Widely Used Herbs to Cure Diabetes

Herbs have been used for centuries as natural cures for diabetes. Individuals who have incorporated them in their diet while following a healthy lifestyle (proper diet, rest and plenty of exercise) have found that they are far more effective in treating their condition than prescribed medicines.

The following are some of the most effective natural cures for diabetes:

BITTER MELON: Bitter melon (also known as bitter gourd) contains several compounds that increase insulin-like activity and control Type 2 diabetes by increasing the amount of glucose that enters the cells.

• Bitter melon juice taken on an empty stomach goes a long way in fighting diabetes.
• This herb can be cooked as a vegetable.
• When eaten raw (as a salad), it provides the body with plenty of nutrients, besides ensuring diabetes control.
• Dietary supplements containing bitter melon extracts can also be used.

CINNAMON: This is one of the most effective natural cures for diabetes. Not only does cinnamon help increase insulin receptivity (by affecting the number of insulin receptors in the body), but it also acts like natural insulin and lowers blood sugar. LDL cholesterol (specifically), serum glucose, triglycerides and the total cholesterol count in Type 2 diabetes patients have been known to dip after they have made it a point to take cinnamon in some form daily.

• Cinnamon tea is the best way to enjoy the beautiful aroma and medicinal properties of this herb.
• Cinnamon powder can be added as a flavoring agent in any low fat and low sugar food item
• Supplements containing cinnamon are available in the market.

GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE: This Indian herb has hypoglycemic properties and helps prevent and fight both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It contains a compound which enhances the activity of the pancreas and boosts insulin production naturally. It is also known to reduce glucose uptake by the intestines and lower fasting blood glucose levels.

• Gymnema acts best when used in combination with other natural cures for diabetes like chromium, calcium citrate and other herbs.
• Fresh leaves of this plant can be brewed to prepare tea.
• Herbal supplements containing gymnema sylvestre with other herbal extracts are available readily.

BANABA: Banaba plants mostly grow in the Philippines, Australia and India. This herb is known for stimulating glucose uptake by the cells and for having insulin-like properties. Studies show that banaba is one of the most effective natural cures for diabetes. The active compounds present in this herb help diabetic patients lose weight as well. It is in fact known as “plant-insulin”.

• Banaba leaves can be taken orally.
• The most common way of consuming banaba is in the form of dietary supplements in combination with other minerals and herbs that help fight diabetes.

GARLIC: Garlic is a highly recommended herb for diabetes treatment. It is widely available, has a brilliant flavor, and contains one of the most amazing compounds, allicin. This active compound is known to reduce blood sugar levels, LDL levels, and the risk of health complications associated with diabetes. It also increases insulin serum in the blood.

• Garlic can be consumed raw with other vegetables.
• Using garlic abundantly in soups or other dishes will enhance the taste and also provide medicinal benefits.
• For those who dislike the strong odor or taste of this herb, supplementary pills are a great option.

Using natural cures for diabetes may take a little perseverance on the patient’s part, but it surely eliminates the harmful side effects of allopathy drugs.

Top 11 Health Benefits of Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is the male part of a flower that is essential for fertilization. The pollen in the flower, collected by worker bees, is compacted into large granules. These are stored in the bee’s hind legs and are transported to their hives. A powerhouse of nutrients, bee pollen contains all essential amino acids, enzymes, 40% proteins, 28 minerals (zinc, selenium, iron, sodium, copper, potassium, and magnesium), 10 vitamins (Vitamins of the B group, C, D and K) and 14 essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Top 11 Health Benefits of Bee Pollen Especially recommended for vegans, vegetarians and people that avoid certain foods, bee pollen offers the following benefits.

1. It is better than several other health supplements as it comprises everything required for a well-balanced diet. It is also the best antidote for processed foods.
2. It increases immunity, the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and also reduces stress. Additionally, it offers relief from constipation and diarrhea, and also reduces hyperactivity.

Natural Treatments for Diabetes -- Focus on Diet!

Natural treatments for diabetes are being recommended by many healthcare professionals even as they dole out prescriptions to the millions affected by this chronic illness. High blood sugar levels cannot be controlled by medications alone. Lifestyle and dietary changes are integral parts of diabetes management programs.

Experts and researchers are now looking into natural treatments for diabetes to find long term and sustainable solutions as medications are taking their toll on people. Weight gain, increased risk of heart disorders, anemia, headaches and persistent dizziness are some of the common adverse effects of diabetes medications.

As much of a cliché the adage "You are what you eat" is, there can be no escaping the magnitude of the truth of this statement. Diet is one of the primary criteria on which natural treatments of diabetes are based. The following list includes all such items which should be eliminated from your diet as the first step toward a healthier and diabetes free life:

• Sugar -- It goes without saying that when the problem is with the body being unable to convert the sugar into glucose, it is time to curb the sweet tooth.
• Refined flour -- Processed wheat is stripped off all fiber content and most of its essential nutrients before reaching the shelves as "all-purpose flour". It is a simple carbohydrate which is immediately converted into sugar by the body. Diabetic patients are already overloaded with sugar and would be wise in staying away from white bread, pizza, pasta and all such products manufactured with refined flour.
• Sodium -- Though sodium is not directly linked to diabetes mellitus, it increases water retention and causes high blood pressure. Processed foods, mayonnaise and cheese are high in sodium content.
• Saturated fat -- Fried foods, processed products, clarified butter, and certain oils are not good for diabetic patients.
• Starch -- Starchy vegetables should be avoided as far as possible. The list includes potatoes, carrots, beet, peas, squash and parsnips.
• Animal products -- Meat and dairy products are high in fat and are known to increase bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Individuals with high blood sugar may find the long list of restricted food items unnerving. However, when seeking natural treatments for diabetes, they must remember that nature abundantly caters to all. Here is a list of foods that diabetics can enjoy:

• Insoluble fiber lowers the risk of diabetes to a large extent. Soluble fiber reduces cholesterol levels. Whole wheat, bran, cereal seeds, nuts and fruits, when consumed with their skin or roughage, provide the much needed amount of insoluble fiber.
• Soluble fiber is present in oats, barley, dried beans and citrus fruits.
• Leafy vegetables can be eaten raw as salads or blended into fresh vegetable juices. They provide the body with complex carbohydrates and are low in sugar.
• Herbs like green tea, oolong tea, and ginseng tea can be used as substitutes for sugary drinks that include fruit juices, colas and the likes. They are known to reduce blood sugar levels and also detoxify the body.
• Garlic is known to add flavor, act as a detoxifier, and lower sugar levels.
• Protein should be included in the diet in the form of soybean, egg yolk, fish, kelp and spirulina.

Whether or not a patient is using natural treatments for diabetes or medications, nicotine and alcohol consumption must be avoided at all costs.