Type 2 diabetes: Are Drumstick or Moringa leaves the best home remedy to lower blood sugar levels?
Studies have shown that Moringa oleifera or drumstick contains beneficial antioxidants and bioactive compounds that can help treat and prevent diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cancer.
Type 2 diabetes management: Are Drumstick or Moringa leaves the best home remedy to lower blood sugar levels?
Type 2 diabetes management: Are Drumstick or Moringa leaves the best home remedy to lower blood sugar levels?
New Delhi: You may have heard that drumstick or Moringa oleifera leaves can help maintain blood sugar levels, making it an effective natural remedy to manage diabetes. The plant, often referred to as the miracle tree, has been used for centuries owing to its health benefits. Studies have shown that moringa oleifera contains beneficial antioxidants and bioactive compounds that can help treat and prevent diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, respiratory and skin problems. The moringa tree, which is native to India, is also known by other names such as horseradish tree or ben oil tree.
Type 2 diabetes is a major global public health problem that can lead to serious complications if controlled poorly. The condition raises blood glucose (sugar) levels, also known as hyperglycaemia, which may cause damage to the eye, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels. Keeping blood sugar along with body weight under control through a combination of a healthy lifestyle and standard treatment is an important part of diabetes management. Studies show certain herbs and spices blood sugar-lowering properties, and one such being drumstick leaves. Take a look at how this plant can be useful in controlling diabetes.
Can Moringa leaves help treat diabetes?
Various studies showed effects of moringa leaves on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetes patients and animals, indicating that the plant can be used as a natural way to combat the disease. One study involving 30 women reported that consuming 7 grams of moringa leaf powder everyday for three months helped reduce fasting blood sugar levels 13.5 per cent, on average.
Similarly, another small study found that using moringa leaves - about 50 grams - in a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by some 21 per cent. However, it may be noted that more work is required before making any solid recommendations.
Research showed that plant compounds such as isothiocyanates in moringa can help reduce body weight, improve glucose tolerance and insulin signaling in mice fed very high-fat diet (VHFD) supplemented with 5% moringa concentrate (MC). The results also revealed that these mice did not develop fatty liver disease compared to VHFD-fed mice.
It is claimed that moringa can help reduce the amount of sugar in the blood, as well as glucose and protein in the urine, which may help treat diabetes.
Benefits and risks of Moringa leaves
Moringa oleifera is has been used in traditional herbal medicines for many years. The plant is believed to offer many benefits and its uses range from beauty to preventing and curing diseases - such as asthma, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, digestive issues, etc.
Moringa leaves are packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are good for your health. However, consuming it is not recommended for pregnant women as moringa may possess anti-fertility qualities. If you have diabetes and are considering using moringa, we suggest you discuss it with your doctor first. more