Scientists have found that a compound in broccoli sprouts called sulforaphane can help lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. It also may help reduce the risk of complications from the disease such as kidney failure, atherosclerosis and neuropathy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 29 million Americans have type 2 diabetes and 89 million have prediabetes. The disease typically strikes in middle age, often in people who are obese. In this disorder, the body becomes unresponsive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Patients are commonly prescribed metformin, a medication that reduces blood sugar. However, up to 15 percent can’t take it due to the risk of kidney damage.
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Sulforaphane Reduced Blood Sugar by 10 Percent
In the recent randomized clinical trial, researchers from Sweden gave 97 participants with type 2 diabetes either a placebo or a concentrated dose of broccoli sprout extract containing sulforaphane. The regimen involved taking the pill once a day for 12 weeks. All but three of the individuals were on metformin.
On average, those who received the extract experienced a 10-percent reduction in blood sugar compared to those on the placebo. The greatest effect was noted in obese participants with higher baseline blood sugar.
Why Was Sulforaphane Chosen for the Study?
Prior to the clinical trial, the scientists made a genetic profile for type 2 diabetes, comprised of 50 key gene alterations associated with the disease. They then tested 3,852 compounds to determine which ones could reverse the abnormal gene changes. Sulforaphane proved to be the most effective.
Next, the researchers administered sulforaphane to diabetic rats. It had the desired effect of reversing the genetic profile, as well as controlling blood sugar at a level comparable to metformin.
The promising human clinical trial that followed showed concentrated sulforaphane might be a helpful treatment for type 2 diabetes in the future. While the daily dose of broccoli sprout extract consumed was equivalent to 10 pounds of the vegetable, the researchers said a powder formulation could be developed that patients could add to drink or food. Moreover, they believe it could eventually replace metformin for some of the 15 percent who are unable to tolerate it. Further studies are needed before this treatment is proven to work. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to add food sources of sulforaphane to the diet. In addition to broccoli and broccoli sprouts, the compound is present in other cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and cabbage.
The trial was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
What Other Natural Agents Help Control Blood Sugar?
Aside from cruciferous vegetables, studies show other foods and spices are beneficial for diabetes. These include almonds, olive oil, avocados, chocolate, tea, turmeric and cinnamon. Research also reveals eating a high-fiber diet, which is comprised of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and seeds, has a protective effect against the disease.
Sources:
http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/9/394/eaah4477.full
http://www.newsweek.com/sulforaphane-chemical-broccoli-diabetics-control-blood-sugar-626394
https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/pdf/2016/diabetes-aag.pdf
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20000331/high-fiber-diabetes
Mary West is a natural health enthusiast, as she believes this area can profoundly enhance wellness. She is the creator of a natural healing website where she focuses on solutions to health problems that work without side effects. You can visit her site and learn more at http://www.alternativemedicinetruth.com. Ms. West is also the author of Fight Cancer Through Powerful Natural Strategies.
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