(24-04-12) Top 5 herbs and spices that help lower blood sugar

by Aurora Geib

(NaturalNews) Fruit, bread, cereals and pasta are popular sources of glucose.
Also known as blood sugar, glucose is a vital source of energy for the body. It
is constantly required by our muscles and brain. For optimum performance, our
brain must have a regular supply on hand because it is incapable of keeping a
store for future use. Our muscles, on the other hand, need it for energy when
we engage in physical activity.

Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose but the body can also source it
from proteins and fats as well. Upon breakdown, these foods are converted and
absorbed into the blood. The hormone insulin acts as the key that insures
proper absorption of sugar into the cell. In persons suffering from diabetes,
there is either insufficient insulin or the body does not produce insulin at
all, resulting in increased sugar levels in the blood. Under normal conditions,
sugar levels in the blood rise and fall accordingly as glucose is absorbed into
the cell producing energy.

Normal blood sugar is essential for optimum performance
Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is necessary for the body's overall
health. An erratic blood sugar level can affect the body's performance and can
even lead to complications if left unchecked.

Low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia is a condition where glucose in the
body is way below normal and is indicative of a more pressing health problem.
People suffering from this condition experience shaking, confusion, crankiness,
unusual behavior and sometimes loss of consciousness. This condition is
commonly linked to diabetes. However, irregular eating habits or simply going
on a fast can make blood sugar levels dip. Having some form of sugar or fruit
juice on hand can immediately deal with this problem. However, this is merely a
quick fix and is no substitute for regular, healthy and nutritious meals.

Increased sugar levels, otherwise known as hyperglycemia, may not immediately
cause any damage to the body's organs, but they can produce weakness, thirst, a
need to always urinate and susceptibility to infections among others. Viewed
long term, this condition can develop into diabetes, kidney disease and even
nerve degeneration that commonly leads to amputations. In fact, the
complications of diabetes that is not properly managed can further cause heart
disease and issues with blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels.

Herbs and spices can lower blood sugar
Culturally and traditionally, herbs and spices have a long history of use in
food and its effect to health. In a study by the University of Georgia, it was
revealed that many herbs and spices, being rich in the antioxidant phenol, can
prevent damage and inflammation to tissues caused by high levels of blood
sugar.

According to Associate Professor James Hargrove of the UGA College of Family
and Consumer Services, protein glycation happens when blood sugars are high.
Protein glycation is a process where protein molecules bond with a sugar-
producing advanced glycation end product, otherwise known as AGE products. AGE
products cause inflammation and damage to tissue connected with diabetes and
aging.

The University of Georgia study further discovered that there was a direct
connection between the phenol content in herbs and spices and their capacity to
retard the production of AGE compounds.

Below are some herbs and spices you can consider including in your diet:

1. Cinammon - This herb has been found to have 18 percent phenol content in
dry weight. For type-2 diabetics or those who suffer from insulin resistance,
studies have shown that improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control
can be had for as little as ? teaspoon per day. Improved insulin resistance
helps in weight control and lessens the risk of heart disease.

2. Cloves - This herb contains 30 percent levels of the antioxidant phenol in
dry weight. It also contains the antioxidants anthocyanins and quercetin. This
herb has antiseptic as well as germicidal properties. It also offers anti-
inflammatory, analgesic and digestive health benefits. Clove oil can be used to
for something as uncomplicated as toothaches, headaches, cough and even
indigestion.

3. Oregano - This herb is popularly found in Spanish and Mediterranean cooking
and is sometimes known as marjoram. It adds depth and flavor to any dish and
goes well with tomatoes, eggplant and meat. It has been thought to treat
bacteria and parasitic infection and its oil has been used to treat head lice.
In a recent study, oregano was found to treat giardia - an infection of the
intestines brought about by microscopic parasites - effectively. Herbalists
even recommend it as a treatment for E-coli.

4. Sage - This herb contains phytosterols reputed to have a cooling action.
Herbal medicine practitioners use it to treat uterine bleeding and cramps. A
German study on this herb shows that diabetics who drank infusions of sage on
an empty stomach reduced their blood sugar levels. It is popularly used to
flavor meat and soup dishes and can even be drunk as tea.

5. Garlic - Garlic contains sulfur compounds - specifically hydrogen sulfide
gas - which dilate blood vessels. It is this effect that reduces blood
pressure. This same compounds help in the metabolism of iron and protect
against oxidative damage and even high cholesterol. Garlic can be found in
different types of vegetable and meat recipes and adds a characteristic flavor
in soups and sauces.

Accordingly, stocking up on herbs and spices to season food could highly
affect the medicinal value of a meal without ever increasing caloric content.
For those who are conscious of their calorie intake, this is excellent news.
Plus, herbs can easily be found in any store, making them an inexpensive and
convenient way to manage blood sugar levels. Compared to prescription drugs,
herbs and spices have been consumed for years and have been historically proven
safe with no risk of side effects.

Sources for this article:

http://www.naturalnews.com/027721_sugar_addiction.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080805153830.htm
http://www.organicfacts.net
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/oregano/
http://www.gardeningchannel.com/health-benefits-of-oregano/
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/sage-herbal-remedies.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/031580_garlic_healing.html

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