Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is a plant with a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. It is native to India as well as Africa and is known as Gudmar (Gud-maar) in Hindi. Let’s check out the known gymnema health benefits are-
Health Benefits of Using Herb Gymnema aka Gudmar
Gymnema Helps in Balancing Blood Sugar Levels
More than 420 million people worldwide have diabetes, and this number is anticipated to rise, according to the World Health Organization. A metabolic disorder called diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. It results from your body’s inability to adequately manufacture or utilize insulin. (source)
Gymnema sylvestre is regarded as having anti-diabetic qualities. It has been utilized as a supplement in addition to other diabetes treatments to decrease blood sugar. It is also known by the Hindi name gurmar, which means “destroyer of sugar” (source)
Gymnema sylvestre has similar effects on your taste buds, but it can also block receptors in your intestines, preventing sugar from being absorbed and reducing your blood sugar levels after meals.
Gymnema Health Benefits: Improves Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels, Reducing Heart Disease Risk
Gymnema sylvestre may help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides. While Gymnema gets its fame from lowering blood sugar levels and reducing sugar cravings, research shows that it may also influence fat absorption and lipid levels. In one study in rats on a high-fat diet, Gymnema extract aided weight maintenance and suppressed the accumulation of liver fats. Also, animals fed the extract and a normal-fat diet experienced lower triglyceride levels (source)
Decreases the Risk of Heart Disease by Lowering Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
Gymnema extract helped maintain weight and slowed the buildup of liver lipids in a trial in rats fed a high-fat diet. Additionally, animals administered the extract together with a meal high in fat saw a reduction in their triglyceride level (source)
Helps in Maintaining Inflammation
Inflammation is a key component of how well your body heals. Inflammation can be beneficial in some circumstances, such as when it aids in defending your body against pathogens after an injury or infection. In other cases, your diet or the environment can contribute to inflammation. However, persistent low-grade inflammation can cause a number of health problems. (source) Studies have demonstrated the connection between a high sugar diet and elevated inflammatory markers in both people and animals.
Additionally, Gymnema is also said to be used in treating problems like
- Metabolic syndrome.
- Stimulating digestion.
- Malaria.
- Cough.
- Snake bites.
- Softening the stool (laxative).
- Increasing urine excretion (diuretic).
- More evidence is needed to rate gymnema for these uses.
Precautions You Should Take Before Using Gymnema
Breast-feeding and pregnancy: There isn’t enough trustworthy data to determine whether taking gymnema while breastfeeding or pregnant is safe. Avoid using to be on the safe side.
Diabetes: Gymnema may have an impact on blood sugar levels in diabetics. If you have diabetes and take gymnema, be on the lookout for symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.
Also Read: Understanding Diabetes: What is Diabetes? Types, Causes, Symptoms, Management
Gymnema may have an impact on blood sugar levels and may impair blood sugar regulation during and after surgical procedures. Gymnema use should be discontinued at least two weeks prior to surgery.
Gymnema may be safe when taken orally for up to 20 months if used as directed.
Just like Gymnema health benefits, explore the benefits of other healthy herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables on Health Views Online for health care and better living.
