Benefits of ginger for diabetes - Controls blood sugar, improves insulin, reduces weight and more
Ginger is a super-food which can cure just about anything - from an upset stomach, weight loss, heart problems to a common cough and cold. Ginger has benefits even for diabetic people. Read on to find out!
New Delhi: Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, is one of the most widespread diseases across the country. Around 70 million Indians are diabetic, which is one of the highest records in the world. While there is a lot of information available regarding what to eat and not, and what to do to control blood sugar levels, there are certain foods that are considered superfoods when it comes to diabetes.
Ginger is another superfood that comes to your rescue in almost every health situation – whether you have a cold, cough or heart issues, ginger is great for your health. Is ginger also a great food option to include in the diet of a diabetic? Let's find out!
Reduced weight
According to an animal study, conducted in 2014, it was recorded that ginger helps in reduction of weight which is extremely important for diabetic people as weight gain can lead to worsening of symptoms of diabetes. Ginger water and ginger tea have been popular for a long time for weight loss diets.
Decreased blood sugar
The same study recorded that blood sugar levels were also affected, and in fact reduced with the use of ginger. Drinking ginger tea, ginger water, or just adding ginger to your diet in any way can help control blood sugar better. Another study in 2015 revealed that ginger powder is known to reduce fasting blood sugar levels.
Better insulin levels
Ginger is also believed to increase insulin levels and secretion of the same from the pancreas, leading to more breakdown of sugar in the blood and reducing symptoms of diabetes.
Protection against heart diseases
Diabetes is a disease that can also affect the heart and cause problems like hypertension. According to a 2016 study, ginger can also protect the heart against such problems that diabetes invites to the party.
Possible negative effects
Though ginger is mostly considered healthy for diabetic people, it is better to consult your doctor before including ginger supplements in your diet since it can mess with the functioning of the diabetes medication they are on and create problems like low blood sugar.