A study conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics suggests
that licorice root may protect against diabetes.
Licorice root provides the raw
material for licorice candy. Licorice root has been used for centuries to treat
a variety of symptoms such as calming the stomach and relieving diseases of the
airways.
However, researchers
have discovered that a substance in it called amorfrutins that in addition to
reducing blood sugar, are also anti-inflammatory and are very well
tolerated.
The researchers explained that
the binding of the amorfrutin molecules activates various genes that reduce the
plasma concentration of certain fatty acids and glucose. The reduced glucose
level prevents the development of insulin resistance which is the main cause of
adult diabetes.
While the researchers say that
eating licorice or drinking a licorice tea (a common way the supplement is
ingested) is not concentrated enough to be a full treatment of
diabetes.
However, consumed in modest
quantities it may offer a variety of health benefits including some protection
against diabetes as a result of it’s blood sugar reducing
qualities.
If you’re interested in the
prevention of the development of insulin resistance and the other
anti-inflammatory benefits of licorice root you might want to look into if it’s
something you could add to your diet.
0 comments:
Post a Comment