Diabetes

[Frank Woolf]

Ampalaya is one of the most well known plants to help fight diabetes.

Ampalaya increases insulin sensitivity. Lowers blood sugar level. 100 milligram per kilo dose per day is comparable to 2.5 milligrams of the anti-diabetes drug Glibenclamide taken twice per day.

Bitter Melon contains four very promising bioactive compounds. These compounds activate a protein called AMPK, which is well known for regulating fuel metabolism and enabling glucose uptake, processes which are impaired in diabetics. "We can now understand at a molecular level why bitter melon works as a treatment for diabetes," said David James, director of the diabetes and obesity program at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney. "By isolating the compounds we believe to be therapeutic, we can investigate how they work together in our cells.

Bitter melon contains a lectin that has insulin-like activity. The insulin-like bioactivity of this lectin is due to its linking together 2 insulin receptors. This lectin lowers blood glucose concentrations by acting on peripheral tissues and, similar to insulin's effects in the brain, suppressing appetite. This lectin is likely a major contributor to the hypoglycemic effect that develops after eating bitter melon and why it may be a way of managing adult-onset diabetes. Lectin binding is non-protein specific, and this is likely why bitter melon has been credited with immunostimulatory activity - by linking receptors that modulate the immune system, thereby stimulating said receptors.

Various cautions are indicated. The seeds contains vicine and therefore can trigger symptoms of favism in susceptible individuals. In addition, the red arils of the seeds are reported to be toxic to children, and the fruit is contraindicated during pregnancy

[Frank Woolf]

The available information on turmeric is widespread, and compelling. It is a traditional treatment specifically for diabetes, and many sources cite studies that have shown positive results for lowering blood sugar.

I found references frequently to Ayurvedic medicine, which may or may not recommend itself to you as a valid point in its favor. It is said to act on blood sugar levels both in increasing metabolism and stimulating insulin. It is high in chromium, which may count for part of that affect.

Turmeric is a common spice, and is used in cooking, sometimes as a cheap alternative to saffron, and sometimes in pickles and other common uses. It is yellow, and looks a lot like ground mustard.

Information on safety of this herb is also lacking, possibly because safety is assumed because of its widespread use as a spice. But there is a huge difference between using something in the minute quantities of a seasoning, and using it in larger doses as a medicinal supplement.

Proceed with caution if this is something you want to try, and do a little more research on its use and safety.

Written by Laura Wheeler, Owner of Firelight Business Enterprises, Inc.

[Frank Woolf]

Cinnamon is used to spice up foods, It also relieves stomach gas, eases nausea, and treat the loss of appetite. More than a decade ago, the researchers have discovered that Cinnamon makes fat cells more responsive to insulin. Cinnamon increases the conversion of glucose to energy by twenty times. It also blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals. Reduction in the free radical activity, helps to slow down the progression of diabetic complications.

[Frank Woolf]

The mango is known as the King of Asiatic Fruits. It is considered as a valuable item for both diet and a house hold remedy. But in addition it also possesses medicinal properties. Its leaves are of the utmost importance in diabetics. Mango tree has tender leaves which helps in lowering the blood glucose level in diabetics. The fresh leaves of mango are soaked in water for an overnight. Then they are squeezed well in the water before filtering them in the morning. Thus, this prepared infused water is taken every morning to control early diabetes. If patients don’t want to prepared infusion, then the leaves can be dried in shade, powdered and preserved. Half a teaspoonful of this powder is to be taken twice a day that is in the morning and evening.

The mango is of high value in diarrhoea heart stroke, gastrointestinal disorders, etc.

Green or unripe mango contains large amount of starch that disappears completely when the fruit is fully ripe. Green mango is a rich source of pectin.

[Frank Woolf]

In ancient times neem was the most celebrated medicinal plant of India. The leaves of the Margosa tree posses anti-diabetic properties. The juices of these leaves are helpful in controlling the blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Neem is in fact a herbal medicine used for treatment of various other diseases also such as skin problems, worm infections, ulcers, gingivitis, head lice, heart disease, etc.

Other names of Neem are Bead Tree, Holy Tree, Indian Lilac, and Pride of China. Neem is mainly believed to be an air purifier and thus is used as preventive measure against malarial fever and cholera. The use of neem for treatment of diabetes consists of using of about five milliliter of juice of neem on an empty stomach early in the morning. This treatment should be continued for at least three months.

[Frank Woolf]

The leaves of sweet potato are of high value in preventing diabetes, by lowering blood sugar level.

It is highly nutritious vegetable, is pinkish in colour and contains starch contents. Preparation of sweet potato leaves is used in the tea of diabetic patients. About 60 g of fresh leaves or 30 g of dry leaves of sweet potato are mixed with 100 g of fresh skin or 12 g of dry skin of ash gourd. They are then cut into small pieces and boiled in water.

[Frank Woolf]

Some people have reported a significant reduction in blood sugar levels while taking a tablespoon of coconut oil every morning.

Coconut oil has few if any side effects or risks and is not expensive in the Philippines so its well worth trying.