Diagnoses of diabetes have increased significantly in the last 15 years, with one in 10 adults over the age of 40 thought to have the disease in the Western world. Additionally, obesity rates are growing at exponential rates, which the researchers predict will will drive a significant increase in the number of diabetes cases.
Although the risk factors for diabetes are numerous, there is no doubt that the dietary choices play an important role in the condition.
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Some studies have found that herbs, particularly basilthey could have strong protective effects against disease.
While the chances of reversing diabetes are slim, some health experts suggest that there’s a possibility.
Originating from India and commonly found in Southeast Asia, basil leaves can significantly help lower blood glucose.
One study, published in the Macedonian Journal of Medical Scientistsinvestigated the effect of basil in diabetic rats using an extract of the herb.
The blood glucose of the rodent was measured before and after the induction of the extract, at week one and week four.
The results revealed that basil had a significant lowering effect on blood glucose levels.
The researchers noted: «Ethanol extract from basil leaves showed good results in the reduction of blood glucose and advanced glycation end products in diabetic rats».
These findings were echoed in another study on rodents, whom extracts of holy basil were also administered.
At the end of the 30-day study, the researchers saw a decrease in 26.4 percent lower blood sugar levels.
Basil has been shown to also targets metabolic stresswhich might help with weight loss and cholesterol levels.
Other studies have suggested that the herb might improve pancreatic beta cell function and the insulin secretionand further increase the glucose uptake by muscle cells.
One, in particular, showed that grass significantly improved spikes in blood glucose levels after eating.
The researchers noted that the leaves appeared to have properties hypoglycemicwhich have been shown to lower blood sugar levels and help prevent diabetes complications.
This could be key to treat the long-term effects of high blood sugar.
A study published in Journal of Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that holy basil showed benefits in lowering blood sugar.
The study included a group of 90 men, all diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the start of the analysis.
The results obtained from both animal and human studies could have particular relevance for people with prediabetes, which refers to levels abnormally high blood sugar levels that are not yet high enough to qualify as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes describes what happens when the body’s secretion of insulin is blocked.
Many of the acute effects of the condition come from nerve damage which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.