5 foods and spices that can help you tame diabetes

With more than 50 million people suffering from diabetes, India is known as the diabetes capital of the world. There are two primary reasons behind diabetes - one is when our body stops producing insulin and second is when the body does not respond to insulin that is produced by the body. While sugar should be totally avoided in this condition, there are several natural products which can help in loweing the blood sugar levels.

Here are a few natual home remedies which you can use to keep a check on your diabetes:

Also known as Karela, bitter gourd is rich in plant insulin-polypeptide-P, a bio-chemical that mimics the insulin produced by the human pancreas. Thus, consuming karela helps in reducing blood sugar levels in the body. Due to the presence of two very essential compounds called charatin and momordicin, karela assists in lowering one’s blood sugar levels. Consuming karela at least once a week as a curry can help in lowering your diabetes. For quicker results, consume a glass of karela juice twice a week on an empty stomach.

Used as a spice in Indian kitchens, cinnamon is a magic remedy for diabetic patients. Also known as dalchini, the spice improves insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. Consuming as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day can not only control your insulin sensitivity levels but will also keep your weight under control.

Loaded with antioxidants, tulsi leaves contain essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. Together, these compounds help the pancreatic beta cells to function properly. These cells play a role in storing and releasing insulin. You can either directly eat 2-3 tulsi leaves or drink one tablespoon of its juice on an empty stomach to keep a check on your diabetes.

Also called the Indian blackberry, jamun is a superfood which prevents the conversion of starch into sugar. Thus, eating jamun will lower your blood sugar, along with preventing insulin spikes. You can eat 4-5 jamuns every day in the morning or drink a tablespoon of jamun powder mixed in warm water, to keep your diabetes in control.

Also known as ‘alsi’ seeds, flax seeds are high in fiber content. Thus, it aids digestion and boosts the absorption of fats and sugars. You can eat one tablespoon of flax seeds ever morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water. Consuming flax seeds helps reduce a diabetic’s postprandial sugar level by almost 28 percent.