Type 2 diabetes: ginger’s effect on blood sugar levels

In March 2019, the magazine Medicine (Baltimore) reported on an analysis of eight studies on ginger consumption to aid in blood sugar control. The results of all the reviews were combined as if they were the results of a large study of four hundred and fifty-four people who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants who ate ginger significantly lowered their HbA1c levels, while those who did not eat ginger showed no change. From these results, the researchers concluded that consuming ginger helped lower blood sugar levels over time.

Although ginger does not provide many nutrients, it is low in calories and sugar. A quarter cup of ginger with 19 calories and 0.4 grams of sugar, has the following, expressed as a percentage of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) …

• Vitamin C – 2%

• Niacin – 1%

• Vitamin B6 – 2%

• Folate – 1%

• Iron – 1%

• Fiber – 2%

The edible part of the ginger plant is the root. Ginger root can be eaten raw as a snack, although its concentrated flavor is too much for many people. Sugar “crystallized” ginger is not recommended for people with type 2 diabetes. The good news is that ginger root is great for making a relaxing cup of tea or to use as a flavoring in a stir fry. The simplest way to make ginger tea is to simply chop the ginger root and steep it in boiling water for a few minutes. A sugar substitute can be added to sweeten as needed. Some cooks like to add a small amount of lemon juice. Ginger tea in a bag can also be purchased commercially.

Tasty vegan and vegetarian Asian dishes often use the fragrant ginger root. Allrecipes.com suggests making Indian curry with …

• vegetable oil,

• onion,

• ginger root,

• Garlic,

• cilantro,

• turmeric,

• lentils

• cumin,

• Vegetables soup,

• cauliflower,

• coconut milk,

• carrots,

• green beans,

• Pepper,

• lemon juice,

• coriander and

• green beans.

Many more Indian, Thai, and other recipes with ginger can be found online.

Ginger is a tropical plant. cultivated in Asia, Africa and warmer regions of the United States. Grocery Store Ginger Root …

• can be planted in rich, fertile soil that retains water but does not get soggy,

• plant in the shade, about 2 to 4 inches deep,

• keep the floor wet and

Harvest about 8-10 months after planting. In climates where the soil becomes colder than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, ginger can be grown in pots indoors. The stems and leaves make quite attractive houseplants, somewhat similar to bamboo.

The health benefits of ginger are worth exploring.