Thursday, August 24, 2006

Banaba


Banaba is a medicinal plant that grows in Southeast Asia. Traditional uses include brewing tea from the leaves as a treatment for diabetes and hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar). The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of banaba leaf extract is similar to that of insulin – which induces glucose transport from the blood into body cells.

Banaba leaf extract contains a triterpenoid compound known as corosolic acid – which has actions in stimulating glucose transport into cells. As such, banaba plays a role in regulating levels of blood sugar and insulin in the blood. For some people, fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin are related to appetite, hunger and various food cravings – particularly craving for carbohydrates such as bread and sweets. By keeping blood sugar and insulin levels in check, banaba may be an effective supplement for promoting weight loss in certain individuals.

  • Balances blood sugar
  • Promotes healthy insulin levels
  • Controls appetite and food craving (especially carbohydrate cravings)
  • May promote weight loss

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