When the blood sugar level in the body remains higher than normal for a long time, it can lead to hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is a precursor to diabetes, and if not controlled, it is very likely to lead to diabetes. Therefore, once high blood sugar is detected, timely adjustment is needed. So, how exactly can this be corrected? Those with diabetes may be familiar with “metformin,” a common antidiabetic medication that is not only affordable but also effective and widely used in clinical practice.
However, we should not always rely on medication to lower blood sugar, as all medicines have some degree of toxicity. Instead, we should, under the premise of controlling blood sugar, change unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits and engage in dietary adjustments to keep us away from the trouble of high blood sugar. Here, let me introduce to you some natural ingredients that may appear insignificant but function as natural “metformin” when consumed regularly to help gradually lower blood sugar levels.
1. Dendrobium
Dendrobium, known as the “king of the nine immortal herbs,” is a precious Chinese medicinal herb. It is renowned for its functions in nourishing the five viscera, strengthening the stomach and intestines, and reinforcing yin and essence. As our bodily functions gradually decline, brewing a cup of dendrobium tea daily can make your body stronger, leading to improved overall health. It has high nutritional value and serves as a very natural tonic.
2. Mulberry Leaves
Mulberry leaves not only protect the pancreas and promote normal insulin secretion but also improve high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and triglycerides. Therefore, mulberry leaves can effectively prevent diabetes. Rich in alkaloids, mulberry leaf tea contains a special substance called DNJ, which aids in preventing diabetes. Consuming mulberry leaf tea before meals can inhibit postprandial blood sugar elevation.
3. Okra
Okra is an annual herbaceous plant that helps enhance the body’s immunity, promotes gastrointestinal motility, and aids in digestion. Its mucilage secretion has a protective effect on the stomach, increases appetite, and has a unique taste, making it beneficial for high blood sugar. Regular consumption of okra can improve immune function, slow down aging, and lower blood sugar levels, making it particularly effective for diabetic patients with digestive issues.
4. Black Tea
A study by British scientists has shown that black tea can stimulate insulin secretion and lower postprandial blood sugar levels. Additionally, the flavonoids abundantly present in black tea can eliminate free radicals. Adding lemon to black tea has a preventive effect on osteoporosis in diabetic patients. It has antioxidant properties that can reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction.
5. Guava Leaf Tea
Guava leaf tea is rich in chromium elements. Consuming guava leaf tea can effectively lower blood sugar levels and balance blood sugar, thereby reducing the suffering of diabetic patients and preventing complications. Guava leaf tea helps improve glucose tolerance in diabetic patients and those with impaired glucose tolerance, lowers blood sugar and blood lipids, and enhances insulin sensitivity.
6. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in selenium, a mineral that regulates sugar metabolism similarly to insulin. They are suitable food therapy dishes for diabetic and cancer patients, providing long-term benefits. Regular consumption of shiitake mushrooms can boost immunity, delay aging, and reduce blood sugar levels, making them particularly helpful for diabetic patients with indigestion problems.
7. Black Garlic
Black garlic is highly regarded for its nutritional and health value. It contains various substances that can prevent insulin destruction, therefore lowering blood sugar and treating diabetes, benefiting diabetic patients. Black garlic can affect liver glycogen synthesis, increase plasma insulin levels, raise high-density lipoprotein, and significantly reduce atherosclerotic plaques.
8. Bitter Buckwheat Tea
Bitter buckwheat tea promotes the recovery of pancreatic islet β cells, lowers blood sugar and serum cholesterol, improves glucose tolerance, counteracts the blood sugar-raising effect of adrenaline, and also inhibits aldose reductase. It has auxiliary therapeutic effects on patients with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Long-term consumption can lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids.
