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9 Ayurvedic Superfoods That Can Help Diabetics

Some turmeric every day keeps the doctor away.
pile of fresh turmeric roots on wooden table
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pile of fresh turmeric roots on wooden table

Diabetes and diabetes-induced illnesses continue to increase at an alarming rate among Indians. The International Diabetes Federation reports that in 2015, India had 69.1 million cases of diabetes, which makes it, along with China and the United States, one of the top three countries with a high diabetic population.

When it comes to preventing and treating diabetes, there may be no better way than going back in time to the kitchens of our forbears. "Even in Ayurveda, diet planning is the cornerstone of managing diabetes," says Dr Rahul Dogra of the Kairali Ayurvedic Group.

What's more, this doesn't involve complicated procedures or recipes. Here are 9 simple Ayurvedic superfoods, recommended by Dr Dogra, that can effectively keep diabetes at bay and should be incorporated into our everyday diet.

JAMBHUL (JAMUN)

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Jamun, jambhul or the Indian blackberry is a frontline anti-diabetic food in Ayurvedic medicine. Besides its rich antioxidant properties, the fruit's seeds contain jamboline, a chemical that slows down the diastatic conversion of starch into sugar, according to this study.

Here are some yummy jamun recipes to try out this season.

COW PLANT (GURMAR)

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Another popular herb used to treat diabetes in Ayurveda, Gurmar (literally translated as sugar killer) or Gymnema Sylvestre is also available in the form of herbal powder or capsules.

BITTER GOURD (KARELA)

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Loathe it or love it, either way karela or bitter gourd is an excellent item to incorporate into your diet, especially for those looking to shed a few kilos, combat acne and other skin conditions, and inhibit the absorption of glucose, aka kill diabetes.

If you simply cannot ingest a shot of karela juice, try this yummy stir-fry recipe instead. Bear in mind though that according to Ayurveda, bitter gourd's benefits are more effective when it is consumed raw.

BAEL FRUIT

advantage of bael fruit or quince as fruit, medicine, glue on wooden background
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advantage of bael fruit or quince as fruit, medicine, glue on wooden background

"The extract from the leaves of this particular fruit," says Dr Dogra, "has been an age-old cure for diabetes." It is best consumed with a pinch of black pepper, and is also very useful in treating dysentery and diarrhoea.

FENUGREEK

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According to Dr Dogra, fenugreek or methi seeds possess hypoglycemic properties that help reduce blood glucose levels significantly, keeping diabetes at bay. A daily dose of 10gm of fenugreek is recommended.

TURMERIC

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Trending globally as the must-eat superfood for its various medicinal properties, turmeric is popular for its effective prevention of Type 2 diabetes. Here are five must-try recipes with turmeric.

NEEM

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"Neem already has a powerful reputation for its anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties, and is used popularly in Ayurveda to battle urinary tract disorders, boost metabolism and skin infections," says Dr Dogra. The tree bark's extract is particularly effective in combating these medical conditions.

TRIPHALA

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A traditional Ayurvedic combination of three fruits: amlaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki, triphala is a powerful antioxidant that is often used to encourage healthier respiratory and cardiovascular functions. According to this study, triphala is particularly effective in combating Type 2 diabetes.

SHILAJIT

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A black tar-like mineral substance that oozes from the Himalayan mountains during peak summers, Shilajit is an age-old Ayurvedic cure against diabetes. Today it is also available in the form of tablets or as powder.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.