The relevance of diet in managing diabetes is indisputable. Scientific studies have linked specific foods and herbs to lower blood sugar levels. One such herb which is similar to cloves and can be taken in seed, bread or supplement form has been shown to positively effect insulin levels to lower blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek seeds have been found to help lower blood sugar levels.
The seeds contain fibre and other chemicals which help to slow down digestion while also reducing the body’s absorption of carbohydrates and sugar.
They have also been found to improve how the body uses sugar and increases the amount of insulin released.
Few studies support fenugreek as an effective treatment for other health conditions.
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One study published in the National Library of Medicine, fenugreek bread as a possible treatment for diabetes was further investigated.
A bread which was incorporated using fenugreek was tested for its taste acceptability and its effect on carbohydrate metabolism.
Eight diet-controlled diabetic subjects were served two slices (56 g) and 5 percent fenugreek.
Blood glucose and insulin were tested periodically over four hours after consumption.
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The tests were run on two occasions one week apart, once with the fenugreek bread and once with regular bread.
“The area under the curve for glucose and insulin was lower in the fenugreek condition, but only reached significance with insulin,” noted the study.
It continued: “The bread maintained fenugreek’s functional property of reducing insulin resistance.
“Acceptable baked products can be prepared with added fenugreek, which will reduce insulin resistance and treat type 2 diabetes.”
Fenugreek is a source of many a nutrients such as folic acid, riboflavin, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, Vitamin A, B6, C, K among other things.
“Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fibre that modulates postprandial blood sugar levels by delaying the absorption of sugar within the intestines,” said Doctor Angeli Mishra, Director of Lifeline laboratory.
She added: “They even have an aminoalkanoic acid called 4-hydroxyisleucine that’s known to possess anti-diabetic properties insulin secretion as well as insulin sensitivity due to the presence of amino acid. It also contains 2-oxoglutarate molecules which have an insulin-stimulating effect.”