Natural drinks to lower blood sugar
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Natural Drinks to Lower Blood Sugar
Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. Recent research has highlighted several natural drinks that can help lower blood sugar levels. These drinks often contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, dietary fibers, and other plant-based nutrients that contribute to their hypoglycemic effects.
Apple and Blackcurrant Polyphenol-Rich Drinks
Polyphenol Combinations and Blood Sugar Reduction
Apple and blackcurrant polyphenol-rich drinks have been shown to significantly reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. A study involving healthy men and women demonstrated that drinks containing a combination of apple polyphenols and blackcurrant anthocyanins effectively lowered blood glucose concentrations after a high-carbohydrate meal. The reduction in blood glucose was attributed to the inhibition of intestinal glucose transport.
Dose-Dependent Effects of Apple Polyphenols
Further research confirmed that even lower doses of apple polyphenols could reduce early-phase postprandial glycemia. This effect was observed without significantly affecting the peak and total glycemic response, indicating that apple polyphenols can be effective in managing blood sugar levels even at lower concentrations.
Functional Beverages with Vegetable and Fruit Extracts
Anti-Diabetic Potential of Functional Beverages
Functional beverages made from various fruits and vegetables have shown promise in managing diabetes. These drinks can inhibit enzymes like α-glucosidase and α-amylase, which are involved in carbohydrate digestion, thereby reducing blood glucose levels. Additionally, these beverages have been found to improve insulin tolerance, lipid profiles, and reduce oxidative stress, making them a viable natural therapy for diabetes management.
Blackcurrant and Citrus Polyphenol Drinks
Drinks containing blackcurrant and citrus polyphenols, along with dietary fiber, have also been studied for their effects on postprandial glycemia. While blackcurrant extracts alone were effective in reducing early postprandial glycemia, the addition of citrus polyphenols and fiber did not significantly enhance this effect. However, these combinations did show some benefits in terms of cognitive function and appetite regulation.
Sweet Tea (Lithocarpus polystachyus) and Dihydrochalcones
Hypoglycemic Effects of Sweet Tea
Sweet tea, rich in dihydrochalcones such as trilobatin, phlorizin, and phloretin, has been reported to have significant hypoglycemic effects. Animal studies have shown that sweet tea can lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin resistance, and reduce oxidative stress. These findings suggest that sweet tea could be a beneficial natural drink for managing diabetes.
Inulin-Type Fructans from Chicory
Reducing Postprandial Glycemia with Inulin
Inulin-type fructans, derived from chicory, are non-digestible carbohydrates that do not contribute to glycemia. Studies have shown that replacing glycemic carbohydrates with inulin or oligofructose in foods can significantly reduce postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses. This makes inulin-type fructans a valuable ingredient in functional drinks aimed at lowering blood sugar levels.
Breadfruit Leaf Functional Drinks
Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Properties
Functional drinks made from breadfruit leaves, sweetened with a combination of aspartame, acesulfam k, and sorbitol, have demonstrated high antioxidant capacity and low glucose levels. These properties make breadfruit leaf drinks a potential natural option for managing blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.
Buckwheat and Seaweed Drinks
Hypoglycemic Activity of Buckwheat and Seaweed
Drinks made from bitter buckwheat and seaweed, combined with xylitol, have been found to lower blood sugar and blood pressure. These ingredients help in the recovery of pancreatic function, making such drinks beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Conclusion
Natural drinks containing polyphenols, dietary fibers, and other bioactive compounds from fruits, vegetables, and herbs show significant potential in lowering blood sugar levels. Apple and blackcurrant polyphenol-rich drinks, functional beverages with vegetable and fruit extracts, sweet tea, inulin-type fructans, breadfruit leaf drinks, and buckwheat and seaweed drinks are all promising options for managing blood sugar naturally. Incorporating these drinks into the diet could be an effective strategy for individuals looking to control their blood sugar levels through natural means.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic