SMOWTION


Thursday, February 7, 2008

Herbs for Diabetes-Part IV

Stevia is derived from a South American shrub Stevia rebaudiana.A good quality leaf is estimated to be 300 times sweeter than canesugar, or sucrose. Also known as honey leaf and yerba dulce, stevia is not absorbed through the digestive tract, and is therefore non-caloric. This is a huge find for a person with diabetes. Steviais not only a natural substitute for sugar but it also carries medicinal properties. Preliminary evidence suggests that it maylower blood pressure, prevent or reverse diabetes and possessanti-viral properties.

Herbs for Diabetes-Part III

Banaba, also known as Crepe Myrtle, Queen's Flower and Pride ofIndia, is a medicinal plant that grows in India, Southeast Asia andthe Philippines. Banaba Leaf extract contains a compound known as corosolic acid, which has been reported to safely lower blood sugar levels. By keeping blood sugar and insulin levels in check, Banabahelps control food craving, which is extremely important to diabetics! This also makes it very useful for anyone who wants to lose weight.
In humans with Type 2 diabetes, Banaba extract, taken for 4-8weeks, has been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels (5% - 30% reduction) and maintaining tighter control of blood sugar fluctuations. In one study, subjects who took the supplement over a twenty-two-week period had a 30% drop in bloodsugar levels. They also averaged a weight loss of 3.2 pounds per month without changing their diet. For some people, fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin are related to appetite, hunger andvarious food cravings - particularly craving for carbohydrates suchas bread and sweets. By keeping blood sugar and insulin levels incheck, Banaba helps people to lose weight safely and quickly. At suggested doses, no adverse side effects are expected from Banaba.

Herbs for Diabetes-Part II

Gymnema sylvestre is originally an Indian vine widely used inAyurvedic medicine. It is also found in Northern Africa. It is grown commercially in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.Gymnema Sylvestre is also known as the "sugar destroyer".
Many studies of Gymnema have been carried out. The results of the studies show us the following:Gymnema Sylvestre:- Reduces or removes the sense taste of sweetness for several hours- Reduces the absorption of glucose into the blood stream - Increases insulin production by the pancreas - by repairing tissue- Reduces blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterolThese effects make Gymnema sylvestre a powerful and essential tool in helping you control your blood sugar.Gymnema is a remarkable herb which can be a huge benefit both tothose who truly want to cut down their consumption of sweet foods and those with blood sugar issues.

Herbs for Diabetes-part I

Clinical trials have showed that fenugreek contains a substance that helps to control blood sugar levels and increased insulin productionin people with type 2 diabetes. The fenugreek plant grows wild from the eastern Mediterranean area to China; it is cultivated worldwide. The seeds of fenugreek are used as a spice and the leafs are used as an herb. The seeds are commonly used in Indian cuisine.
Fenugreek, which has comparable antidiabetic potency to cinnamon,is one of the most valuable spices for the control of glucosemetabolism and thus the prevention and treatment of Type IIdiabetes. Owing to its many properties it helps in the preventionand treatment of diabetes in several ways.Working in a similar way to the common antidiabetic drug glibenclamide, fenugreek lowers cellular insulin resistance and controls blood glucose homeostasis. It has been shown to lowerblood glucose levels of Type II diabetics by as much as 46 percent.As an added bonus, fenugreek seeds are a very rich in a type of dietary fibre that modulates post-prandial blood glucose levels by delaying the absorption of sugar in the intestines. This mucilaginous fiber also reduces the absorption of fat and cholesterol from the intestines thus providing additional protection against heart disease and obesity. Fenugreek has a strong modulating effect on blood lipid levels andcan substantially reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. In diabetics,who usually suffer lipid imbalances, it has demonstrated a remarkable ability to lower cholesterol, triglycerides and LDLlevels while raising HDL levels.