Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. About 422 million people have diabetes across the world, out of which 1.5 million deaths can be directly attributed to diabetes each year. This data was shared by the World Health Organisation and is a significant measure of the careful consideration this disease requires.
The biggest tool in managing diabetes is a healthy lifestyle, especially a balanced meal that helps to effectively regulate blood sugar levels. One addition that you can make to your daily diet to fight diabetes is eating betel leaves after your dinner before you sleep.
Benefits Of Chewing Betel Leaf For Diabetes
Famous Nutritionist Dr Swati Bathwal shared, “In modern times, betel leaf or paan is usually combined with tobacco and several other products which have put many at risk of oral cancer. However, researchers have indicated that paan leaves when eaten alone have several health benefits, as it is a great source of chromium. Chromium helps to control blood sugar levels. That is why there is an ancient practice of eating it after meals.”
Dr Bathwal recommended that eating one paan leaf every day after your last meal, and before you sleep is enough for this wondrous herb to help control blood sugar. Chewing betel leaf before bed allows its active compounds to be absorbed into the bloodstream slowly overnight.
Also Read: 9 Health Benefits Of Betel Leaf
If you want to try this remedy, wash the leaves thoroughly and then chew them softly before going to bed. Once you feel the leaf is out of juice, simply spit the remains out.
Negative Effects Of Betel Leaf
Dr Bathwal warned, “Chromium helps in controlling blood glucose levels but should be consumed in a very trace amount.” Apparently, too much chromium in the body is linked to weight loss, anaemia, low platelet count, liver dysfunction, kidney failure, high blood sugar, and skin inflammation, informed the National Institutes Of Health.
Therefore, just like any other herb, betel leaf can also have side effects if consumed in excess. Some common health risks that have been reported due to excess consumption of betel leaf are:
- Mouth ulcer
- Cancer
- Nerve damage
- Addiction
- Bottomline
Also Read: Not Just As A Mouth Freshener But Betel Leaves Can Also Be Used For Skin Issues
Although some scientific evidence and expert advice do back the benefits of eating betel leaves to lower blood sugar levels and effectively manage diabetes, more research is warranted to credibly establish this efficacy. However, the chromium content of paan leaves does make it a healthy option that you can benefit from. Just keep in mind to not consume paan in its usual form with areca nut and slaked lime, two popular ingredients used in the preparation of paan by vendors. Both these compounds are carcinogenic.
Also, betel leaves are an aid, not a holy grail. So if you do not lead a healthy life with balanced timely meals, expecting betel leaves to cure your medical issues is wishful and not realistic. Lastly, do seek input from your healthcare provider, as each remedy may not necessarily work for everyone.