7 Herbal Remedies to Supplement Your Diabetes Diet

1. Cinnamon

A literature review in the Nutritional Journal found daily cinnamon supplementation between 500 milligrams and 6 grams over periods of 40 days to four months improved blood sugar control among adults with diabetes and prediabetes[4].

A Diabetes Science Technology study stated that aqueous cinnamon extract can have a 20-fold impact on the efficiency of insulin in individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, "higher than any other compound tested at comparable dilutions"[5].

2. Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has long been used for diabetes treatment in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. One journal article in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine stated turmeric could "favorably affect" many diabetes complications, including insulin resistance, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and necrosis, concluding additional research on this natural remedy was "badly needed"[6].

Another study confirmed that turmeric supplementation offers "antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties" that could alleviate diabetes symptoms and impede the development of complications[7].

3. Green Tea

Consuming green tea (Camellia sinensis) may enhance your diabetes diet, since epidemiologists have linked this natural remedy to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes development or complications.

One literature review cited a link between long-term consumption of green tea and a 33 percent lower risk of diabetes, smaller waist measurements and lower body fat[8]. A BMC Pharmacology study confirmed the antidiabetic effect of green tea, hypothesizing that a "certain serum protein" may contribute to lower blood glucose[9].

4. Ginger Root

A relative of turmeric, ginger root (Zingiber officinale) may have a positive impact on diabetes symptoms and complications. One double-blind 12-week study administered 2 daily grams of ginger to patients with type 2 diabetes, finding improvement in the participants' "fasting blood sugar, A1c and cholesterol[10]. Research also supports the combination of metformin and ginger extract for limiting diabetes complications, especially the prevention of kidney damage[11].

5. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a natural compound synthesized by plants, found naturally in certain foods, including red wine, grapes, blueberries and pistachios. One study on non-obese mice found that it improved function and energy expenditure at the cellular level[12]. Researchers state resveratrol could be useful either "alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic drugs" [13].

6. Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia serrata is a diabetes diet supplement derived from the bark of trees found in India, the Middle East and North Africa. One study established that this natural remedy can lower blood glucose, prevent diabetes-related complications of the liver and kidney, and potentially improve fetal outcomes during diabetic pregnancies[14]. Researchers have also found that Boswellia serrata has minimal negative effects but can cause a "remarkable decrease" in cholesterol and fructosamine (a measure of blood sugar control)[15].

7. Berberine

Berberine is a compound derived from plants such as European barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape and phellodendron. It has been researched and used as a potential natural remedy for diabetes for the past 30 years[16, 17]. Researchers have found no serious risks associated with the inclusion of Berberine in a diabetes diet, linking it to lower blood glucose and cholesterol[17]. An additional study corroborated its positive impact on glucose and suggested Berberine may also improve gut microbiota health[18].

Sources:

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4609100/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2901047/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3857752/

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4393385/

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3689013//

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC517497/

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277626/

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4205991/

[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4160010/

[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4160010/

[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941871/

[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3929136/

[16] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1126-berberine.aspx?activeingredientid=1126&activeingredientname=berberine

[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3478874/

[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4377488/