Pandan leaves
Pandanus leaves are rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, which are compounds with powerful antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, thereby improving the health of beta cells in the pancreas.
Beta cells are the cells that produce insulin, and when they are healthy, they can produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels more effectively.
Several animal studies and some preliminary human studies have shown that pandan leaves can improve insulin sensitivity. When the body uses insulin more effectively, it helps lower blood sugar levels by promoting the transport of glucose from the blood into the cells. This helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents blood sugar spikes after meals.
Lotus leaf
Lotus leaves contain many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and polysaccharides. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and especially enhance insulin function, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Flavonoids and alkaloids also have the effect of improving the health of the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing insulin - an important hormone that helps control blood glucose levels.
One of the key mechanisms by which lotus leaves help lower blood sugar is by increasing insulin sensitivity. This means that when insulin is produced, the body can use it more effectively to regulate blood glucose. Lotus leaves help increase the absorption of glucose into cells, thereby reducing blood sugar levels, especially after meals.
Guava leaves
Guava leaves are rich in flavonoids, especially quercetin, a compound that inhibits the enzymes alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase. These are enzymes responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose in the digestive system. When the activity of these enzymes is inhibited, the breakdown of carbohydrates is slowed down, thereby helping to reduce the sudden spike in blood sugar after meals.
At the same time, guava leaves have the ability to increase insulin sensitivity, helping the body use insulin more effectively. When the cells in the body become more sensitive to insulin, the process of absorbing glucose from the blood into the cells occurs more quickly, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. This is especially useful for people with type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is one of the main causes of high blood sugar.
These leaves are often used as teas, extracts or boiled water to drink. However, before using any herbs to support treatment, you should consult a doctor or medical professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
