Herbs to Lower Blood Sugar and Cholesterol – Health is the most valuable asset. However, with modern stressful lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of physical activity, more and more people are experiencing health problems such as high blood sugar and cholesterol.
Both of these conditions can be the gateway to various dangerous diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, keeping blood sugar and cholesterol levels under control is very important. One natural way that we can do is by utilizing herbs that are known to be able to lower blood sugar and cholesterol.
Best Recommendation Herbs to Lower Blood Sugar and Cholesterol
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not only a kitchen spice that gives a sweet and warm taste to food, but it also has extraordinary health benefits. Research shows that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. In addition, cinnamon also contains antioxidants that can fight inflammation and reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which are often referred to as bad cholesterol.
2. Garlic
Garlic is known as one of the most effective herbal remedies for lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, has the ability to reduce cholesterol production in the liver. In addition, garlic also helps increase insulin sensitivity, so that blood sugar can remain stable. Regularly consuming garlic can help us maintain heart health and prevent diabetes complications.
3. Ginger
Ginger is an herb that is often used to treat various health problems, including high blood sugar and cholesterol. Ginger contains bioactive compounds that can increase glucose metabolism, help insulin absorption, and lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent damage to blood vessels due to high blood sugar and cholesterol.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has a long history in traditional medicine. The active ingredient in turmeric, namely curcumin, has the ability to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Curcumin helps improve the function of the pancreas in producing insulin, so that blood sugar levels can be controlled. In addition, turmeric is also effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and increasing HDL cholesterol levels, which are known as good cholesterol.
5. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are often used in Indonesian cuisine to add aroma and flavor. However, bay leaves also have extraordinary health benefits. Bay leaf extract has been shown to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. These leaves work by increasing insulin sensitivity and inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the body. By consuming bay leaves regularly, we can keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels stable.
6. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon or often called peria, is a bitter vegetable that has extraordinary properties to lower blood sugar. Bitter melon contains charantin and polypeptide-p compounds that have a hypoglycemic effect, namely lowering blood sugar levels. In addition, bitter melon can also help lower cholesterol levels by increasing fat metabolism. Although it tastes bitter, bitter melon is one of the best herbs for our health.
7. Ginseng
Ginseng is a very popular herb in traditional medicine, especially in Asia. Ginseng has the ability to lower blood sugar levels by increasing glucose absorption by body cells. In addition, ginseng is also known to lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels. By consuming ginseng regularly, we can maintain blood sugar and cholesterol balance, as well as increase endurance.
8. Green Tea
Green tea is a drink rich in antioxidants, especially catechins, which have many health benefits. Catechins in green tea can help lower total and LDL cholesterol levels, and increase HDL levels. In addition, green tea also helps increase insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose absorption in the blood, so that blood sugar levels can remain under control. Regularly consuming green tea can provide additional protection against heart disease and diabetes.
9. Fenugreek
Fenugreek or kelabat is an herb known to have properties to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Fenugreek seeds contain soluble fiber that helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates and sugar in the blood, so that blood sugar levels can remain stable. In addition, fenugreek also helps lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL levels. Consuming fenugreek regularly can help us maintain overall health.
10. Amla
Amla, or often referred to as Indian gooseberry, is a fruit rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Amla is known to help lower blood sugar levels by improving pancreatic function and insulin sensitivity. In addition, amla is also effective in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as increasing HDL levels. Consuming amla in the form of juice or supplements can help maintain heart health and control blood sugar.
Conclusion
Choosing the right herbs to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels is an important step in maintaining health. By consuming herbs such as cinnamon, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and others regularly, we can get extraordinary benefits without harmful side effects. However, always consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting to use these herbs, especially if we are taking other medications.