High blood sugar or diabetes causes many health problems and if you have any other existing health problem, diabetes can make it worse. Be it cholesterol or blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to these complications apart from affecting the organs. Hence it is very important to keep the blood sugar level under control. Diet plays an important role in controlling blood sugar and to control diabetes, you can include some things in your diet apart from medicines. One such item is Moringa oleifera, commonly known as drumstick.
Priya Palan, Dietician, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur (Mumbai) shares how moringa can help control diabetes. “Due to its high nutritive value, every part of the tree is used. It contains many bioactive constituents, including vitamins, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, isothiocyanates and tannins, which have been shown to have enormous health benefits,” says Priya Palan.
High Blood Sugar: Effects of Moringa on Diabetes
Palan suggests that moringa may act as an anti-diabetic agent. “It enhances insulin activity and improves glucose uptake and utilization. It regulates oxidative stress and lowers blood sugar. Studies have shown positive effects on blood sugar levels, insulin levels, and overall blood sugar control.” have supported the use of moringa with,” she says. ,
Also read: High Blood Sugar: 7 Low Glycemic Index Fruits That Diabetics Can Enjoy Without Worries
How Moringa Helps Treat High Blood Pressure
Apart from diabetes, moringa is also good for people with high blood pressure. Moringa contains quercetin which has anti-hypertensive properties, says Palan. She adds, “It reduces stress on the heart and helps stabilize blood pressure. It contains compounds that help prevent the thickening of the arteries that can lead to high blood pressure.”
How to include Moringa in daily diet
Experts point out that our Moringa Powder has an earthy flavor that can be added to a wide variety of dishes. However, Palan says that adding small doses of it up to 1 teaspoon daily is recommended as overuse can cause side effects.
• It can be used in smoothies, soups and sauces
• Can be used as a sprinkle on salads
• Added to hummus
• Can be infused with tea and hot water
• Used with other spices to make dry chutney
Caution: “Pregnant women and people taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin should avoid moringa. Before adding moringa, it is important to consult a health expert for its use,” says Palan.