Preparing your food is a great way to ensure your dieting habits do not interfere with your ability to manage diabetes effectively. It’s also a great way to save money and even allows you to prepare ahead of time. You’ll usually turn your attention to your spice cabinet when making your dishes taste great. Spices are diverse and make it easy to completely change the flavor of food that you are working with, but using the right spices is essential. Our goal in this article is to help you realize which spices are a must for the kitchen of a diabetic.
1. Turmeric
When it comes to spice, turmeric is sometimes viewed as a powerhouse. It’s a ubiquitous spice that we use in curries and other dishes. Additionally, it’s also an excellent colorant. This is a versatile spice that you can use in various ways, and it is thanks to the curcumin in turmeric that it boasts such a large profile of health benefits.
Turmeric seems to offer anti-diabetic properties that are good for both the prevention and management of diabetes. While current research on diabetes is limited to animal studies, one research report explains that in mouse models, curcumin delays the onset of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it has also been found that using curcumin improves the functions of the pancreas at a cellular level and may reduce the resistance that cells in the body have against insulin.
Curcumin also holds several other properties that can offer benefits if you have diabetes. Regularly adding turmeric to your dishes may help to reduce inflammation in your body. Since this is common among diabetics, it yields another area where curcumin will be helpful.
2. Fenugreek
Fenugreek might not be one of the most popular spices in the kitchen, but if you’re a diabetic, it’s definitely one to consider buying the next time you go out to buy groceries. Fenugreek can add a unique flavor profile to the food you want to prepare. It’s easy to work with, too, and can be added to different dishes when you want to utilize its benefits.
In one study, researchers found that consuming fenugreek regularly over a three-year period may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 55%. The spice is also good for those with existing diabetes, as it seems to help lower blood sugar levels and even prevent hyperglycemia.
3. Cloves
Cloves may also help manage diabetes. While they have quite a strong taste, cloves can definitely add a unique element to the flavor of various foods, both savory and sweet.
Cloves do not work directly on the pancreas or have inflammatory responses as some of the other spices. Instead, it plays a role in liver health. What many people do not realize is that the liver actually plays a major role in overall health – and even in diabetes management. The liver is responsible for storing the excess glucose in your body. When it is not functioning as it should, then you may notice high blood sugar levels. This is because the liver can’t effectively store the excess glucose. In one study, researchers explain that the quercetin, gallic acid, and catechins found in cloves seem to help improve and maintain the functions of the liver. Furthermore, the study found that regular use of cloves also seems to improve the efficacy of glycogen-to-glucose conversion in the liver.
4. Oregano
While not the most potent herb or spice in your kitchen cupboard, oregano is certainly worth a mention. It can add a great flavor and aroma to dishes you prepare. The herb goes well over salads and even sprinkles over some sauce or soup.
Oregano’s range of powerful properties is due to the carvacrol antioxidant. Researchers have found that carvacrol may assist in reducing blood glucose levels, even in patients with diabetes. Additionally, an antioxidant seems to play an important role in reducing total cholesterol in the body. Some of the compounds found in oregano have been associated with a protective impact on the enzymes used by the liver, too.
5. Mustard
Mustard is another go-to spice for many recipes. Whether you want to create a unique Chicken dish in a pan or a spicy dipping sauce, this spice has several uses. When you add mustard to your diet on a regular basis, you may also benefit from its potential anti-diabetic effects.
Current research has some limitations, but animal studies have shown that mustard administered frequently helps to reduce blood glucose levels. The great thing about mustard is that it not only produced short-term results, as the lower glucose levels were retained for as long as 25 days.
6. Curry Leaves
While not a spice in itself, curry leaves are another great cooking ingredient for diabetics. In India, these leaves are particularly popular, especially among people with type 2 diabetes. You can place a couple of leaves directly in stews and curries that you want to prepare or cut them up into tiny pieces.
These leaves seem to possess anti-hyperglycemic properties, which can help reduce your blood sugar levels. Apart from blood sugar, curry leaves also have a positive effect on blood cholesterol levels. Studies suggest that curry leaves could serve as a therapeutic option for reducing the risk and the severity of complications associated with diabetes.
Bottom Line
Your diet plays a role in how well you manage diabetes. A diet with beneficial ingredients can stabilize your blood glucose and make you feel healthier. We’ve looked at some of the best spices you should always have in your kitchen, along with the potential benefits they can offer a person with diabetes.