John Miller
Mushrooms are a nutritious and diabetes-friendly food. They are low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Mushrooms have a low glycemic index and load, meaning they do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. They are also rich in compounds called polysaccharides, which early research suggests may help manage blood sugar. While all edible mushrooms share similar nutritional profiles, some varieties that have been specifically linked to blood sugar management include Lion's Mane, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms with anti-diabetic properties | Lion's mane, Oyster, Ganoderma lucidum, Agaricus bisporus, Cordyceps sinensis, Inonotus obliqus, Coprinus comatus, Phellinus linteus, Pleurotus spp., Poria cocos, Sparassis crispa, Reishi |
| Nutritional benefits | High in protein, vitamins, minerals, and selenium; low in fat, cholesterol, and carbs |
| Glycemic index | 10-15 |
| Compounds | Polysaccharides, proteins, dietary fibres, pharmacologically active compounds, triterpenoids, and meroterpenoids |
| Benefits | Improved immune function, cancer-fighting properties, improved antioxidant defences, reduced inflammation, blood sugar management |
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What You'll Learn
Lion's Mane mushrooms for blood sugar control
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterised by impaired insulin function and elevated blood sugar levels. This chronic condition poses significant health risks, including kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss. As cases rise globally, the demand for natural solutions is increasing.
Lion's mane mushrooms, also known as Hericium erinaceus, hou tou gu, or yamabushitake, are large, white, shaggy mushrooms that resemble a lion's mane. They have both culinary and medicinal uses, especially in Asian countries like China, India, Japan, and Korea. They are rich in vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, and essential minerals like manganese, zinc, and potassium.
Lion's mane mushrooms have been shown to lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity in lab rats with diabetes. According to a 2020 study, they achieve this by inhibiting the action of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine. Animal studies have also found that lion's mane may help alleviate diabetic nerve pain and protect against Alzheimer's disease.
While the research on lion's mane mushrooms is promising, most studies have been conducted on animals or in test tubes. Therefore, more human studies are needed to fully understand their potential in blood sugar control and diabetes management. However, given the early positive findings, lion's mane mushrooms may be a valuable adjunct to diabetes management strategies when combined with a broader healthy diet and medical advice.
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Oyster mushrooms to lower blood glucose
Diabetes mellitus is a complex illness where the body does not produce enough insulin to control blood glucose levels. This condition is life-threatening and requires low-cost, side-effect-free medicine. Many synthetic hypoglycemic medications for diabetes fail due to adverse effects.
Mushrooms are known to contain natural bioactive components that may be anti-diabetic. For example, oyster mushrooms are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making them highly beneficial for diabetic patients. Oyster mushrooms have also been shown to have therapeutic potential in people with high blood sugar levels. In a study, 89 diabetic people were given an oyster mushroom extract for one week. During the week, the people with diabetes who were taking the extract had lower blood glucose levels.
Oyster mushrooms may also promote heart health by reducing risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. P. ostreatus, a type of oyster mushroom, is especially high in several compounds that benefit heart health, including fibers called beta-glucans. A 2020 review suggested that oyster mushrooms' potential blood sugar-lowering effects may be attributed to their high concentration of beta-glucans, as this type of fiber slows down carbohydrate digestion and absorption.
In addition to their blood sugar-lowering properties, oyster mushrooms may also improve immune system function. For example, pleuran, a type of beta-glucan fiber derived from P. ostreatus, has been shown to have immune-modulating properties. Oyster mushrooms may also have antiviral and antibacterial effects.
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Medicinal mushrooms to treat diabetes
Diabetes is a complex illness that requires careful management of blood glucose levels. While a diabetes treatment plan should not rely on a single dietary choice, mushrooms are a fantastic culinary addition for people with diabetes. They are low in carbs and sugar and are considered to have anti-diabetic properties.
Mushrooms contain natural bioactive components that may be anti-diabetic. Many mushroom species are particularly helpful in lowering blood glucose levels and alleviating diabetes symptoms. Hypoglycaemic effects have been observed in investigations on Agaricus bisporus, Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Lion's mane, and Oyster mushrooms, among others.
The B vitamins and polysaccharides in mushrooms may aid in managing and preventing diabetes and its complications. Polysaccharides are believed to assist in blood sugar management. Research on these components in animals with type 2 diabetes suggests they could lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, mushrooms have a glycemic index in the 10-15 range, indicating a low glycemic load that will likely cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
Medicinal mushrooms, such as those from the Ganoderma genus, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes and insulin resistance. G. lucidum, also known as Reishi mushroom, is one of the most famous medicinal mushrooms in Asia. It has been studied extensively for its efficacy and therapeutic potential, with few to no side effects reported. However, it is important to note that reishi mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinners and may worsen symptoms in people taking immunosuppressants. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating medicinal mushrooms into your diabetes treatment plan.
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Ganoderma mushrooms for insulin resistance
Diabetes mellitus is a complex illness in which the body does not produce enough insulin to control blood glucose levels. As cases of diabetes rise globally, the demand for natural solutions is also increasing. Mushrooms are known to contain natural bioactive components that may be anti-diabetic.
One of the most famous medicinal mushrooms, especially in Asian countries, is the Ganoderma mushroom, also known as "Ling-Zhi" in Chinese, "Reishi" in Japanese, and "Yeongji" in Korean. Ganoderma mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and are known for their therapeutic potential and satisfactory effects on medical conditions. They are used not only for diabetes but also in the treatment of other chronic diseases such as nephritis, hypertension, arthritis, insomnia, and asthma. They also have anti-cancer, anti-hepatotoxic, and immunomodulatory effects.
The most active ingredients of Ganoderma mushrooms are polysaccharides and triterpenoids. Research on these components in animals with type 2 diabetes suggests that they could contribute to lowering blood sugar. G. lucidum is the most thoroughly studied species of the Ganoderma genus, and it has been proven to have few or no side effects, confirming its safety profile.
Medicinal mushrooms for glucose control in diabetes work through multiple mechanisms, both insulin-dependent and insulin-independent. These mechanisms include the inhibition of glucose absorption, increased insulin release, protection from beta-cell damage, improved antioxidant defenses, modulation of carbohydrate pathways, and reduced inflammation.
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Reishi mushrooms and blood pressure
Diabetes mellitus is a complex illness in which the body does not create enough insulin to control blood glucose levels. Many mushroom species are known to contain natural bioactive components that may help lower blood glucose levels and alleviate diabetes symptoms.
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, are among several medicinal mushrooms that have been used for hundreds of years, primarily in Asian countries, for treating infections. They have also been used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and cancer. Reishi mushrooms are considered an adaptogen, a compound that may help the body cope with stress and boost the immune system.
Reishi mushrooms have been studied for their potential to lower blood pressure. In one study, researchers found that administering Reishi water extract to adult male hypertensive ISIAH rats for seven weeks reduced blood pressure to a level comparable to that of losartan. Additionally, intragastric Reishi introduction significantly increased cerebral blood flow and affected cerebral cortex metabolic patterns, suggesting a potential nootropic effect.
While Reishi mushrooms are probably safe for most people, they may not be suitable for everyone. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with low blood pressure, and those with certain bleeding disorders should avoid Reishi due to potential risks. Furthermore, individuals taking medications to reduce blood pressure should exercise caution as combining Reishi with these medications may lower blood pressure too much.
It is important to note that while mushrooms may provide health benefits for individuals with diabetes, they should not be solely relied upon for diabetes management. A holistic approach that includes a broader healthy diet and input from a healthcare team is recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are low in carbs, sugar, and calories, and have a low glycemic index, meaning they won't cause a spike in blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of B vitamins, selenium, and polysaccharides, which are believed to assist in blood sugar management.
Lion's mane, oyster, and king oyster mushrooms are all recommended for people with diabetes. Mushrooms of the genus Ganoderma, including G. lucidum, are also used to treat diabetes and insulin resistance.
Mushrooms can be eaten raw, grilled, roasted, sautéed, or in a sauce or soup. They can also be taken as a supplement, but it is important to speak to a doctor first to ensure you are consuming a safe and healthy product.
While mushrooms are generally considered safe and nutritious for people with diabetes, they may cause complications for some people. For example, reishi mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinners and could cause blood sugar to drop too low if taken alongside diabetes medication.
While mushrooms may be beneficial for managing diabetes, they should not be relied upon as a single dietary choice. It is important to follow a diabetes diet plan created with input from your healthcare team.
