Garlic for Diabetes Patients !! Is It Safe for Diabetics ??
The pearly white bulbous herb, garlic for diabetes, is a very close relative of the onion family. From its fabled use in Egyptian medicines and embalming ceremonies to its allegedly deadly effects on ‘Vampires,’ garlic has enjoyed great significance in our history and culture.
When you look at the nutritional profile of garlic for diabetes, it becomes easy to understand why so many garlic-based treatments have existed in various forms of medicine throughout the world.
Garlic is one of the rare foods which have ‘NO Glycemic Index.’ Since it is devoid of any carbohydrates, it does not cause an increase in blood sugar levels.
100gm serving of garlic contains-
| Carbohydrates | 33.06g |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Protein | 6.63g |
| Vitamins & Minerals | |
| Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Vitamin B9 Choline Vitamin C Calcium Iron Magnesium Manganese Phosphorous Potassium Sodium Zinc Selenium |
0.2 mg
0.11 mg 0.7 mg 0.5 mg 1.2 mg 3 µ 23.2 mg 31.2 mg 181 mg 1.7 mg 25mg 1.6mg 153 mg 401 mg 17 mg 1.16 mg 14.2 µg |
Many people call garlic the ‘Wonder herb,’ and it is not difficult to understand why. Garlic has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It is also rich in many minerals like zinc, phosphorus, selenium, calcium, and iron. It also contains a unique sulfurous compound called ‘Allicin,’ responsible for its pungent taste and smell.
Advantages of Garlic for Diabetes
Studies show that garlic not only plays an active role in the management of blood sugar levels but also in preventing Type 2 diabetes.
Here is how Garlic is effective for diabetes:
- Garlic is rich in zinc and natural antioxidants that reduce sugar levels in the blood.
- Quick metabolism of carbohydrates is the reason carb consumption directly leads to a sharp rise in blood sugar. Vitamin B6 regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, and since garlic is rich in B6, this regulatory effect on carb metabolism is visible in garlic consumption in sugar patients.
- A compound named Amino acid homocysteine is a known risk factor for diabetes. Prolonged consumption of garlic lowers this compound in the body.
- Allicin and other compounds found in garlic increase the level of blood insulin.
Best Way to Consume Garlic for Diabetes
Garlic is one of those herbs which has found huge acceptance across a lot of cultures and cuisines. As per a famous Italian proverb, ‘no dish is complete without garlic.’
It is used widely in curries, soups, infusions, sauces, pickles, and garnishes. Recently the term ‘Garlic milk’ has taken the netizens by storm. Nutritionists around the world have found garlic milk to be very effective in the treatment of arthritis, tuberculosis, asthma, high cholesterol, and any other ailments.
It is not established whether raw garlic is more efficacious or not, but aged garlic certainly loses its potency and most of its beneficial effects.
When to Consume Garlic
As per some ayurvedic remedies, the consumption of raw garlic on an empty stomach leads to the cleansing of the liver and blood vessels. However, this fact is not yet backed by any scientific study.
Choosing the right vegetables can make a big difference in diabetes management. Dive into our guide on diabetes-friendly vegetables, their benefits, and the science behind how they help control blood sugar.
Risks of Over Consumption of Garlic
Garlic is densely packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins; hence even a small quantity is enough to give maximum benefits to the consumer.
Overconsumption of garlic may at times cause gas, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting. These effects are more aggressive in cases of raw garlic intake.
The most common side effect of consuming garlic is bad breath and body odor. Allicin, which is responsible for the beneficial effects of garlic, is a sulfurous compound that lends garlic its peculiar and pungent taste and smell.
To avoid these ill effects:
- Avoid consuming raw garlic as both bad breath and body odor are enhanced with raw garlic consumption.
- Ingesting milk with any meal containing garlic reduces bad breath and body odor.
Other Health Benefits of Garlic
Male Impotency
Garlic is a very powerful aphrodisiac. It also lends beneficial effects in the management of early-onset male impotence, delayed ejaculation, and loss of libido.
Effects on Heart:
- Garlic prevents the hardening of blood vessels or atherosclerosis, which is one of the primary causes of heart conditions.
- Garlic helps to reduce total cholesterol in the body. Its effects are most marked on reducing LDL or bad cholesterol.
- Oral consumption of garlic reduces blood pressure.
Prostate Cancer:
Regular consumption of garlic prevents the onset of prostate cancer in men.
Effects on the Liver:
Garlic is very beneficial in cases of fatty liver. It is beneficial in both alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver diseases.
Others Benefits:
It is said that garlic plays a significant role in the treatment of hair loss, arthritis, breast cancer, autoimmune diseases, diseases of the blood, etc. But further scientific studies are warranted to conclusively prove the role garlic plays in the treatment of these diseases.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- Garlic is a storehouse of natural antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, giving it antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Allicin, a sulfurous compound, gives garlic its peculiar taste and smell and is also responsible for a lot of its beneficial effects.
- Garlic causes a reduction in blood sugar levels and causes an increase in insulin levels in the body. It is one of the rare foods with No glycemic index and is very beneficial in the management of sugar patients.
- Despite its unique and peculiar taste, it has found acceptance in numerous dishes and cuisines all around the world.
- Consuming milk along with garlic reduces bad breath and body odor to a great extent.
- Garlic has many beneficial effects on the heart, liver, male impotency, and it helps prevent cancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Garlic Good for Diabetes?
Diabetes patients can and should eat garlic for better health. The bulbs of garlic are a rich source of zinc, antioxidants, and minerals. It not only helps in managing blood sugar levels in sugar patients but also helps in preventing Type 2 diabetes.
Is Garlic High in Sugar?
Garlic does not contain carbohydrates. It is one of those rare foods which has no glycemic index. It does not contain sugar.
Is Garlic Bad for Insulin Resistance?
Allicin and other compounds present in garlic cause an increase in blood insulin levels and are very beneficial for sugar patients.
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