Sugar is something many people like to eat, and sometimes we eat too much of it. This has a negative effect on blood sugar levels and can eventually lead to diabetes. Therefore, it is interesting to see how medicinal mushrooms may affect blood sugar levels. You can read below what is now known about this.
What are the dangers of sugar?
More and more people are becoming aware that we often eat more sugar than is good for us. Consequently, it is found in an awful lot of products, from cookies to sauces and even in spreads. Added to this is the difficulty in resisting sweetness. Sugar is therefore addictive. When you eat something sweet, a chemical is produced that activates the reward system in the brain. This makes you feel good, which soon makes you crave another sugary snack.
But eating an excess of sweets poses health hazards:
- Sugar affects blood flow and can affect collagen production. As a result, it accelerates the process of aging and causes wrinkles and dry skin.
- Eating excess sugar depletes the body’s supply of B vitamins. This can cause symptoms such as anxiety, poor concentration and you become even more susceptible to sugar addiction.
- Elevated levels of blood sugar can cause insulin resistance and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Sugar causes acidification of the body. As a result, you lose more vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and potassium.
Medicinal mushrooms for blood sugar levels
Do you suffer from sugar cravings, crave sweets every day and think you can’t live without them? This is a sign that you suffer from fluctuations in your blood sugar. After eating something sugary, your blood sugar shoots up. Then you feel good and have lots of energy. But soon it drops again, after which you would prefer to eat something with sugar again as soon as possible because you may feel sluggish and tired.
There are a large number of studies showing that medicinal mushrooms can be used to balance blood sugar levels. A recent study suggests that eating white mushrooms may lead to changes in the microbiome, which had a positive effect on glucose regulation. Another study found that portobello has properties that help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Mushrooms are high in beta-glucans, a soluble fiber. It is this fiber that has a positive effect on blood sugar levels. In addition, mushrooms are also very healthy, offer many nutrients and are low in calories.
The following medicinal mushrooms can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is often used for its healing properties that can support the kidneys. In diabetes, the kidneys play an important role; they are quickly damaged by high blood sugar levels. Cordyceps can help control blood sugar levels. In one study, people were given 3 grams of cordyceps every day and 95% of them saw an improvement in blood sugar levels. Cordyceps is available as capsules, as well as powder or extract.
Reishi
Reishi is rich in polysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates. Your body takes longer to digest them and it keeps you feeling full for longer periods of time. It also has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels. Reishi is also available as capsules and powder.
Maitake
Maitake is also one of the medicinal mushrooms that has a positive effect on blood sugar levels. It can help lower blood sugar levels and may help improve sensitivity to insulin. Maitake is also rich in trehalose, a substance that research shows can inhibit alpha-glucosidase, allowing less glucose to be absorbed.
Pay attention to your blood sugar levels
Of course sugar is very tasty, but it is still important to limit your sugar intake and prevent your blood sugar from fluctuating too much and too extremely. Sugar can promote inflammatory processes, lead to weight gain and increase the risk of serious diseases. Besides medicinal mushrooms, there are other ways to control your blood sugar.
- Healthy fats: fats can also provide your body with energy. This is a stable form of energy and fats can also help lower blood sugar levels.
- Spices: some spices can also help manage your blood sugar, such as cinnamon. So incorporate more such healthy spices into your meals.
- Proteins: provide a prolonged feeling of fullness and help stabilize your blood sugar. Always provide a good source of protein in your meals.
- Poor sleep is associated with high levels of blood sugar and insulin resistance. So prioritize a good night’s sleep.
- Of course, it is important to start eating less (processed) sugar. Reserve candy, cakes and other sweets especially for special occasions.
- Exercise: Sufficient exercise increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin and stimulates cells to absorb sugar from the blood. Avoid heavy and intense sports, as they can upset your hormones, so go for mild sports, such as walking or cycling.
- Certain supplements can also help, such as Ashwagandha, berberine and Gymnema Sylvestre.
Resisting sugar can be tricky, but it is well worth the effort if you like to stay healthy and fit. Adjust your lifestyle and diet and use the power of medicinal mushrooms to balance your blood sugar levels. In our shop you will find what you need!