Diabetes poses a major health problem globally and is one of the top five leading causes of deaths; 72.96 million people in India are said to live with diabetes.
Neem is a very well-known medicinal herb that has proved to be effective in controlling blood sugar levels. Here is everything you need to know about the role of Neem for diabetes. Let’s read in detail.
Contents:Neem (also called Indian Lilac and botanically, Azadirachta indica) is a tropical plant well-known for its antiseptic and healing properties. Due to its therapeutic potential, almost all parts of the Neem tree like the flowers, fruits, roots, leaves, seeds and bark are used as an important ingredient in many medicines.
One cup (35 grams) of Neem leaves contains:
Calories | 45 kcal |
Protein | 2.48 gm |
Carbs | 8.01 gm |
Fat | 0.03 gm |
Calcium | 178.5 gm |
Iron | 5.98 mg |
Fiber | 6.77 gm |
Neem leaves are loaded with glycosides, triterpenoids, antioxidants and flavonoids, which possess anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-diabetic properties.
Several studies have revealed that the anti-diabetic properties of Neem leaves aid insulin to increase the uptake of glucose into fat and muscle cells and, hence, helps in maintaining glucose levels in the body.
You can consume Neem leaves depending upon your lifestyle and comfort. It is beneficial to have Neem leaves on an empty stomach early in the morning.
If you can tolerate the bitterness of Neem leaves, it is best to chew raw Neem leaves to reap their medicinal properties. Make sure to thoroughly clean them before consumption.
Boil a few Neem leaves in water till the leaves have begun to appear soft and water gradually turns deep green in color. Strain and store this water in a container. Drink this extract at least twice a day.
Mix 1 teaspoon of Neem powder with water and consume half an hour before lunch and dinner.
Eat it on an empty stomach early in the morning or before meals, once or twice a day for effective control of diabetes and for weight loss.
In some rare cases, overconsumption of Neem leaves may cause your blood glucose levels to go too low. Hence, it is always best to monitor your blood glucose levels.
Neem leaves, due to their therapeutic potential, are widely used as an effective medicine for a variety of ailments. Ayurveda uses Neem as a major ingredient in many medicinal products for the hair, skin, teeth, liver and kidney. Some of the benefits are given below:
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