One of the most prominent health trends in recent years is monitoring one’s blood glucose levels. There are a number of tech-linked options available that allow you to do this; however, it is not until you do more investigation that you realise they can be eye-wateringly costly. However, if you are not partial to paying more than you need to, you needn’t look further than nature’s larder.
For the vast majority, the most sensible way to control one’s blood glucose levels is by doing it naturally, and below, Earth’s Secret founder Amy Peacock has offered 5 effective natural ingredients that can help to regulate blood glucose levels naturally.
Amy says, “Combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet, there are certain botanicals and fruits that can positively support our blood glucose levels. Some of the most powerful ingredients are right under our noses, even in our pantries!”
Below are the five clinically studied herbs and fruits, recommended by Amy which can help to stabilise blood glucose levels.
White Mulberry Leaf
White mulberry leaf targets the enzyme responsible for carbohydrate digestion. Studies show[1] that by inhibiting this enzyme’s activity, it reduces the rate at which sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream by 40%, helping to prevent rapid spikes in blood glucose levels.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has long been celebrated for its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. By improving insulin sensitivity, studies show[2] it can reduce sugar spikes after meals, making it a valuable ally for those looking to manage their dietary glucose intake more effectively.
Ginger
A study[3] found that oral administration of ginger powder improved fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetic patients, so it may have a role in alleviating the risk of some chronic complications of diabetes.
Guava
The guava fruit is rich in vitamins C and A, antioxidants, and dietary fibre, contributing to immune system support, improved digestion, and heart health. A study[4] found that guava pulp without peel may have a favourable effect on lipid levels and blood sugar as well.
Fenugreek
A research study[5] concluded that the simple complementary addition of fenugreek seeds can have a synergistic effect along with diet control and exercise on fasting blood glucose.
You can find further tips from Amy, including diet and lifestyle tips to support healthy blood glucose levels, here. In addition, Earth’s Secret is all set to launch a ground-breaking new wellness product, which has been designed to support healthy blood glucose levels. You can keep up-to-date with its release on their website using the link above.
References:
[1] Effect of mulberry leaf or mulberry leaf extract on glycemic traits: a systematic review and meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36644880/#:~:text=Mulberry%20leaf%20(ML)%20and%20mulberry,glucose%2C%20and%20increasing%20insulin%20secretion.
[2] The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38028980/
[3] The Effects of Ginger on Fasting Blood Sugar, Hemoglobin A1c, Apolipoprotein B, Apolipoprotein A-I and Malondialdehyde in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277626/#:~:text=Ginger%20has%20been%20shown%20to%20modulate%20insulin%20release.,insulin%20responsive%20adipocytes%20(31)
[4] Effect of Guava in Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in Healthy Human Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5071920/
[5] A simple dietary addition of fenugreek seed leads to the reduction in blood glucose levels: A parallel-group, randomized single-blind trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954247/