Type 2 diabetes is an increasingly common illness in this day and age. In the USA, 29.1 million people have this condition, and 8.1 million of them are undiagnosed. In 2012, 1.7 million new cases were diagnosed, and that number is still rising. (1) By 2030, scientists and doctors are predicting there will be half of a billion diabetics in the whole world.

These figures ask the question of why are there so many people developing a disease that is entirely preventable? The answer becomes apparent with the incline of the obesity epidemic, as insulin resistance is increasing in many people. With that and the large portions of high-fats and processed sugars that seem to make up the average American diet, most individuals are becoming susceptible to developing this disease. (2)

In order to treat this condition, there must be a diet change, an increase in exercise, and overall lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing stress.  In most cases, weight loss is imperative to reverse the effects of diabetes. However, certain natural supplements and superfoods can assist in remedying the condition and improving one’s overall health.

Here is one potent superfood that anyone with this disease should try to help cure their condition.

Mulberries: The Superfood For Diabetes

Mulberries are a tart, but sweet berry found on silkworm trees belonging to the Moraceae family. There are three primary species of the plant found to have economic importance:

1. White mulberry, native to eastern and central China
2. Red or American mulberry, native to the eastern United States
3. Black mulberry, native to western Asia

Health Benefits of Mulberries

• Rich in antioxidants
• Fights cancer
• Decreases inflammation
• Counters neurological diseases
• Protects from stroke
• Anti-aging properties
• Source of:
  • Iron
  • Vitamin C
  • Rich in B-complex vitamins
  • Vitamin K
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Vitamin B-6
  • Niacin
  • Riboflavin
  • Folic acid
  • Low amount of vitamin A and E (3)

Mulberries and Blood Sugar Management

In Asia, mulberry leaves are used to treat those with diabetes. Minneapolis VA Medical Center Human Studies Committee researchers decided to study this method. The participants included ten healthy control groups, ages 24-61, and ten type 2 diabetics, ages 59-75, who were receiving oral hypoglycemic agents without complications.

At eight o’clock in the morning, the subjects ingested mulberry extract or the placebo. This process was repeated after a week with the opposite treatment. Hourly breath samples to check H₂ measurements were continued for eight hours. Blood glucose was assessed with fingerstick before the pill and after 120 minutes of sucrose ingestion, and also at 180 and 240 for the diabetic volunteers.

Compared to the placebo group, those who ingested the mulberry extract displayed a significant reduction in blood glucose for the first 120 minutes of the study. This result was similar in the healthy and the diabetic participants. It also greatly reduced the fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Mulberries also contain compounds that induce insulin secretion and antioxidants that lower lipid peroxidation. (4)

Mulberry Treatment For You

The recommended dosage for natural diabetes treatment taking 100 mg of mulberry leaf extract 2-3 times daily. (5) You could find this at your local health food store.

You can also eat fresh mulberries, or in smoothies, salads, jams, or dried. Unfortunately, most grocery stores don’t sell them since they don’t stay fresh very long for shipping.

The best way to have your own unlimited supply of mulberries is by planting a sapling of the tree outside your home. They are very low maintenance, and you will have an endless supply of this diabetes-healing berry.

Sources:

(1)Adrienne Santos-Longhurst.Type 2 Diabetes Statistics and Facts http://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/statistics Reviewed: September 8, 2014. Accessed: November 1, 2016.

(2) Dr. Bernard Zinman. Why is type 2 diabetes on the rise? http://www.research.utoronto.ca/why-is-type-2-diabetes-on-the-rise-2/ Published: April 24, 2012. Accessed: November 1, 2016.

(3) Mulberries nutrition facts. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/mulberries.html Accessed: November 3, 2016.

(4)Mitchell Mudra, Nacide Ercan-Fang, Litao Zhong, Julie Furne,  and Michael Levitt
Influence of Mulberry Leaf Extract on the Blood Glucose and Breath Hydrogen Response to Ingestion of 75 g Sucrose by Type 2 Diabetic and Control Subjects. Diabetes Care 2007 May; 30(5): 1272-1274. http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/30/5/1272 Published: February 3, 2007. Accessed: November 3, 2016.

(5) Dr. Murray. Mulberry Leaf Extract Promotes Weight Control http://doctormurray.com/mulberry-leaf-extract-promotes-weight-control/ Accessed: November 3, 2016.