KEY POINTS
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term disease that prevents your body from using insulin the way it should. About 1 in every 10 Americans suffer from this disease and individuals above 45 years of age are more commonly encountered by it. When left untreated, it can lead to fatal health conditions including heart diseases and stroke. Early lifestyle interventions are important to keep blood sugar levels under control.
Secret ingredient: Stevia Leaf Powder
A 2016 study reported that stevia can be safely used as an anti-diabetic herb or sweetener substitute. They also highlighted that the herbal powder helped prevent heart diseases in patients with long-term diabetes.
A 2018 study conducted on rat models reported that stevia could stimulate insulin production when given in large doses.
Several other studies have also suggested that stevia leaf powder has rich antioxidant properties and if used as a dietary supplement, it helpsloweringblood sugar levels, improvingsatiety, reducingkidney damage andhunger.
Stevia extracts are derived from plant species stevia rebaudiana which is native to Brazil and Paraguay. It is a nonnutritive sweetener which is considered as an alternative to sugar. Apart from being a wise choice for weight management, stevia also contains several ingredients that are capable of affecting ones blood sugar levels.
As long as it is consumed in moderate amounts, stevia does not cause any adverse effects. The FDA has recognized purified stevia products to be generally safe for consumption. But be informed that stevia products contain certain additives which might cause side effects including bloating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramping, and other digestive problems.
Some other artificial sweeteners with FDA-approval include advantame, neotame, acesulfame, aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin. Foods containing artificial sweeteners still contain calories and carbohydrates and people should check nutrition labels before buying such products. But stevia is a sugar substitute with almost zero calories. But you shouldnt rely entirely on stevia to control your blood sugar levels. You need to take stevia alongside regular physical activity and practice other healthy lifestyle habits also.
Excessive hunger, thirst or fatigue is a typical sign of type 2 diabetes. Other signs include dry mouth, frequent urination, blurry vision, headaches, unintentional weight loss, itching around the genitals, frequently getting thrush, longer wound-healing time.
Stevia leaf powder can help reduce blood sugar levels Photo: 13082, Pixabay
Originally posted here:
Type 2 Diabetes: Include This Green Powder To Your Food To Lower Your Blood Sugar Readings - International Business Times
