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Mixture Of Cinnamon And Fenugreek Powders Shows Beneficial Effects In Diabetic (type 2) Patients

Fenugreek And Diabetes

Fenugreek And Diabetes

Tweet Fenugreek is an aromatic plant that has many uses, both culinary - fenugreek is a key ingredient of curries and other Indian recipes - and medicinal. The plant, which is widely grown in South Asia, North Africa and parts of the Mediterranean, has small round leaves and also produces long pods that contain distinctive bitter-tasting seeds. The leaves are either sold as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens) commonly known as methi, or as an herb (dried leaves), while the seeds are used both whole and in powdered form as a spice. As well as being a popular cooking ingredient, fenugreek has a number of health benefits and is used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. How does it affect diabetes? Fenugreek seeds (trigonella foenum graecum) are high in soluble fibre, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. This suggests they may be effective in treating people with diabetes. Multiple studies have been carried out to investigate the potential anti-diabetic benefits of fenugreek. Of these, several clinical trials showed that fenugreek seeds can improve most metabolic symptoms associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in humans by lowering blood glucose levels and improving glucose tolerance. In one study, researchers in India found that adding 100 grams of defatted fenugreek seed powder to the daily diet of patients with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes significantly reduced their fasting blood glucose levels, improved glucose tolerance and also lowered total cholesterol, LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol and triglycerides. In another controlled trial, incorporating 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed into a meal eaten by people with type 2 diabetes reduced the rise in post-meal blood glucos Continue reading >>

11 Research-backed Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

11 Research-backed Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

11 Research-Backed Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds Fenugreek seeds are a natural alternative for several health problems. Especially revered for their ability to aid digestion, they can also treat gastric ulcers, soothe inflammation and skin irritation, improve glycemic control in diabetics, and even improve cholesterol levels in your body. They have special benefits for nursing mothers due to their galactagogue properties. Simply brew up fenugreek tea with the seeds, roast and powder them, or scatter some sprouted seeds over your next meal! The seeds of fenugreek or Trigonella foenum-graecum, also called methi, are rich in flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, amino acids, protein, and fiber. They also contain vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and other minerals. These combine to make fenugreek seeds and their oil a potent natural remedy for a range of maladies.1 Fenugreek seeds are rich in antioxidants that can help fight aging largely brought on by free radical damage.2 Animal studies have shown that the seeds can protect cellular structures against oxidative damage due to their antioxidant content. In one study, it was found that the seed extract could inhibitthe oxidative breakdown of lipids in the liver of test animals.3 Fenugreek seeds have some specific benefits for women. They are considered emmenagogues, that is something that can increase menstrual flow, and can help stimulate uterine contractions.4 Fenugreek seedsare used as galactagogues to enhance milk production in lactating mothers. This particularly useful for nursing mothers whoproduce inadequate breast milk. However, it is important to note that no extensive studies have been done to back up this claim and evidence is derived from traditional use and anecdotal evidence.5 Ayurveda uses the seeds as a gru Continue reading >>

Is Cinnamon Good For Diabetes?

Is Cinnamon Good For Diabetes?

Chances are you have a bottle of cinnamon in your spice cupboard. And chances are you never thought of cinnamon as medicine. However, cinnamon has been used medicinally since ancient times. This popular spice was used in ancient Egypt, China, and India for culinary and medicinal purposes, and its use has also been documented in the Bible. There are two types of cinnamon: Ceylon and cassia, both derived from the bark of evergreen trees. Ceylon cinnamon is grown in South America, Southeast Asia, and the West Indies, while cassia cinnamon is grown in Central America, China, and Indonesia. Ceylon cinnamon bark looks like tightly rolled scrolls, while cassia cinnamon is more loosely rolled. Cassia is the variety most commonly sold in the United States. Most people think of cinnamon as a flavoring for desserts or as a warm, robust scent for candles and potpourri. But this spice may do more than make your house smell good. Cinnamon has been shown to help lower blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care in 2003 looked at 60 men and women with Type 2 diabetes who were taking diabetes pills. The participants took either 1, 3, or 6 grams of cassia cinnamon or a placebo, in capsule form, for 40 days. After this time, blood glucose levels dropped between 18% and 29% in all three groups that received cinnamon. However, only the participants who had taken the smallest amount of cinnamon (1 gram) continued to have improved blood glucose levels 20 days after they stopped taking it, for reasons the researchers didn’t quite understand. In the study, cinnamon also helped lower triglycerides (a blood lipid) and LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol levels. The benefits continued after 60 days, 20 days after participants had stopped taking Continue reading >>

12 Proven Foods Essential For Every Type 2 Diabetes Diet

12 Proven Foods Essential For Every Type 2 Diabetes Diet

Cut out bread. No sugar in your coffee. Only one potato at dinner. If you’ve got blood sugar problems then you’ve heard those instructions over and over. The focus is always on what you should remove from your diet, and it’s incredibly frustrating. What about what you can eat? What about the foods you should be adding to a diet for type 2 diabetes… the foods that can actually improve blood sugar control? Research shows there are many natural foods that can help. Either by reducing sugar absorption into the bloodstream, or by improving insulin resistance. It’s certainly worth your while to learn what those foods are, rather than just what to avoid. I’ve done some of the research here and strongly recommend you start with the following. 1. Almonds improve glucose metabolism Tree nuts – not peanuts, which grow in the ground – are linked with many metabolic health benefits. But almonds really standout when it comes to managing blood sugar. They are very low in carbohydrates, but that’s not why. The reason is Magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 bodily processes, including blood pressure regulation and blood sugar control (1, 2). Alongside spinach, almonds and cashews are among the best sources of magnesium in the human diet. Several handfuls provides over 20% of the daily recommended intake (2). While the mechanism is unclear, having low magnesium levels is strongly associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It appears to impact on insulin secretion, which may be the reason that 25-38% of type 2 diabetics have low magnesium (4). Clinical trials have shown that restoring low magnesium significantly improves insulin response and reduces blood sugar levels (4, 5). Especially if you’re magnesium deficient and insulin resist Continue reading >>

Why All Diabetics Should Know About Turmeric

Why All Diabetics Should Know About Turmeric

By Sayer Ji • Originally published on GreenMedInfo.com Many diabetics already know about the benefits of a low-glycemic diet, but why haven’t they heard about turmeric, one of the world’s most extensively researched anti-diabetic plants? A recent literature review published in the International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism titled, “Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect and Insulin Sensitizing Effects of Turmeric and Its Principle Constituent Curcumin,” adds promising new support to the notion that the ancient Indian spice turmeric may provide an ideal drug alternative to treating and perhaps even preventing type 2 diabetes, which has become of the world’s most prevalent diagnoses. The study reviewed research published between 1998 to 2013 that indicates the active polyphenol in turmeric known as curcumin may provide an ideal intervention for type 2 diabetes, capable of mitigating characteristic pathophysiological hallmarks of the disease such as elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and insulin resistance. Nineteen of the studies reviewed were cell (in vitro) and animal (in vivo), all which showed beneficial effects. Five of the studies were human clinical trials using turmeric or curcumin, three of which were performed in those with either diabetes or prediabetes. Amazingly, the animal and cell research literature review concluded that curcumin could improve the type 2 diabetic state through 10 distinctly different mechanisms, such as: Reduction in liver glucose production Reduction in liver glycogen production Stimulation of increased glucose uptake (by increasing GLUT4, GLUT2 and GLUT3 gene expressions) Increasing the activation of AMP kinase Promoting PPAR γ ligand- binding activity Suppressing hyperglycemia-induced inflammatory state Stimulating insulin Continue reading >>

A Review Of The Hypoglycemic Effects Of Five Commonly Used Herbal Food Supplements

A Review Of The Hypoglycemic Effects Of Five Commonly Used Herbal Food Supplements

Go to: INTRODUCTION As the most important energy source for human body, glucose plays a vital role in maintaining health [1]. In most cells of human body, glucose molecules are broken down to produce adenosine triphosphate molecules, the fuel that powers numerous cellular processes. Glucose is delivered to cells through blood circulating. To ensure steady supply of glucose as an energy source for cells to function, a relatively constant level of glucose in blood is maintained [1]. Failure to maintain such homeostatic level of glucose in blood results in hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Under the physiological condition, the concentration of blood glucose is tightly regulated by various mechanisms [2, 3]. The major source of glucose comes from the food we eat. After digestion, glucose is released from the food, absorbed by small intestine and finally enters the blood stream. The other source of blood glucose is from the liver in which the storage form of glucose, glycogen, is converted into glucose entering the blood stream. On the other hand, the major pathway that decreases blood glucose levels is the uptake of glucose by the cells for use as a source of energy in most of the tissues or to be stored for future use in the adipose tissue and liver. Therefore, blood glucose concentration reflects the combined effects of food consumption, glucose production, transport into and out of cells and utilization by the body. Hyperglycemia is a pathological condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. It is a manifestation most commonly associated with such disease conditions as pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus [4–6]. Prediabetes is a condition which does not satisfy the diagnostic criteria for diabetes but the blood glucose levels are elevated. All the diabetes pat Continue reading >>

Fenugreek Hypoglycemic Remedy.

Fenugreek Hypoglycemic Remedy.

Pharmacist, Phytotherapist and Officinalis herbs expert Below, we will see some spices and herbs useful in helping to lower levels of blood sugar. However, if you already suffer from diabetes, you should consult your doctor before changing your diet. CINNAMON (Cinnamomum camphora): several studies have shown the beneficial effects of cinnamon and its ability to lower levels of blood sugar. In particular, a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in April 2011 showed that use of cinnamon has significantly lowered levels of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetic. The positive effect of cinnamon on blood sugar levels is due to his ability to mimic the action of insulin. CLOVES (Syzygium aromaticum): this spice contains phenols and antioxidants such as anthocyanins and quercetin. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, so that the essential oil of clove is one of the most effective natural remedies to relieve toothache. Its ability to lower levels of blood sugar would be due to the presence of eugenol, which is the active ingredient that gives the characteristic odor with essential oil of cloves. SAGE (Salvia Officinalis): according to a study entitled "Metformin-Like effect of Salvia officinalis (Common Sage): Is it Useful in Diabetes Prevention", which appeared in the British Journal of Nutrition, the infusion of sage can lower the levels of blood glucose. The researchers concluded that the herbal tea made from sage works in a manner very similar to some diabetic medications, such as metformin. It should however be noted that only the use of herbal tea with sage can not be considered an effective remedy for those who are suffering from diabetes. GARLIC (Allium Sativum): Garlic is a natural antibiotic for excellence, it contains Continue reading >>

14 Amazing Herbs That Lower Blood Sugar

14 Amazing Herbs That Lower Blood Sugar

We live in a world where prescription medicine is getting more and more expensive as well as controversial. Alternative medicine is gaining momentum and with good reason! The same is true for treatments for diabetes type 2. You have therapies that can reverse diabetes through lifestyle and diet changes, natural supplements that can help stabilize blood sugar levels, and also herbs that lower blood sugar. Not only are these alternative therapies safer, but they are also easier on your pocket, on your body and mind. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is necessary for the body’s overall health. Erratic blood sugar levels can affect the body’s ability to function normally and even lead to complications if left unchecked. Some herbs and spices found in nature do a tremendous job of naturally lowering blood sugar levels, making them a boon for diabetics and pre-diabetics. What’s more, being nature’s multi-taskers, herbs and spices also produce overall health benefits beyond just helping balance blood sugar. We want to clarify one thing right away – not everything on our list can be classified as ‘herbs’. However, they are all from natural sources. Herbs come from the leafy and green part of the plant. Spices are parts of the plant other than the leafy bit, such as the root, stem, bulb, bark or seeds. RELATED: Decoding The Dawn Phenomenon (High Morning Blood Sugar) With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best herbs that lower blood sugar, along with a few spices thrown in, to give you a more comprehensive list. Please note that while we normally do not use animal studies to support any dietary supplement, several herbs like garlic and ginger are considered ‘food’ and so, are used traditionally by cultures across the world in their daily diet Continue reading >>

Fenugreek Seed And Herb Supplement, Extract For Blood Sugar

Fenugreek Seed And Herb Supplement, Extract For Blood Sugar

Fenugreek seed supplement side effects and health benefit Information on leaves, extract, powder, herb, tea and capsules Fenugreek is a food and a spice commonly eaten in many parts of theworld, and has been used for centuries by practitioners of Ayurvedic Herb medicine and TraditionalChinese Medicine. Historically it has been used for numerous conditions, including labor induction, aiding digestion, and as a general tonic to improve metabolism and health. Research in the past two decades has shown that fenugreek seeds help balance blood sugar in diabetics. It may also have beneficial effects on triglycerides. Advance Physician Formulas, Inc., Fenugreek Extract, 350 mg, 60 Capsules buy Fenugreek seed supplement, 100 Capsules, 610 mg It is okay to take fenugreek supplement while breastfeeding? I have not come across enough information at this time to know for certain whether it is safe during breastfeeding. I have read that fenugreek can be taken when breast feeding and that it increases breast milk production. We reviewed a study of fenugreek and breast milk production. Swafford S, Berens B. Effect of fenugreek on breast milk production. ABM News and Views 2000. It does not seem to be a peer reviewed study published in an accepted medical journal. Fenugreek may be a galactagogue, but I would like to see at least one or two good studies that are peer reviewed. Is there anything I can take to increase milk supply besides fenugreek? I have been taking 4 capsules 3x/day and have not noticed significant results. I am currently not aware of herbs that have been proven to increase milk production although some websites claim alfalfa, galaga and blessed or milk thistle are helpful and historically many cultures have used local herbs, possibly successfully. I just have not yet Continue reading >>

Dietary Supplements For Diabetes: An Evaluation Of Commonly Used Products

Dietary Supplements For Diabetes: An Evaluation Of Commonly Used Products

In Brief Individuals with diabetes are more likely than those without diabetes to use different modalities that may not be considered part of mainstream allopathic or conventional medicine. Many dietary supplements of botanical and nonbotanical origin are available over the counter to treat diabetes or its comorbidities. Clinicians must maintain a respectful attitude toward patients' health care values and beliefs, encourage open dialogue, and provide accurate, nonjudgmental information about different supplements. It is essential that clinicians stay informed about dietary supplements to evaluate whether side effects or potential interactions among medications, dietary supplements, medical conditions, or nutrients may occur. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) enacted in 1994 established the definition of “dietary supplement” as “a product taken by mouth that contains a ‘dietary ingredient’ intended to supplement the diet.” The dietary ingredients in these products may include minerals, vitamins, herbs or other botanical ingredients, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, and metabolites.1 DSHEA categorizes dietary supplements under the general umbrella of “foods” rather than drugs and requires that every product be labeled as a dietary supplement.1 These products are available in a variety of dosage forms.1 Patients use many products and modalities to treat diabetes or its comorbidities. People with diabetes are 1.6 times more likely to use a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment modality than those without diabetes.2 CAM includes acupuncture, reflexology, massage therapy, chiropractic services, and biological complementary therapies, which include dietary supplements.3 Individuals who use dieta Continue reading >>

Ce Online: Pharmacist's Letter

Ce Online: Pharmacist's Letter

Course Accreditation Information, Goals and Objectives . How often do patients with diabetes ask you about natural medicines? Which natural medicines could you recommend that might benefit patients with diabetes and neuropathy? Which natural medicines do you tell your diabetes patients to avoid? Natural medicines and diabetes have something in common: millions of people have diabetes and millions use natural medicines. Not surprisingly, many diabetes patients are users of natural medicines. In fact, results from various surveys show that 30% to 70% of diabetes patients use some form of alternative medicine over the course of a year, with up to 35% of these patients using alternative medicine specifically to improve symptoms related to diabetes.17464,29960 In some populations, such as southwest Native Americans, use of natural medicines and traditional foods for treating diabetes is even more common.89424,89425 More often than not, diabetes patients use natural medicines IN ADDITION to their conventional medicines, not INSTEAD of their conventional medicines.29960 This could be beneficial in some cases. But it might also lead to problems such as hypoglycemia. In some cases, conventional drug dose adjustments may be needed. There are over 170 different natural medicines used for diabetes and thousands of commercially available dietary supplement products are marketed for people with diabetes. However, only a fraction of these products have reliable clinical evidence of effectiveness and safety. Many of these natural medicines affect blood sugar through a variety of mechanisms. In some cases their effects are similar to conventional medicines. Commonly Used Conventional and Natural Medicines for Diabetes* *Note: The listed treatments primarily refer to agents used to trea Continue reading >>

11 Real Home Remedies For Diabetes (thatll Actually Work )

11 Real Home Remedies For Diabetes (thatll Actually Work )

Do you or anyone in your family have diabetes? Yes, it’s true that this is a serious metabolic disease that should be given careful attention. This condition, which is characterized by the inability of the body to produce or use insulin , can result in excessively high sugar levels [ 1 ]. WebMD enumerates the common signs of diabetes, which include sudden weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, increased thirst and hunger, and frequent urination. However, do take note that having diabetes is not the end of the world. It is manageable disease, with which you can continue to live an active and fulfilling life. To help you cope, here are some excellent home remedies for diabetes that you should keep in mind. By reading the following article, you will find: How to use them properly for best results A medicinal plant widely cultivated in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, neem has been assessed many times for its medicinal properties [ 2 ]. Among these are its profound positive effects on diabetes. Its leaves, bark, seed oil and stem are said to possess hypoglycemic or blood sugar lowering effects [ 2 ]. A large body of scientific research has found neem beneficial not only in controlling blood sugar levels but also in preventing or delaying the onset of this condition [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Most of these studies were done on animal subjects, particularly on mice induced with diabetes. In one that was conducted in 2003, diabetic adult male Wistar rats were given either neem extract or saline solution for 28 days [ 6 ]. Blood sugar levels were stabilized among those that received neem extract [ 6 ]. The treatment did not cause any damage to the rats’ internal organs [ 6 ]. Take one tablespoon of neem juice in the morning before eating anything. He Continue reading >>

Foods That May Help Naturally Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Foods That May Help Naturally Lower Blood Sugar Levels

This post is to share research and evidence around foods which may help to give naturally lower blood sugar levels. Not only a post for mothers with gestational diabetes, but one for all the mothers that have had their babies and are now at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or for anyone with type 2 diabetes. Please note that evidence for use in pregnancy or with gestational diabetes is lacking, therefore research links detailed are for studies in both animals and humans with other types of diabetes. However this information may still be beneficial for anyone looking for ways to naturally lower blood sugar levels including women with gestational diabetes and pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes. Apple Cider Vinegar A study in 2004 found that when 20g apple cider vinegar, 40g water, and 1 tsp saccharine were drunk before consuming an 87g carb test meal it raised insulin sensitivity, indicating that vinegar can significantly improve postprandial insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant subjects and helps to reduce spikes in levels. Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes A small study in type 2 diabetic patients found that drinking 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and eating 1 oz (a thumb size piece) of cheese lowered fasting levels by 4% (and up to 6% in some patients). Some ladies with gestational diabetes have had great success with apple cider vinegar and so it's worth trying if you have the stomach for it. Nuts It probably won't come as a surprise, but this meta-analysis of 12 studies find that tree nuts improve glyceamic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes, however there is a need for longer trials. Effect of Tree Nuts on Glycemic Control in Diabetes: A Systematic Re Continue reading >>

Spice Up Your Health With Cinnamon, Turmeric And Fenugreek

Spice Up Your Health With Cinnamon, Turmeric And Fenugreek

Three Powerful Spices to Help Lower Blood Sugar In addition to adding tons of flavor to your food, many herbs and spices also have medicinal properties, providing a double whammy when it comes to flavorful food that is good for you, too! These three powerful spices can help lower blood sugar, which is important in preventing and controlling diabetes, keeping your energy levels steady, and maintaining a healthy weight. Fenugreek Fenugreek seeds are small and deep yellow in color with an awesome sweet-savory flavor going on. They’re often used in Indian dishes like curries, where they add color, flavor, and a host of medicinal benefits. Fenugreek seeds are high in fiber, which slows glucose absorption (meaning sugars don’t hit your bloodstream as quickly ) so you get a slow, steady stream of energy release, rather than a quick burst of energy followed by a huge crash. Fenugreek also helps stimulate insulin, the hormone that helps your body get sugar out of your bloodstream and into your cells for energy. How to use it: Turmeric Turmeric is often praised for its medicinal benefits – and it sure does have a lot of them! Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and recent studies suggest it may also be protective against type 2 diabetes by reducing long-term blood sugar levels. Getting these benefits is pretty simple, too. You can find turmeric either fresh or powdered and throw it into numerous dishes, from curries and marinades to scrambled eggs, smoothies, or teas and lattes. How to use it: Cinnamon Cinnamon is one of the most commonly used spices. I know I can’t make a bowl of oatmeal without a sprinkle of cinnamon! But did you know that in addition to being earthy and sweet, cinnamon is super good for you? There are lots of different Continue reading >>

How To Use Fenugreek For Diabetes

How To Use Fenugreek For Diabetes

1 Talk to your doctor before adding fenugreek to your diet. Fenugreek interacts with a variety of medications prescribed for diabetes as well as some blood thinners.[2] For this reason, it is essential that you check with your doctor before adding fenugreek to your regimen. It may interfere with the medications that you are taking to help treat diabetes as well as other conditions. Always check with your doctor first before discontinuing or adding any medication or supplement. 2 Consider the dose range for fenugreek. The recommended dosage for fenugreek is between 2.5–15 grams (0.09–0.5 oz) daily, so it is important to talk to your doctor about your intentions and ask for a recommendation based on your weight and other factors. You may also want to consult an experienced herbalist or naturopath.[3] The most common dose used in studies was 12.5 grams (0.4 oz) of powdered fenugreek taken twice daily. However, some studies have shown benefit from taking only 2.5 grams (0.09 oz) twice daily.[4] 3 Choose a high-quality fenugreek supplement. Some people do not like the taste of fenugreek seeds, so capsules are often recommended.[5] If you choose to take fenugreek in supplement form, make sure that the product you choose is of high quality. The packaging should provide: [6] Realistic information about the effects of taking the supplement Information such as dosage recommendations, side effects, and ingredients A label that is easy to read and understand Company information such as a phone number, mailing address, or website. 4 Add fenugreek to food. Some people do like the taste of fenugreek and may opt to add the seeds to food. You can seek out recipes that include fenugreek or simply sprinkle the seeds on your food as a garnish. Keep in mind that you should still follow Continue reading >>

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