Is garlic good for diabetes?

Are you a lover of garlic and recently got diagnosed with diabetes? Do you want to know if garlic is good for diabetes or should you stop taking garlic now that you have been diagnosed with diabetes?

Diabetics are unable to create enough insulin or to use the insulin that their bodies do make effectively. This may have an impact on your blood sugar levels. To maintain your blood sugar levels as stable as possible, one must keep track of what he/she eats.

One food that people ask if they need to keep track of is garlic since it is one of the most used ingredients when cooking.

In this article, we will take a look at the following

Garlic

It is a member of the allium family, which includes onions, shallots, and leeks. It is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants.

When it comes to cooking, it is a common seasoning used by people all over the world. China produces 76 percent of the global supply of garlic.

It has a powerful odor and a tasty or slightly sour flavor. It does, however, contain therapeutic and wellness properties. Many countries have utilized it for traditional medicine. Garlic can be consumed raw, cooked, or roasted in olive oil.

Is garlic good for diabetes?

Yes, garlic is good for diabetes. Garlic is high in zinc and natural antioxidants, which help to lower blood sugar levels.

Carbohydrate metabolism is quick, which is why carb consumption causes a rapid rise in blood sugar. Vitamin B6 regulates carbohydrate metabolism, and because garlic is high in B6, this regulatory influence on carbohydrate metabolism is noticeable in sugar patients who consume garlic.

Diabetes is linked to a substance known as amino acid homocysteine. Garlic eating reduces the amount of this chemical in the body.

Also, garlic contains allicin and other chemicals that raise blood insulin levels.

In fact, garlic has long been advised to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Garlic consumption may also lessen the risk of heart disease, which affects about 80% of diabetics.

According to a 2006 study, raw garlic may help lower blood sugar levels and lower the risk of atherosclerosis. Diabetes raises the likelihood of atherosclerosis-related inflammation; therefore, this is of special concern.

A 2014 assessment of studies also supported the hypothesis that frequent garlic-eating may help lower blood sugar levels, however, this is currently under investigation.

What is the glycemic index of garlic?

Garlic has a glycemic index of 30. This is considered a low glycemic index, and it means that the tendency of garlic to increase the blood sugar level is low after eating it.

Also, garlic has relatively more fiber than simple sugars and hence is very good for people living with diabetes.

Important nutritional information about garlic that makes it good for diabetics

Nutrient	Quantity	% of Daily Values
Calories	149kcal	7.45
Net Carbs	30.96g	9.71
Sodium	17mg	0.74
Sugars	1g	–
Fiber	2.1g	8.4g

Other health benefits of garlic for diabetic people

Garlic has other health benefits aside from being good for diabetic people. Here are some of the health benefits that garlic has to offer people living with or without diabetes.

It aids in blood pressure reduction.

Garlic is known to reduce blood pressure, which helps to prevent cardiovascular disorders including heart attacks and strokes.

Garlic increases the production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE) activity, according to human studies.

This has the potential to lower blood pressure levels. Blood platelets are also prevented from adhering to arterial walls.

It strengthens the immune system.

Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral characteristics that assist to fight and prevent the spread of viruses and germs in the human body.

It accomplishes this by preventing viruses from entering cells and enhancing the immune system’s reaction to attacks. It’s also known as an anti-infection agent.

It has the ability to reduce cholesterol levels.

Garlic has been found in studies to have the ability to reduce cholesterol. It is low in calories and includes a component called allicin.

Allicin in garlic can help prevent LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (commonly known as bad cholesterol) from forming in the walls of your blood vessels, raising your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Asthma management

Another advantage of garlic is that it helps to treat asthma. The consumption of boiling garlic flower buds or cloves can help to alleviate asthma symptoms.

Before retiring to bed, another treatment is to consume a glass of milk with boiled garlic cloves. People with asthma have been shown to benefit from this.

It’s full of vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins and minerals are little amounts of nutrients that the body requires to keep healthy and function properly.

Garlic is beneficial because it includes vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which is required for optimal brain development and the proper functioning of the neurological system.

Garlic is also a rich source of minerals such as copper, iron, calcium, and potassium.

It has anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic oil has been found in studies to be anti-inflammatory. Smear the oil on any wounds or injured joints or muscles. It is recommended by the Arthritis Foundation to help prevent cartilage degradation caused by arthritis.

Anti-cancer properties are possible.

Garlic’s constituents have been investigated. This is due to the fact that these chemicals can restrain malignant cells and prevent or slow tumor growth.

Athlete’s foot treatment

A fungal infection between the toes is known as the athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). It is most common in persons who have sweaty feet from being restricted in tight-fitting shoes.

A scaly rash is one of the signs and symptoms of an athlete’s foot.

Garlic is also recognized for its antifungal properties. The itch fungus is attacked by soaking an athlete’s foot in garlic water or massaging garlic on the foot.

Improves hair and skin.

Garlic’s antimicrobial properties can make your skin glow by removing acne-causing germs. Garlic can be used to wipe pimples away, according to studies.

If a person’s skin is allergic to garlic, it might create a burning feeling, therefore be cautious when using this procedure or get professional treatment from a dermatologist.

Provides food protection

Garlic’s antimicrobial capabilities can destroy microorganisms that cause food poisoning. Salmonella and E. coli are two of the microorganisms that cause food poisoning. As a result, including garlic in one’s diet lowers the risk of food poisoning.

Frequently asked questions (FAQS)

How do you incorporate garlic into your diet?

Add a few finely chopped garlic cloves to your salads or potato salad if you don’t mind the taste. There is no recommended dose for consuming garlic, so use it anytime a recipe or snack calls for it.

Look for garlic greens, which are young plants, and garlic scapes, which are curled shoots that grow as the plant matures, if you prefer a milder odor and flavor. During the spring season, they’re accessible at farmers’ markets and local vegetable stores. Both have a more subtle flavor. They can be chopped and used in salads, dips, and savory spreads.

Allow chopped garlic to sit for at least 5 minutes to ensure that allicin, one of the herb’s primary components, is at its peak concentration. This could increase the herb’s health benefits.

Can I try garlic supplements?

If the taste of raw garlic is too strong for you or you can’t eat it as often as you’d like, supplements may be a good option. Look for allicin-rich, aged garlic extracts.

When buying supplements, keep the following points in mind:

• Avoid products that are absolutely odorless. They’ve most likely been stripped of the sulfur compounds that create the smell and are thought to be responsible for some of the health benefits.
• Before adding supplements to your diet, talk to your doctor. They can assist you in deciding if this is the best option for you.
• Always purchase from a reliable manufacturer who does not heat treat their products. This may eliminate the garlic’s active components, which are responsible for the majority of its health advantages.

When should you eat garlic?

Raw garlic consumed on an empty stomach, according to several ayurvedic medicines, cleanses the liver and blood arteries. This fact, however, has yet to be supported by a scientific investigation.

Does garlic overconsumption have risks?

Garlic is highly packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, so even a small amount will provide the user with optimum benefits.

Garlic overconsumption can induce gas, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. When raw garlic is consumed, these benefits are more potent.

Is garlic a sugary food?

Garlic is devoid of carbs. It’s one of the few foods that doesn’t have a glycemic index. There is no sugar in it.

Is garlic harmful to people with insulin resistance?

Garlic contains allicin and other substances that produce an increase in blood insulin levels, which is advantageous to diabetics.

Summary

Garlic is good for diabetes and should be consumed by diabetics for improved health.

Garlic bulbs contain a lot of zinc, antioxidants, and minerals. It not only aids in the management of blood sugar levels in diabetics, but it also aids in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.