There are a large number of scientific researches that confirm the effectiveness of plant foods in managing diabetes. Through the centuries, more than 400 plants have been identified, used, and prescribed as natural remedies for diabetes.
Raw onion and garlic are the commonly used anti-diabetic drugs in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Common mushroom is also widely used in parts of Europe to lower blood sugar. Other foods used in the treatment of diabetes include beans, cabbage, cinnamon, coriander seeds, cucumber, fenugreek seeds, Indian gooseberry, jambul fruit and lettuce.
All these foods possess anti-diabetic properties. Scientific research has confirmed that most of these foods either lower blood sugar or promote insulin production. Below are some of the important foods that help to lower blood sugar or stimulate insulin production in diabetes patients.
- Artichoke
Artichoke is also used in the treatment of diabetes because of its high insulin content. A fully ripe artichoke is believed to contain more than two percent of insulin. Ripe artichokes are usually available only during autumn or fall. The insulin is converted into sugar in winter. Artichokes are most efficient when eaten raw in salads.
- Brewer's Yeast
Brewer's yeast is rich in traces of mineral chromium. This mineral helps the pancreas to produce more insulin. It is a leading supports for normal handling of sugar by the body.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is also an effective anti-diabetic food. It is high source of chromium, a trace mineral that seems to lower blood sugar. This trace mineral regulates blood sugar, thus reducing the medication and insulin needs of diabetes.
- Bengal Gram
Bengal gram, also known as chick pea, is a valuable anti-diabetic food. Experiments have shown that the intake of the water extract of Bengal gram increases the utilization of glucose in diabetics as well as normal people.
- Black Gram
Black gram is also an anti diabetic food. Germinated black gram taken with half a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice forms an effective remedy for treating mild types of diabetes. It should be taken once a day for 3-4 months with a restricted intake of carbohydrates. Milk prepared by grinding sprouted whole black gram is also beneficial for diabetics.
- Curd or Yoghurt
Curd introduces friendly bacteria in to the digestive system that stimulate the pancreas. It washes the pancreas of its acids and wastes. This cleansing action enables the pancreas to perform much better and thereby help in the production of insulin.
- Apple
This sub-acid fruit is one of the most valuable fruits that has been found beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Pectin is a natural therapeutic compound found in the inner portion of the rind and the pulp. It helps in detoxification of the body by supplying the galacturonic acid needed for the removal of certain harmful substances. This food element decreases the body’s insulin requirements by approximately 35 percent.
Read information about Diabetes Herbal Treatment. Also find effective Herbal Remedies for Diabetes.
