You have probably researched the subject of diabetes through many publications and other information avenues which all tell you that the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a diabetic is proper diet, an active lifestyle, and taking the necessary medications.
Without a doubt, these are indeed very key items to living well and preventing complications that may arise from your diabetic condition. However, what many books fail to include is the fact that there are herbs and plants that may also help you if you have diabetes.
Below are just the few examples of the natural foods that nature has provided that may aid you in the quest for a healthy diabetic lifestyle:
1. Banaba Leaf: The banaba leaf shows great promise towards the treatment of diabetes. Banaba leaves contain a compound known as corosolic acid which has been shown to activate the transport of glucose into the cells. The result is lower blood sugar. The suggested amount of banaba leaf is approximately 48 mg daily. Try to purchase the oil based extract of this herb as it is shown to absorb easily and provides the most effect.
2. Garlic: Garlic is an amazing food and its benefits have been demonstrated within all types of viruses and disease. For the diabetic, garlic can help in lowering your cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides. Garlic also helps to normalize blood pressure which is a vital concern for diabetics that are insulin resistant.
You can purchase garlic supplements at most health food stores and even in some standard grocery stores. If you do decide to purchase garlic supplements, then look for those that contain the equivalent of a single clove of garlic for every serving.
The good thing about garlic is that you do not have to spend money on supplements. Garlic can be eaten by roasting it, cooking it in your recipes, or mixing it with a delicious salad dressing. You can even add it to your juicer recipes and extract the liquid.
3. Fenugreek: Fenugreek is another herb that is partial to a person with diabetes. Having extra fiber in your diet has extremely healthful benefits when coping with this disease and fenugreek is chocked-full of soluble fiber. In addition, the seeds of this plant (which is edible) have been shown to lower levels of blood sugar.
4. Essiac: Another amazing herb combination that diabetics should look into is called essiac. This herbal combination is made up of sheep's sorrel, slippery elm, burdock root, and Indian rhubarb root. It has been used as a form of therapy for cancer patients since as far back as the early 1920s. The tea that you can make from essiac has been known to lower blood sugar levels and minimize the need for medications for people that suffer from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
