Diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder in the whole world. Certain foods, part of food or food components have been found to be beneficial in managing hyperglycemia. Following is the list of those foods:
Bitter gourd: Bitter gourd controls the blood and urine sugar levels in the body. Several studies show that it contains hypoglycemic or insulin like properties so also known as the plant insulin.
Fenugreek seeds: Also known as mehi seeds in Hindi. These seeds are rich in fiber. It also contains an alkaloid substance called trigonelline which is known to reduce blood sugar levels. Fenugreek seeds reduce the blood and urine sugar levels and improve glucose tolerance. It also has an action on blood lipids; it lowers the triglycerides and blood cholesterol. About 25-50 gm of fenugreek seeds can be soaked in water or powdered form can be mixed in a drink of buttermilk or water. It should be taken in 15 minutes before meals 2-3 times a day. The seeds are bitter but benefits are great. You can also use the powdered form in rice, dal and vegetable preparation.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon improves the blood glucose control. It seems that cinnamon improves insulin resistance which helps to cure diabetes. Cinnamon also increases the metabolism of the body which helps to avoid excess fat. Excess fat can also be a contributory factor for diabetes.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is very much helpful for the treatment of diabetes. Aloe Vera supports the pancreas in the production of insulin and helps in the utilization of the unused sugar. It also helps to avoid the complications related to diabetes.
Bael: Bael is the fruit which is used for the treatment of many ailments in ayurveda. Its leaves are used to enhance the ability to utilize the external glucose load in the body by stimulation of glucose intake.
Turmeric: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which have hypoglycemic and sugar lowering properties. It regulates the glucose and insulin levels in the blood. So a very good herb for the treatment of diabetes.
Neem: Neem is very much helpful for the treatment of insulin dependent and non insulin dependent diabetes. Leaves of neem also improve the blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels. Neem reduces the insulin requirement and is often used for the treatment of diabetes.
Garlic: Garlic is the natural food which helps to control blood sugar levels in the body. Some studies suggest that garlic oil helps in the treatment of diabetes and heart diseases.
Flaxseeds: Eating grounded flaxseeds reduces the blood sugar levels and increases the insulin levels. Regular use of flaxseeds also helps to improve insulin sensitivity which is very common in diabetics or pre diabetics. Flaxseeds are also very high in fiber which is essential for diabetics.
Olive oil: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats which secrete the hormone glucagon (GLP-1). This hormone stimulates the beta cells in the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Secretion of Glucagon is lower in the people suffering from type 2 diabetes so we can say that olive oil is good for diabetic patients.
Source: bookmydoctor