Is It True that Cucumber Cures Diabetes?
Diabetes is quickly emerging as an incredibly common condition. The American Diabetes Association suggests that about 1.4 million new cases of diabetes occur each year in the United States. It’s safe to say that diabetes is a difficult condition to control. However, the good news is that there are various natural remedies emerging that could make your life with diabetes easier.
According to some limited research, it’s possible that eating cucumber helps manage diabetes symptoms. Although cucumbers might not reverse diabetes completely, it’s worth noting that these vegetables contain various chemicals and nutrients that could be beneficial to people with diabetes. Regular consumption helps keep blood sugar low.
Animal studies have linked cucumber extract to lower readings for overall blood sugar levels. However, more research is required to ensure that this vegetable could help people with diabetes diagnosis.
Cucumber Cures Diabetes: The Research
As noted above, some animal research has helped to link cucumber extracts to lower blood sugar levels. One study, published in 2011, found that sugar levels decreased in the blood of diabetic rats after they were given a nine-day diet consisting of cucumber seed and extracts. Other animal studies published in 2014 supported these findings, showing that cucumber pulp could reduce blood sugar.
Significant extra study is needed before professionals can identify the compounds in cucumber that might be beneficial for people with diabetes. Most researchers believe that cucumber helps to stimulate insulin release in the body, which decreases the body’s production of sugar.
One study conducted in 2013 found that the phytonutrients in cucumber – the nutrients and chemicals that help to promote health and reduce risk of disease – can be linked to lower blood sugar levels. One of these nutrients is fiber, which has already been confirmed as being great for blood sugar. At present, it seems as though there are few negatives to simply increasing the amount of cucumber in your diet.
Using Cucumber with Diabetes
Even if the rumor that cucumber cures diabetes turns out to be false, there’s nothing wrong with implementing cucumber into your meal plan. The fact that these vegetables are a great source of fiber, and are low in carbohydrates means that they should fit well into the meal plan of a diabetic individual. According to the ADA, it’s important for diabetics to eat five servings of vegetables a day.
Remember, although animal studies suggest that cucumbers could be beneficial for lowering blood sugar, there is no evidence yet that the same effects are present for humans. This means that you shouldn’t replace your diabetes medication with a cucumber-rich diet. Instead, you should use cucumber alongside other remedies for diabetes to help you overcome your condition.
