Gymnema sylvestre is a plant with a thousand properties, used as a natural Ayurvedic remedy. Let's find out its uses and benefits
The Gymnema whose botanical name is Gymnema sylvestre is a woody climbing shrub, native to India and Africa. It has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic medicine, and the Hindi name gurmar means "destroyer of sugar".
The reason? Gymnema has effects on diabetes, and more; indeed, it also acts on the metabolic syndrome, on the weight loss and on cough. It is also used for treat malaria and how antidote for snake bite, is a digestive stimulant, ha laxative effects, and is an appetite suppressant as well as diuretic. (Read also: Diabetes: the herb that lowers blood sugar and reduces blood sugar by 29%)
Index
Gymnema sylvestre: what it is
La gymnema sylvestre is a climbing plant which contains substances that reduce the absorption of sugar from the intestine. Can also increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is where insulin is produced.
Its leaves have been used in ancient Indian medicine for thousands of years; in fact, it has long been also a traditional remedy to treat various ailments, including diabetes, malaria and snake bites. This herb is thought to inhibit the absorption of sugar and, for this reason, it has become a subject of study in Western medicine.
sylvestre gymnema: benefits
Reduces the craving for sugar
Gymnema sylvestre can help reduce cravings for sugar. One of the primary active components of this plant is gymnemic acid, which helps suppress sweetness. When consumed before a sugary food or drink, thegymnemic acid blocks the sugar receptors on the taste buds.
La search shows that Gymnema sylvestre extracts can reduce the ability to savor the sweet taste. In one study in fasting individuals, Gymnema extract was administered in half. Those who received the supplement had less appetite and less craving for sweet foods at the next meal, and were more likely to limit their food intake than those who did not take the extract.
Helps reduce blood sugar levels
According l 'World Health Organization, more than 420 million people around the world have the diabetes and this number is bound to increase.
Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. It is caused by the body's inability to produce or use insulin effectively. Gymnema sylvestre is believed to have antidiabetic properties. How supplement, it has been used in combination with other drugs to lower blood sugar. It is also called gurmar, which in Hindi means "destroyer of sugar".
Similar to its effects on the taste buds, Gymnema sylvestre can also block receptors in the gut and thus the absorption of sugar, lowering post-meal blood sugar levels. Scientific evidence on blood sugar lowering abilities is insufficient to recommend the plant as a standalone diabetes drug; however, the research shows strong potential in this direction.
Studies suggest that consumption of 200-400 mg of gymnemic acid reduces the intestinal absorption of glucose. In one study appeared to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. The study concluded that the reduction in blood sugar after a meal resulted in a decrease in average blood sugar levels over time. This could help reduce the long-term complications of diabetes.
For people with high blood sugar or high HbA1c, this plant can help reduce fasting, post-meal and long-term blood sugar levels.
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It can help increase insulin production
The role of the Gymnema in the insulin secretion, and in cell regeneration it may also contribute to its blood sugar lowering abilities.
Higher insulin levels mean that sugar is cleared from the blood at a faster rate. If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, your body tends to not make enough insulin or your cells become less sensitive to it over time, which results in consistently high blood sugar levels. Gymnema sylvestre can stimulate the production of insulin in the pancreas, promoting the regeneration of insulin-producing cells.
Improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Gymnema sylvestre can help reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides. In one study Gymnema extract helped maintain weight and suppressed fat accumulation in the liver. Another study found that Gymnema extract has a anti-obesity effect and also reduced blood fat levels and "bad" LDL cholesterol. Furthermore, a study in moderately obese people showed that the extract of this plant reduced triglycerides and bad cholesterol by 20,2% and 19%, respectively. In addition, it increased levels of "good" HDL cholesterol by 22%.
High levels of "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides are risk factors for heart diseaseAnd; therefore, the positive effects of Gymnema sylvestre can help reduce the risk of developing such diseases.
It can help in weight loss
It has been shown that Gymnema sylvestre they help in weight loss. A study three weeks showed a reduction in body weight. Also, another one study out of 60 moderately obese people taking a Gymnema extract showed a 5-6% decrease in body weight, as well as reduced food intake. By blocking the sweet receptors on the taste buds, the plant can make you eat fewer sweet foods and consume fewer calories, leading to weight loss.
Helps reduce inflammation
Inflammation plays an important role in the body's healing process; some of them are good, for example when they help protect the body from harmful organisms in case of injury or infection. At other times, however, the inflammation can be caused by the environment or the foods you eat. However, thechronic inflammation it can lead to various health problems; studies have confirmed the link between excessive sugar intake and increased inflammatory markers.
The ability of the Gymnema sylvestre's reduce the absorption of sugar in the intestineIt can also help reduce inflammation caused by excessive sugar intake. Additionally, the plant appears to have anti-inflammatory properties, probably thanks to its own content of tannins and saponins, i.e. beneficial plant compounds. The leaves of the plant are considered immunostimulants, as they can regulate the immune system by reducing inflammation.
People with diabetes not only suffer from high blood sugar and insulin resistance, but they may also have reduced antioxidant levels, which in turn contribute to inflammation. Thanks to his anti-inflammatory propertiestherefore, it can help diabetic and high blood sugar patients also by fighting inflammation.
How to consume it
The Gymnema sylvestre comes traditionally consumed as tea or by chewing on the leaves. In Western medicine, it is generally taken in pill or tablet form, making it easier to control and monitor the dosage. It can also be ingested as an extract or leaf powder.
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dosage
Il dosage recommended depends on the form in which it is consumed:
- Tea: boil the leaves for 5 minutes, then steep for 10-15 minutes before drinking.
- Powder: Starts with 2 grams, increasing to 4 grams if no side effects occur.
- Capsule: 100 mg, 3–4 times a day.
If you're looking to use it to block the sugar receptors on your tongue, take a water supplement 5-10 minutes before a sugar-rich meal or snack.
Obviously, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before taking it. Also, although it appears to improve blood sugar and insulin levels, it is not a substitute for diabetes medications.
Effetti collaterali
Although its effects on blood sugar are quite positive, the combination of sylvestre gymnema with other hypoglycemic drugs can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.
This can lead to other side effects, such as headaches, nausea, tremors, and dizziness. Supplements should not be taken at the same time as hypoglycemic medications, including insulin injections. Be sure to speak to your doctor before taking this supplement; also, it should not be taken with aspirin or St. John's wort, as it may increase its blood sugar lowering effects.
Gymnema sylvestre is considered safe for most people, but it is not recommended for children, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.
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