1
Fenugreek
Fenugreek [2] is a herb from the legume family. Its dried seeds have long been used as spices. Over the course of time, this ingredient has become a therapeutic agent. In the context of blood sugar levels, fenugreek has been demonstrated to reduce fasting and after-meal blood sugars and hemoglobin A1C levels in two different instances. A 2017 study [3]looked at fenugreek’s effects on GLP-1.
2
Fucoxanthin
Fucoxanthin [4]is an antioxidant compound derived from edible brown seaweeds. Recent studies have reported many benefits from its antioxidant activities and its antiobesity, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. Given these properties, another source emphasized its ability to provide fiber and polysaccharides that support gut health. Fiber is important for two reasons. First, it resists digestion and slows stomach emptying. The latter helps with satiety and, thus, can delay hunger pangs [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6352252/]. Second, it serves as food for bacteria in the large intestine.
3
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) [8] is an omega-6 fatty acid extracted from meat and dairy. To date, it has been popularly advertised for weight management. Animal studies on this relationship found that the fatty acid could possibly reduce food intake, increase fat burning, encourage fat breakdown, and even prevent fat production.
4
Berberine
Berberine [10] is a chemical found in plants such as Huanglian, Rhizoma coptidis, Goldenseal, and Oregon grape, to name the bare minimum. Of the different health benefits associated with this chemical, the obvious one is reduced blood sugar levels. One source where a study was summarized emphasized how berberine worked like Glucophage (or metformin), but this is deemed an inconclusive result. In further digging into matters, we stumbled upon one animal study [11] that discovered how berberine can control mitochondrial stress (by preventing the risk of excess ATP production) so that GLP-1 secretion can be restored.
5
Mulberry Leaf Extract
Mulberry leaf extract is made from the Morus tree leaves, a Moraceae family member. One source reported a possible angle worth considering regarding blood sugar levels. Specifically, a study was referenced stating how mulberry works to prevent the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut, thereby reducing high levels of blood sugar and insulin. A study [13] that looked at the effects of a multi-ingredient solution (including mulberry leaf extract, vitamin D, chromium, and fiber) reported lowered blood sugar levels; however, it was only present for one hour.
6
Turmeric
Turmeric is an Indian spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant (belonging to the ginger family). Its major active compound is called curcumin, which, to date, has been known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, a study [14] that looked at the effects of curcumin on blood sugar levels also argued that the compound shows anti-glycemic effects in animals. In particular, it is involved in regulating glucose and stimulating the secretion of not one but two incretin hormones, GLP-1 and GIP (via the STC-1 cells).
7
Reishi Mushroom Powder
Reishi is a medicinal mushroom grown in hot and humid locations across Asia. It remains one of the several types to have been studied repeatedly. As a result, six key benefits have been reported, as per one source [16]. First, Reshi has been shown to boost the immune system (by increasing white blood cell count, lowering inflammation, and/or possibly improving lymphocytic function). Second, it supposedly has anticancer properties that can lead to the death of certain cancer cells.
8
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium picolinate [17] is the chromium mineral with three molecules of picolinic acid attached to it. It is considered an alternate source of chromium, as it does not get properly absorbed on its own. That said, one study found that taking chromium picolinate (2000 mcg) over the course of 16 weeks helped lower blood sugar and insulin and improved the overall functionality of the insulin hormone. It is important to note that this ingredient works best for people with higher blood sugar and lower insulin sensitivity but not necessarily for people with type 2 diabetes.
