Sugar Destroyer – Gymnema sylvestre

by jughandle September 23, 2011

written by jughandle September 23, 2011

Better known as just Gymnema, this natural herb has been a treatment for diabetes for 2000 years. It is widely known and used in Asia and the far East and has just recently been introduced to Europe and the United States. The active parts of this herb are gymnemic acids.

Uses

Keep in mind that much like most herbal remedies, modern science has done relatively little research on its properties and effects. That is not to say that gymnema isn’t a powerful natural drug and should be used with restraint and caution.

That said, Gymnema which means “sugar destroyer” has been used to treat, diabetes, high cholesterol, stomach ailments, constipation, water retention, liver disease, not to mention obesity and “sweet tooth”.

For Weight Loss

Gymnema lowers the desire for sweets. Some say this is done by blocking the sugar or sweet receptors in the tongue. This effect lasts for about 2 hours after ingesting Gymnema. Studies have confirmed that people given Gymnema have less desire to “snack” than those who haven’t, under the same conditions.

Is a strong Antioxidant

Gymnema researchers in India where it has been used for centuries, have found that it has strong antioxidant properties

Other possible benefits

How Gymnema Works

Theories have it that Gymnema suppresses the blood glucose level by inhibiting glucose uptake in the intestines. For weight loss it is believed that Gymnema reduces the body’s craving for sweets which in turn lowers caloric intake.

Side Effects and Interactions

Side effects of Gymnema are low when taken as recommended. When taken in large doses Gymnema can cause hypoglycemia in people prone to that. Always tell your doctor everything that you are taking because Gymnema can interact with prescription antidepressants, other herbal products like St. John’s wort and salicylates like white willow and aspirin by enhancing the blood sugar-lowering effects of Gymnema. Some stimulants like ephedra may reduce the effectiveness of Gymnema.

I am blogging about Gymnema because I found it offered in combination with Matcha Green Tea at one of my tea sources. Neither I nor the Fat Farm are recommending that anyone use this herb. I am only offering this information to benefit both you and I. I have not used either Matcha or Gymnema yet. – Jughandle

Mortars

diabetes gymnema matcha Sugar sugar destroyer

jughandle

I believe that it in order to do anything in life you MUST understand how it works. Once you understand you can make informed decisions about what you are attempting to do. This is the basis of the creative process. The goal of this blog is to help us understand Food, Health and Cooking. These are things we deal with daily and can't, or shouldn't ignore. - Jughandle

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3 comments

Mittie Wooden September 23, 2011 - 4:07 pm

This matcha tea sounds very interesting. Do you think it’s as healthy as they claim. I had not heard about it before, & am intrigued…..

Jerry Wooden September 23, 2011 - 6:29 pm

Yeah, I thought the same thing. I’ve found that it is pretty expensive because only 1% of Japan’s tea production is exported due to high in country demand. That and the fact that their are special qualification for the tea make it hard to get and expensive. I’m posting a blog on Matcha tomorrow. I’ll also be offering it in the Farm Store.

Investment management October 7, 2011 - 8:20 am

Had to tweet this. I ride when I can – but will have to do this all next week. More people certainly should.