebo group did.
Sage
Used by herbal medicine practitioners to treat uterine bleeding and cramps, this herb contains phytosterols that are known for their cooling effect.
One study discovered that diabetics who drank infusions of sage on an empty stomach had a valuable reduction in their blood sugar levels.
Cherries
One of nature’s most beloved candies, cherries could improve fasting blood sugar.
Cherries are a pleasant and nourishing addition to the summer seasons between their flavor and anthocyanins—universal plant colorants that are responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues in many foods.
A study conducted in 2014 found that women who ate diets high in anthocyanins from cherries resulted in less systemic inflammation and improved insulin resistance.
Garlic
Garlic makes its way into so many dishes; packed with plenty of flavor and a pungent aroma, it’s easy to know when someone is making something full of this good-for-you vegetable.
But could garlic also a part of your blood sugar control protocol?
Rich in sulfur compounds, specifically hydrogen sulfide gas, which dilates blood vessels, garlic has been used for years to lower cholesterol levels. It’s also a promising alternative option for lowering blood sugar, too.
One study in rats showed that serum glucose of diabetic rats increased while serum insulin decreased when compared with normal rats.
1 Comment
Marcia on April 27, 2022 at 10:36 AM
Marjoram is not another name for Oregano. Look it up. They are completely different spices. Marjoram smells similar to oregano but is more mild. They may not have the same chemical properties. Please check on this.