Our country has been undergoing a huge transition over a period from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases seen among the people of varied age groups, in which the body doesn’t process the insulin properly resulting in increased blood glucose level. Among the two types of diabetes mellitus, the most prevalent type is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (about 90% of population) where our body cell slams its door for insulin and glucose. In other words, cells become insulin resistant that signals the pancreas to produce more amount of insulin and make them worn out on a longer run.

No wonder India is considered as diabetic capital of the world because more than 50 million people are diabetic, says the report of International Diabetic Federation 2009 which is actually higher than the incidence of COVID-19 but we still pay no heed to it. Some people also have this vague idea that it could be managed through taking pills but the question is how long would you be taking the medications? That in actual fact taxing the functions of the organs. Diabetes is a lifelong disease that could be managed or reversed not only through different brands of meds but with the proper lifestyle strategies that includes exercise, proper dietary regime along with certain herbs and supplements that do wonders in bringing the outcome we yearn for. So here are top five herbs that may benefit people with type 2 diabetes.

FENUGREEK

Fenugreek otherwise known as “Methi” is a common Mediterranean herb which is seen in every Indian household. As much as it is known for enhancing the sensory quality of our food, it is also very well known for its medicinal qualities. Seeds of fenugreek possess several properties such as antibacterial, cholesterol lowering, galactagogic (promoting lactation), antidiabetic, hepato-protective and anticancer. The antidiabetic and cholesterol lowering effect of fenugreek seeds is attributable to its high soluble dietary fibre content and presence of alkaloids such as trigonelline, which slackens the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Multiple studies have been conducted to analyze the promising and potential benefits of fenugreek in bringing down the sugar level in type 2 diabetic individuals. Now the question that pops up in our mind is, how and when to consume it? Fenugreek seeds can be consumed as sprouted, soaked or powdered form. Adding 15 gm of fenugreek powder to your meal helps to reduce the post prandial sugar level to a quite extent. Since the seeds have a bitter taste, it is advisable to sprout them as sprouting makes it less bitter and can be consumed everyday in an empty stomach.

MILK THISTLE

The next most potential traditional herb that does wonders in people with type 2 diabetes but less commonly known is milk thistle. The seeds of milk thistle contain an array of phyto components called flavonolignans which speeds up the sugar and cholesterol lowering effects. It gained popularity in recent times because of its intrinsic antidiabetic effect owing to the component called silymarin. Additionally, it also prevents the lipid accumulation by stalling the lipogenic factors which is mainly considered to be a real culprit behind insulin resistance. The extract of milk thistle is consumed in the form of supplements that are commercially available. The other way we can include this wonder herb in our diet is by roasting the seeds of it and topping it over the salads and smoothies. Before consuming this herb, it is always crucial to consult a Natural medicine practitioner as this herb may be allergic to certain people and may interact with antidiabetic drugs.

TANNER’S CASSIA

It is called as Cassia Auriculata botanically and colloquially named as Avarampoo, a perennial shrub whose flowers are widely used to keep a check on the soaring glucose level in type 2 diabetic individuals. These flowers are rich in antioxidants providing an additional hydrogen ion to bind with reactive oxygen species that demodify the insulin receptors causing resistance to these hormones. It also brings about the hypoglycaemic action by bearing a stimulatory effect on pancreas in secretion of insulin. Long story short, it helps to downregulate the process of lipogenesis and oxidative stress which has been considered as a fundamental problem of metabolic syndrome including type 2 diabetes mellitus.

GINGER

Ginger is an underground rhizome, which has been a saviour to treat a variety of symptoms particularly nausea, vomiting, pain, indigestion and so on. What if I say, it also helps to alleviate your diabetes? Yes, you read it right. Ginger has the potential to dwindle the glucose level in pre-diabetic and diabetic individuals. It has been demonstrated in research, administering 2g of ginger powder for 12 weeks caused significant reduction of HbA1c, FBS, Apo- B (carriers of bad cholesterol). It also possesses bioactive substances namely gingerol, shagaols, and a number of terpene compounds that bear an effect on metabolic oxidative stress induced by hyperglycaemia, taking the edge off further complications. As said earlier, the phenolic components of ginger play an indispensable role in inhibiting certain liver enzymes, slowing down the breakdown of hepatic glycogen storage. Doesn’t it sound interesting? An easily available herb would make our anti-diabetic journey better.

SALACIA RETICULATA

It is an indigenous shrub lately proven to have a beneficial effect on body’s function as hypoglycaemic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic as well as chemo protective. The primary component of this herb is salacinol, a molecule that works on the cellular level to thaw the accumulated fat and transports it to the liver for metabolism. As a matter of fact, high visceral fat is the main cause of insulin resistance by the release of pro-inflammatory molecules remodelling the function of insulin receptors. Various studies were also conducted with the extract of this herb that lowered the level of fasting and postprandial glucose level. Being one of the most important contents of Atmantan Naturals DIASOLVE, it does wonders in people with type 2 diabetes in lowering the glucose level.

There are also other herbs which would help such as garlic, Indian Kino etc., but one thing we should fathom, each body and its functions are unique. It is a must to seek proper guidance from a medical practitioner to know which herb and supplements really suit you. Drugs are not always a go to solution as it works only on a superficial level without addressing the root cause and on a longer run it will tax all the vital organs. Natural herbs no way harm your body and will expunge the root factor of the condition. Atmantan Naturals, a curated collection of herbal supplements helps to reset the balance and it’s known for bridging the nutritional gap your hectic lifestyle has brought in. Type 2 diabetes is a multi-factorial and most gruelling disease, so it’s high time we shake a leg and change your lousy lifestyle into a healthier one. Your body would thank you later.