Following some lifestyle changes and dietary modifications Type II diabetes can be controlled to a larger extent; added to it is the exploitation of the benefits from medicinal plants. But, continuous monitoring of blood glucose level is an important aspect of controlling diabetes.
1. The powder of Banaba or Jurul extract can be used to make herbal tea. It is rich in Corosolic acid, which is a potent biochemical compound that stimulates faster glucose metabolism. That may help to regulate blood sugar level.
1. The powder of Banaba or Jurul extract can be used to make herbal tea. It is rich in Corosolic acid, which is a potent biochemical compound that stimulates faster glucose metabolism. That may help to regulate blood sugar level.
English: The blue circle is the global symbol for diabetes, introduced by the International Diabetes Federation with the aim of giving diabetes a common identity, supporting existing efforts to raise awareness of diabetes and placing the diabetes epidemic firmly in the public spotlight. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
2. Berry and seeds of Jamun, Neem leaves, Amla or the Indian goose Berry are very
effective in managing sugar levels. Leaves of Tulsi and Bel along
with Neem can be boiled together; filtered for extract and consumed.
3. Pear is rich
in potassium and loaded with fibre; and low in carbohydrates. It can
be added to spinach to fix hunger pangs.
4. Cabbage has
a low glycaemic index, i. e. 10; which is very diabetes friendly. It
is also a rich source of vitamin C and K.
5. Colourful
berries, red strawberries or indigo coloured blueberries; or any
berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, fibre and are low-carb.
So can be added to breakfast.
6. Despite the
fact that an orange contains sugar, it also contains other compounds
that help control blood glucose, which makes it good for a diabetes
patient. The soluble fibres absorb water and form bulk as get
digested; can slow the sugar absorption.
7.Beans: Kidney
beans, black beans or lentils have been shown to have immense health
benefits for a diabetic. They are low fat, low calorie and high
protein. They make one feel full decreasing appetite; so less food
intake that prevents weight gain.
8. Green, leafy
and fresh spinach is extremely low in calories and carbohydrates. In
fact, spinach is one of the rare things that a diabetic can eat
almost freely.
9. Apple is low
in calories and carbohydrate content and good for perfect snack. It
contains a lot of fibre, vitamins and antioxidants; very helpful to
diabetes.
10. Okra
(Lady’s finger): Like brinjals and oranges, the presence of soluble
fibre in okra makes this vegetable one of the best things diabetics
can eat.
11. Brinjal is
non-starchy, low in carbohydrate and contains soluble fibre.
12. Cherries
have a low calorie count and a minimal carbohydrate level; and high
in antioxidants.
13. Green tea
is nothing less than a miracle cure for ailments. Consuming a cup of
unsweetened green tea regularly will rid the body of free radicals
and let the antioxidants, contained within, normalize the blood sugar
levels.
15. Vinegar is
an excellent dietary compound responsible for diluting concentrated
sugar-levels in the blood. Studies have shown that two spoonfuls of
vinegar before a meal can reduce the glucose influx.
16. Natural
fruit sugars are the best options as dietary supplements, since they
provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals required; adequate
intake of Vitamin A and C maintains blood and bone health. Fresh
citrus fruits like oranges, apples, pineapples, grapes and lemons are
very good. Bananas can be consumed in moderation, since their sugar
structure is more complex than that of citrus fruits.
17. Proper
exercise is the key element in maintaining optimum health. Studies
have shown that exercise improves the blood flow and clears sugar
levels in the blood. This results in higher metabolism and lower
risks of diabetes.
18. Soy
proteins are one of the miracle cures for reducing diabetes among
crucial patients. The isoflavones contained in them reduce the sugar
content in blood and keep the body nourished, while accumulating much
fewer calories, when compared to other foods.
19. Studies
have shown that moderate exposure to sunlight boosts the physical
synthesis of vitamin D, which is essential for doing away with
insulin resistance in the body.
20. Fresh
vegetables are rich sources of iron, zinc, potassium, calcium and
other essential nutrients. These nutrients restore the balance and
aid in overall cardiovascular and nervous health. This prompts the
body to assimilate proteins and produce insulin in an optimum level.
21. Lean meats
are great substitutes for non-vegetarians under diabetes risk. The
high protein content is essential to sustain physical well-being,
since fats and high-carbohydrate diets are out of the question.
22. Powdered
cinnamon, apart from spicing up your foods, has the ability to lower
blood sugar levels, as well. Take a pinch of cinnamon with warm water
every day and kiss diabetes goodbye.
23. A good
night’s sleep is as essential for proper health, as food or
exercise. Studies have shown that adults sleeping for 7-8 hours every
night have experienced lesser chances of contracting diabetes in the
long run, than those who sleep for fewer hours. The science behind it
claims that sleep calms the brain and facilitates the normal hormone
secretion. Lack of sleep upsets the normal hormonal balance.
24. High
metabolic rates are highly conducive in maintaining blood-sugar
levels and nothing keeps metabolism more fired up than consuming
small portions, frequently. Studies have shown that frequent meals
result in greater absorption of nutrients and lesser deposition of
fat. Without fat deposition, the insulin secretion is normalized.
25. Fenugreek
or Methi seeds are considered the most effective of natural cures
that can help alleviate typical symptoms of diabetes. Methi seeds
should be soaked in water overnight. The water concentrated with the
seeds’ juice should be consumed early in the morning on an empty
stomach. For making this natural concoction stronger, the seeds can
be crushed and sieved through a cloth or filter paper.
26. Juices of
fruits and vegetables like Bitter Gourd or Karela enriched with
antioxidants and many rare micro-nutrients are the most recommended.
27. An
effective, natural concoction for diabetes can be prepared by adding
a few teaspoons of ground Bay Leaf (Tejpatra) with one teaspoon of
turmeric. This mixture should be mixed with an equal amount of aloe
vera gel and consumed daily, before lunch and dinner.
28. Another
useful way of managing diabetes is increasing the daily intake of
fiber in the natural form. This includes increasing the fibre content
in chappatis that tend to be eaten with regularity in Indian homes.
A slide show in Yahoo Lifestyle can be accessed here.
A slide show in Yahoo Lifestyle can be accessed here.