Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that impacts the ability of your body to convert food, specifically carbohydrates and sugar, into energy.
A healthy body breaks carbohydrates into sugars and releases these sugars into the bloodstream. Then, the pancreas releases insulin, a peptide hormone, which allows your cells to take in sugars and use them for energy.
People with diabetes either do not make enough (or no) insulin, or they have difficulty using the insulin correctly, depending on their diabetes type. Patients with type 1 don’t make insulin, and patients with type 2 make some, but the body cannot use them well (they become insulin resistant). So the sugar cannot enter the cells and give energy to the body.
Traditional Treatment Options for Diabetes
People living with diabetes must monitor their diets and use diabetes medications to manage the disease. A diabetics diet is low-carb (avoiding foods that are high on the glycemic index is essential) and low-calorie, because weight gain aggravates symptoms of diabetes.
Diabetes treatment also includes continuous glucose monitoring and insulin shots. Some diabetes patients choose to use an insulin pump, which is a device that monitors your blood glucose levels and pumps insulin into your body when it is needed.
Is Turkey Tail Mushroom Good for Diabetes?
Yes, turkey tail mushroom has been shown to be good for diabetes in studies conducted with rats, although more human trials are needed to be absolutely sure.
Turkey Tail mushrooms contain bioactive compounds such as polysaccharopeptides and beta-glucans, which are believed to contribute to their potential health benefits. These compounds may possess anti-diabetic properties, including blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity improvement.
Several studies conducted on animals and in vitro (laboratory) settings have shown promising results regarding the potential anti-diabetic effects of Turkey Tail mushrooms.
For example, some studies have indicated that the bioactive compounds in Turkey Tail mushrooms may help lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin resistance, and reduce complications associated with diabetes.
What we can conclude from this, and this study on rats, is that turkey tail mushroom may significantly reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance.
Although one thing to be careful of is that if you are already taking diabetic medications that you will want to consult with your doctor before adding turkey tail mushroom to your diet. There is a chance that your blood sugar could drop dangerously low if you combine turkey tail with prescription medications.
What Other Mushrooms Can Help with Diabetes?
To keep diabetes under control, you need something low in carbohydrates and calories. Here are a few examples of mushrooms that may have beneficial effects on blood sugar control and overall health:
- Shiitake Mushrooms contain a compound called eritadenine, which has been found to have cholesterol-lowering effects. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity;
- Oyster Mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They have been studied for their potential anti-diabetic properties, including the ability to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity;
- White Button Mushrooms: White button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are one of the most commonly consumed mushroom varieties worldwide. They are low in calories and rich in nutrients such as selenium, potassium, and B vitamins. White button mushrooms have been studied for their potential to improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
- Maitake Mushrooms: Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) also contain beta-glucan, which has shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Maitake mushrooms possess antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation associated with diabetes.
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