It's a common story. Your doctor diagnoses you with Type II diabetes, dashes off a prescription,
and sends you home with the advice "Take your meds, don't eat sugar, and lose
some weight!
The quick fix of glucose-lowering drugs, of course, works. But they come with a cart-full
of side effects ranging from weight gain to constipation.
Why not start with the most simple solutions first? There are proven all-natural "food cures"
in your kitchen right now, that have been shown to have a lowering effect on glucose levels.
The Pumpkin-pie Surprise
Turns out that cinnamon-yes the same spice used in pumpkin pie-has been hiding a
diabetes-fighting secret in its sweet bark.
Researchers, led by Dr. Richard Anderson, uncovered a connection between cinnamon
and glucose levels when they found a group of 30 Type II diabetics who were given cinnamon
capsules for 40 days saw a significant decrease-a drop of anywhere from 18% to
29%-in their blood-sugar levels. Participants also saw drops in triglyceride, LDL cholesterol,
and total cholesterol levels.
This diabetes fighter's insulin-like effect, cheap cost, and easy availability makes it a
good choice for anyone wanting to shield himself against diabetes.
The Pickling Prodigy
Fenugreek is native to southeast Europe and west Asia. The plant's small seeds are used in
pickling and to spice food and can often be found inMiddle Eastern and North African dishes.
Studies have shown that fenugreek can help stabilize blood-sugar in diabetics. In one
double-blind placebo-controlled study, 25 Type II diabetics were randomly divided into
two groups and given either a fenugreek-seed extract or a placebo for two months. At the
end of the testing period, the researchers determined that those receiving the fenugreek
wound up with improved glycemic control and a decrease in insulin resistance. As a happy
side benefit, you may find that the spice improves your cholesterol levels as well.
You can get fenugreek in seed, capsule, powder, and gum forms. A word of warning, however:
Fenugreek can sometimes work so well that it drops sugar levels too drastically. Besure to talk to your doctor before trying it.
The Mustard Miracle
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and is native to South Asia. The stems of the
plant are ground into a deep yellow-orange powder that is often used in curry dishes and in
mustards.
Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory effect, and several animal studies have shown it to
lower blood-sugar levels. The active ingredient in it is curcumin, and it is believed that this
ingredient is the part of the spice that has shown promise in lowering glucose levels. One
animal study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research found that
mice that were given curcumin had lower blood-glucose levels and even lost weight.
All signs point to its being a useful spice for diabetics. Start adding it to your favorite
dishes today.
The Soft-drink Stunner
Ginger has been used in Asia for over 3,000 years both as a spice to flavor foods and as a
medicinal herb. And, of course, it is the spice used in fizzy ginger ales. Several animal studies
hint at ginger's ability to lower blood-sugar as well as serve to ward off metabolic syndrome,
a condition that often precedes Type II diabetes.
One recent animal study, published in the journal Basic & Clinical Pharmacology &
Toxicology, concluded that there is indeed evidence to support using ginger to ward off
metabolic syndrome. Another study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, found
that ginger led to better glucose tolerance.
You can get fresh ginger at your grocery store. It can be added to dishes ranging from
salad dressings to pasta. You may also find ginger-root supplements your local drugstore or
natural-food store.
get your Free 10 ways to beat diabetes from the link below.
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