Diabetes is a condition characterized by unruly blood sugar levels, which sets the stage for a host of complications if left untreated. Another key pathology in the condition is the lack of response to insulin, a hormone that facilitates the absorption of sugar in the blood. Nevertheless, There is growing evidence that certain foods can help lower glucose. A drink has been shown to be effective in controlling post-meal sugar spikes within 45 minutes after ingestion.
Lemon juice, which is packed with polyphenols, is often mixed with water to help flush toxins out of the body.
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The drink has been used as an antidote for years, thanks to its antibacterial compounds that carry a series of benefits for the body.
According to a Japanese study, lemon juice can also help reduce untimely spikes in blood sugar.
While the drink may not directly lower blood sugar levels, can prevent levels from spiking after a meal.
Researchers tested the effects of lemon juice on blood sugar to test whether it can reduce glucative stress, a precursor to premature aging and diabetes.
The team discovered that the intake of 100% lemon juice, without additives, can help prevent the progression of the disease.
The researchers hypothesized that the effects could be due to to the citric acid content of lemon juice.
To test these effects, they recruited 12 subjects, all between the ages of 20 and 30, who were divided into three different groups.
The first control group simply ate 200 grams of cooked rice, while a second group received 15 grams of lemon juice, followed by 200 grams of cooked rice.
The third group of participants received 30 grams of lemon juice followed by 200 grams of cooked rice.
Lemon juice mixed with water and all subjects were instructed to eat food within the 10 minutes later to the ingestion of your drink.
All participants had their blood sugar levels measured at zero, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after consumption.
The findings revealed that the group that drank the largest amounts of lemon juice had significantly lower blood glucose levels at 45 minutes, compared to the group that drank nothing.
The researchers also noted that participants who drank lower amounts of lemon juice had lower blood glucose levels than those who drank none.
Nevertheless, the difference was not significant.
Why is hyperglycemia dangerous?
According to the NHS, high blood sugar levels can affect people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
People in these groups are advised to keep their blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.
Mild occasional episodes are usually not a cause for concern and can be treated fairly easily or can return to normal on their own.
«But hyperglycemia [niveles altos de azúcar en sangre] can be potentially dangerous if blood sugar levels become very high or stay high for long periods of time.»
In particular, when hyperglycemia is not treated, it can cause neuropathic changes, which means nerves in the body are damaged.