Anti Diabetic Food

Diabetes is one of the major health problem faced by the world. According to World Health Organization (WHO) 8.5% among adults over 18 years old are diabetic.(1) It shows an increase of 4.7%  compared to 1980. 1.6 million death in 2016 was estimated caused by diabetes.(1) It is one of the top 10 causes of death in 2016. 

High blood triglyceride (fat) level, high fat and carbohydrate diet, high alcohol intake and obesity are some of the causes of diabetes.(2) Obesity and inactive lifestyle is said to be the main causes of diabetes.(2) Hence what we can do to prevent or manage diabetes? One of the effort we can do is to change our diet into a healthier diet. It is by consuming more healthy food and follow the food pyramid. This means we have to eat more vegetables especially green vegetables and also fruits. And eat them in moderation. Below are some of the food that is good for diabetic people.

Bitter Gourd
Avicenna in his Canon wrote that bitter gourd can be used to treat diabetes. Is is also one of the food which are famously related with treating diabetes. The smaller variety of bitter gourd is said to be more effective in treating diabetes. Just make it into green juice, or eat them raw with rice or steam it. However bitter gourd has a very bitter taste, maybe that is how it got its name. To reduce the bitterness of bitter gourd, slice it thinly and soak in salted water in about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. 

Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek is an ancient herb and spice that has been used widely in culinary and medicine. It has a strong smell and flavor. Usually it is used in cooking curry, rice and some traditional dessert (in Southeast Asia). It is also widely used in other parts of Asian region. The method of consumption is eating the powdered version of it or making the Fenugreek Tea by soaking it in hot water. The amount of fenugreek seeds needed per intake or daily is unknown, but for me I took 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds and make it into tea daily, only when I got sick such as headache and uncomfortable stomach. It does work for me, as I feel comfortable and lesser pain after 2 or three intake of the tea. 

Cucumber and Green Apple
Some people believes that diabetes can be managed by drinking cucumber and green apple juice. And so my aunt. She blends half of a cucumber and apple and makes it into green juice. A glass a day. 

Mango Shoots and Leaves
Some people in my village consume Mango Leaves Tea to manage their diabetes. It is said that this tea is strong and must be consumed scarcely, for example once in 2 weeks. It may cause a sudden drop in sugar level in the body. An always go to the doctor to check your diabetes level. The method is to take a few (maybe 3) mango leaves(young leaves or shoots) and boil it in low heat for and hour. Then drink it. 

Butterfly Pea Flowers and Lemongrass
Butterfly Pea is widely believed to be a medicine for diabetes. An auntie told my neighbor that her diabetes level decreased by consuming butterfly pea  and lemongrass tea. Just take a handful of butterfly pea flower and 3 stalks of lemongrass and boil them in low heat for 2 hours. The lemongrass must be bruised before being boiled. Then drink the tea, once a week. 

Lady's Finger Tea
Lady's Finger or Okra tea is said to be effective to treat diabetes. Cut and boil okra and drink the tea. It might be a little bit thick as okra release its thick liquid when cut. The tea is also believed to be effective in treating knee joint pain among elders. 

Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables such as mustard, spinach and kale are believed to be effective in managing and preventing diabetes. Take some portion of green leaf vegetables in your diet to prevent diabetes and ensure sufficient amount of nutrients taken for your daily health. 

These are some of the food which are believed to be effective in treating and preventing diabetes, among the society. Some other foods which are also believed to be good for treating diabetes are Roselle Leaf, Pennywort, and Pepperomia Pellucida. 

There are a number of researches done on some of these food which are mostly plants, on their effects in treating diabetes. Some of these research are here, here and here. One can try to take these foods as an alternative method in reducing and preventing diabetes and it is be taken on the individual risks. Hence precaution must be taken while consuming those alternative medicine / food such as trying in a very small and small batch first, and gradually adding the amount if it is found to be effective, and no other problems are experienced by the patient. 





References :
1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
2. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-causes#1

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