Fig Leaves and Diabetes

Quraan Fruits

Balance Blood Sugar with These Leaves

Figs have a long and ancient history; they are thought to be one of the first fruits ever to be cultivated by humans. Figs are high in calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, and potassium. But what about fig leaves? Have you ever considered their health benefits? Fig leaves are healing foods that are best known as an effective alternative therapy for treating diabetes.

In one clinical trial, researchers from the Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, studied the effects of a decoction of fig leaves (“Ficus carica”) on diabetes control. Six men and four women who were insulin-dependent diabetes patients were recruited for the trial. The patients were managed with their usual diabetes diet and their twice-daily insulin injection. During the first month, patients were given a decoction of fig leaves; during the next month, they were given a non-sweet commercial tea.

The patients were divided into two groups. A standard breakfast was given at the beginning and end of each month-run. Glycemic profiles (seven/day per week) were recorded by patients. The research team found that post-prandial glycemia was significantly lower during supplementation with fig leaves. In fact, the average insulin dose was 12% lower during the period when fig leaves were administered to the group.

If you are diabetic and want to try taking a supplement made from fig leaves, remember that you may need less insulin — be sure to get your doctor’s advice. Do not stop taking or reduce your regular medication without talking it over with your doctor. It is probably best to take the fig leaf extract with breakfast, first thing in the morning. An additional home remedy is to boil the leaves of the fig in some freshly filtered water and drink this as a tea.

In addition to their anti-diabetic properties, fig leaves have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In a clinical trial conducted at the Faculty of Pharmacy, New Delhi, India, researchers evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of “F. carica” leaves. Their study validated that the antioxidant effect of fig leaves is likely due to the presence of steroids and flavonoids and the anti-inflammatory activity could be due to free radical scavenging activity.


Can You Eat Fig Leaves?


Once used to protect the privacy of Adam and Eve and adorn the bodies of Greeks and Romans, fig leaves are most commonly known for their spiritual and mythical symbolism. Although these large leaves do serve as adequate body coverings, they can also be transformed into a delectable dish. In fact, fig leaves are not only edible, but also provide various health benefits when consumed.
Identification

Grown on the ficus tree, the fig is a nutritious and sweet member of the mulberry family. The mild fruits can be eaten whole and are usually eaten in a dried form. However, they can also be eaten raw, cooked, baked and grilled. Figs grow alongside bright-green leaves with a very distinct shape. The Dave's Garden website describes the fruit's leaves as "unique, deeply lobed, finger-like leaves."


Diabetes

As explained on the Elements 4 Health website, consuming fig leaves can provide several healthy benefits for the body. Among these benefits, its anti-diabetic properties are among the most recognized. When consumed by a person with diabetes, fig leaves actually lower the amount of insulin required by the body. These extraordinary effects allow the diabetic to administer less insulin by injection, a costly and often life-long process.

Triglycerides

Along with their anti-diabetes properties, fig leaves also have been shown to lower the body's triglyceride levels. A triglyceride is the storage form of fat inside the body. Although a certain supply of triglycerides is required for proper health and body function, too many triglycerides greatly increase the risk for obesity and heart disease. However, a diet with regular fig leaf consumption may help lower these health risks as it gradually lowers triglyceride levels.

Home Remedies

Along with their remarkable anti-diabetes and triglyceride-lowering effects, fig leaves are also used in a variety of other home remedies for various medical conditions. In fact, the Natural News website recommends the mild leaf for conditions ranging from bronchitis to ulcers. According to the website, fig leaf tea can be beneficial for cardiovascular problems, cancer patients and people with high blood pressure. To make fig leaf tea, simply boil fig leaves in water for at least 15 minutes. A home remedy for bronchitis involves boiling water with three fig leaves and piloncillo, an unrefined sugar. A home remedy for ulcers involves chewing and swallowing two whole fig leaves daily.