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Gymnema Sylvestre - Lower Your Blood Sugar Level!
Gymnema sylvestre is best known for its apparent ability to lower blood
sugar levels. Although, gymnema sylvestre has also been used to treat a
number of conditions. Results from case reports and studies in humans and
animals suggest that it may work in several ways to help control both type 1
and type 2 diabetes as follows ...
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Dulls the sense of taste for sweet foods by chewing on the leaves of gymnema sylvestre.
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Decrease the amounts of sugar that are absorbed from foods
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May promote the production of insulin by the body
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May even prompt the pancreas to develop more beta cells – the source of
insulin
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May also make body cells more responsive to the insulin that is available
Gymnema sylvestre is a member of the milkweed family. It is a woody climbing
plant that is native to the tropical regions of India. The leaves are used
in herbal medicine preparations and is known as "periploca of the woods" in
English. In Sanskrit it is known as mesbasringi (meaning "ram's horn").
For years people in India with diabetes have chewed the leaves to help
control blood sugar levels. A few small studies have indicated that the
extract may actually lower blood sugar levels. There have been animal
studies done that also support this use. The studies indicate that gymnema
can double the amount of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and return
blood sugar levels to normal.
As good as this may sound, people with diabetes should not abandon proven
ways to manage the disease. They should still eat a healthy diet, exercise
regularly, and use medications if needed. It is critical that you follow
your doctors instructions and always consult them before supplementing with
gymnema sylvestre. |
