Know the five best plants to grow for people diagnosed with diabetes. This article will tell you how these five plants can help in diabetes management.
5 Plants to Grow At Home for Diabetic People
As one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders, diabetes requires attention and thorough health management in order to keep its life threatening complications at bay. Diabetes can either be inherited or could be acquired from an unhealthy lifestyle. Either way, diabetes requires continuous treatment and medication to be regulated. Regrettably, drugs have been known to have side effects. Prolonged use of any medication can ultimately lead to degradation and irreparable damage to the major organs of the body. People diagnosed with diabetes are more susceptible to organ damage due to their drug maintenance for diabetes management.
The rising number of patients succumbing to the complications of diabetes caused many researchers to look for natural alternatives or plants to grow for diabetic people that might be helpful in diabetes management or could help alleviate the increasing damage that diabetes causes.
In the recent years, researchers have made progress in uncovering several potential alternatives towards dealing with diabetes. The studies they have conducted lead us to the discovery of the wonders several plants can do to people diagnosed with diabetes.
It might come as a surprise, but most plants that have been deemed useful in diabetes management can be easily found. This is, without a doubt, a great gift for anyone struggling to deal with this metabolic disease.
Stevia rebaudiana – The Sugar Lover’s New Best Friend
Stevia rebaudiana (more commonly known by its many other names such as sweet leaf, sugar leaf, and candy leaf) is an herbaceous leafy plant native to South America. It is one of the best plants to grow for diabetic people. It has been used as a natural sweetener for so long in the Midwestern part of Latin America. Its leaves are naturally sweet and were found out to have more sweetness than the table sugar. Freshly picked candy leaves are usually infused in drinks such as coffee, tea, and fruit-based beverages.
Leaves of Stevia rebaudiana are now processed to increase shelf life and to promote its use. It is commercially available as a low-calorie natural sweetener in white powder form with the trade name ‘stevia.’ This product helps diabetics enjoy sweetness in food without the risk of glucose surge.
The “Sweet” Benefits from Bitter Melon
Momordicin, a chemical compound that gives Momordica charantia (bitter melon) its distinct bitter taste is known as an agent that catalyzes insulin production by stimulating the activities of the beta cells in the pancreas. The abundance of momordicin in bitter melon is what makes it a popular antidiabetic plant. In fact, a study shows that ointment made from Momordica charantia helps accelerate the wound healing of the diabetic patient.
Aloe Vera – The Refreshing Anti-diabetic
Aloe vera is a known miracle worker that has been popularly used in the cosmetics industry. It does not only keep the hair and skin healthy; it is also believed to have antidiabetic properties. Aloe vera is an excellent plant to grow for diabetic people since it is rich in polysaccharides. These polysaccharides aid in pancreatic beta cell regeneration which ensures proper insulin production. In other words, intake of aloe vera extract catalyzes the secretion of insulin in the pancreas. Normal insulin levels prevent hyperglycemia, which helps those people who experience insulin resistance.
Justicia secunda as a Colorful Cure for Diabetic People
Justicia secunda is a sunshine-loving flowering plant that is cultivated for its medicinal properties. The flowers of this plant come in different lovely colors. Justicia secunda is abundant in anthocyanin– a flavonoid that can activate phosphorylation of insulin receptors which then result in better absorption of glucose by the cells and organs. Blood sugar levels stabilize when the organs begin to absorb and utilize glucose.
Image source: Plants of the Eastern Caribbean
The Anti-diabetic Properties of Custard Apple
Soursop is an ideal plant to grow for diabetic people. Both the fruit and leaves of this plant have phenolic compounds that act as an enzyme inhibitor. This is important since some enzymes in the digestive system break down starch or carbohydrate in foods into several forms of sugar. If these sugars don’t get absorbed by the organs, they will ultimately lead to hyperglycemia. The phenolic components found in soursop slows down the enzymes that digest carbohydrates and producing sugar.
The Use of Plants in the Health Management of Diabetic People
Gardening has been proven to be therapeutic. It is an excellent form of light exercise that, basically, anyone can perform. In the case of diabetic patients, gardening can be so much more than therapy. In the recent years, researchers have sworn by the extraordinary benefits from some plants to grow for diabetic people. What’s more is, these anti-diabetic plants are easily available and can even be grown in your very own garden.
These plants contain so many other nutrients that can help you maintain your bodily functions. The effort and attention you put into these plants will have a lasting effect on your body and overall health.
Hi there! I’m Lucy – founder of GardenAmbition.com and I’m a self-confessed garden fanatic. Gardening has always been a passion of mine and will always be my favorite pastime. Now that I am married and have one adorable son, I have the time to write and share my personal experiences with other garden enthusiasts like me.