Can mulberry leaves steeped in water lower blood sugar levels?
Generally speaking, drinking water infused with mulberry leaves has a certain blood sugar-lowering effect. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Mulberry leaves contain various active components, such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids. These components can work synergistically to help regulate blood sugar levels. Flavonoids can inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase, thereby slowing down the absorption and utilization of glucose and reducing blood sugar levels. At the same time, flavonoids can also enhance insulin sensitivity and promote insulin secretion, which helps lower blood sugar.
Polysaccharides can improve insulin sensitivity and enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect, thus helping control blood sugar levels. Alkaloids, such as deoxynojirimycin, have an inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, which can slow down carbohydrate absorption in the intestines and reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. However, it should be noted that the blood sugar-lowering effect of mulberry leaf-infused water is limited, and blood sugar control should not rely solely on this method. If you have diabetes or hyperglycemia, it is recommended to seek treatment under a doctor's guidance and adopt comprehensive management strategies, including dietary control and appropriate exercise.
Mulberry leaf water can serve as an auxiliary method for lowering blood sugar to some extent, but it should not be regarded as the sole treatment for diabetes. Patients with diabetes should adhere to scientifically-based treatment plans while consuming mulberry leaf water, and regularly monitor their blood sugar levels to ensure they remain within the target range. If you have any questions or discomfort, you should promptly seek medical advice from a qualified physician.