Diabetes affects millions of people in the UK but eating a few grams of a tasty spice once a day could help in managing some of the problems that the condition brings
Diabetes is one of the most common serious illnesses in the UK with about 4.3 million people currently living with a diagnosis.
It can also be a silent killer with an estimated 850,000 living with the disease and not even knowing it. But now studies have shown that some symptoms of the disease could be helped simply by incorporating more of a certain spice in your diet.
About 90% of diabetes patients have type 2 diabetes and 8% have type 1. In all types of diabetes, glucose can’t get into your cells properly, so it begins to build up in your blood. And too much glucose in your blood can cause a range of health problems.
But one study has now shown that eating ginger can help regulate insulin response in people with the condition and it could also help reduce blood sugar levels. This simple health hack could be a game-changer for many patients around the world.
When we eat food our bodies break it down into glucose molecules which are transported around our body in the bloodstream to power our cells. However people with type 1 diabetes can’t make insulin, the hormone which transports the glucose back out of the blood into the cells, and so glucose builds up in the bloodstream. People with type 2 diabetes either can’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin their bodies make doesn’t work properly.
In the 2015 study people were given two grams of ginger every day over a 12 week period. At the end of the study the researchers found people taking ginger had lower levels of a substance known as HbA1c – a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to a sugar.
They also had less of the proteins that help carry fat and cholesterol through the body, which can be used as biomarkers for heart disease. Levels of Malondialdehyde were also down, which is commonly known as a marker of oxidative stress – bodily condition that happens when your antioxidant levels are low.
An animal study in 2014 saw obese rats with diabetes given a mix of cinnamon and ginger, the study saw reduced body weight, reduced body fat mass, decreased blood sugar levels and increased insulin levels in the rats.
Despite several studies seeming to suggest that ginger could be useful in managing some aspects of diabetes it is important not to overdo it. You should not eat more than four grams of ginger per day – and women who are pregnant should consult their doctor first. Eating too much ginger can lead to side effects such as health /how-get-rid-heartburn-reflux-12583171>heartburn, diarrhea, and upset stomach.
Ginger can also have blood-thinning effects so you should talk to your doctor if you are taking any blood-thinning medications. The spice can also lower blood pressure so consult your doctor if you’re taking any blood pressure medicines.
To get the best effects choose natural, organic ginger root over processed or ginger-flavoured products. Be consistent with consumption, taking it regularly over a period of at least six weeks has shown positive results in managing diabetes but avoid overconsumption, little and often over a long period will yield better results than eating lots all at once.
It is important to note that ginger is not a replacement for prescribed diabetes treatments, you should always consult a doctor in the first instance before changing your treatment or if you think you may have symptoms. You should stop taking ginger if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
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