Natural Help for Diabetics in a Cup of Tea

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a major cause of health deterioration, is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, resulting from either insufficient production or ineffective action of the hormone insulin. The number of people affected by diabetes is rising due to aging, urbanization, obesity, and physical inactivity. Consequently, DM has become a global health issue, with its prevalence increasing worldwide. It was reported that 463 million people worldwide had diabetes in 2019, and this number is expected to reach 578 million by 2030 and 700 million by 2045.

Plants are the most important source of natural remedies used in traditional treatment methods. Today, about 25% of all medications are derived from medicinal plants. Therefore, research on medicinal plants has significantly increased in recent times.

Leading research has shown the positive effects of bean pods (Fabaceae syn. Legumiosae), nettle (Urtica dioica), mulberry leaves (Morus nigra), blackberry leaves (Rubus fruticosus), mint (Mentha piperita), and chicory (Cichorium intybus) on blood sugar metabolism.

Bean pods have been a part of the Mexican diet for over 7,000 years, and they were brought to Europe by the Spanish, after which they spread to the rest of the world. This delicious vegetable is extremely low in calories and fat and contains no cholesterol. They are rich in fiber, and just one serving can satisfy your daily protein needs. The compounds released by the pods create a combination of acids that help the liver reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. For many patients, bean pods help regulate diabetes symptoms. Research has shown that bean pods have a hypoglycemic effect on people with diabetes, allowing them to naturally manage and maintain blood sugar levels. Consuming legumes successfully controls the existing condition and prevents diabetes in its early stages. Bean pods have a low glycemic index and provide a feeling of fullness by slowing the release of ghrelin, a hormone that signals hunger to the brain.

Nettle is a type of wild edible plant that mostly grows in neglected areas in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. It has been used in folk medicine for over 1,000 years due to its medicinal properties. The ancient Greeks used it for massage to treat rheumatic conditions. Nettle has been known as a medicinal plant since ancient times, helping with digestive problems, and the flavonoids it contains help maintain health and protect against diseases by strengthening the immune system. Among micronutrients, nettle is rich in calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins C and A. It also acts as a diuretic (helps eliminate water and toxins from the body) and antihemorrhagic (causes hemostasis, or stops bleeding). Nettle is rich in plant chemicals called polyphenols, which have shown potential for treating breast and prostate cancer. Plants like nettle also contain powerful antioxidants, substances that protect the body from aging and cell damage. In addition to polyphenols, nettle contains pigments, beta-carotene, lutein, and luteoxanthin, which may act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects. Nettle has also shown some promising effects on blood sugar levels by helping the pancreas produce or release insulin. A 2013 study found that nettle leaf extract lowered blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin in a group of people with type 2 diabetes.

Mulberry leaves are a well-known natural remedy for lowering and regulating blood sugar levels, and they are often used in tea blends for diabetics. Mulberry leaves reduce blood glucose levels and have antioxidant activities and α-glucosidase inhibition. The beneficial effects of mulberry leaves in treating diabetes are not limited to their hypoglycemic effect but also include the prevention of liver and kidney tissue damage associated with diabetes. Strong inhibition of the α-glucosidase enzyme may be the mechanism contributing to their anti-diabetic effect.

Blackberry leaves contain 8-14% tannins, flavonoids, and organic acids. Thanks to this composition, blackberry leaf tea protects against many diseases caused by oxidative damage. It has a sweet and very drinkable taste. It is used for acute diarrhea problems and for rinsing the mouth. Due to its composition, it also positively affects blood sugar levels by inhibiting the α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes.

Mint leaves are full of nutrients like vitamins A and C, along with minerals like calcium and magnesium. They are rich in iron, potassium, and manganese, which help improve digestion and brain function. Thanks to its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, mint helps protect your body from oxidative stress, a type of cell damage caused by free radicals. Mint contains rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, which may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose absorption. Moreover, mint is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetics. Additionally, the natural aroma and flavor of mint can enhance the taste of food without the need for added sugars, making it a healthier option for individuals watching their carbohydrate intake.

Chicory is also one of the medicinal plants traditionally used to treat diabetes. The hypoglycemic effects of chicory were observed in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), where a dose of 125 mg of plant extract per kg of body weight showed the strongest hypoglycemic effect. Moreover, daily use of chicory in diabetics reduces serum glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

Where can you find all these medicinal plants in one place?

I recommend the “Šećerko” Diabetic Tea, which contains all the mentioned medicinal plants that grow in the heart of the Neretva River Valley, in the beautiful Mediterranean climate and the karst terrain of Herzegovina.

Look for this extremely valuable tea via the link https://pcelarstvo-kresic.com/ and get natural help for diabetics in a cup of tea! Of course, the therapy prescribed by your doctor will still be necessary, with the possibility of reducing the dose of antidiabetic medications.