A New Zealand study shows that dahlias are not only very pretty flowers, they also have anti-diabetic properties helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
- One study showed that reducing brain inflammation helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Dahlia petals contain molecules that reduce this inflammation.
- Researchers have demonstrated that administering a supplement containing dahlia extracts limits blood sugar and insulin levels.
In France, more than 3.5 million people receive medication for diabetes. The solution to helping them lower their blood sugar levels could be hiding in gardens. Researchers from the University ofOtagoin New Zealand, discovered that dahlia petal extract would have the property of stabilizing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Anti-inflammatory effect helps regulate blood sugar
First, scientists noticed that inhibiting brain inflammation, caused by an excessive Western diet, could improve blood sugar regulation. This observation provided them with a lead for further research.
“We then discovered that the plant of dahlia is a cultivable source of this molecule and that it contains two additional plant molecules which reinforce the effect of the original molecule. This specifically blocked brain inflammation and improved blood sugar regulation in preclinical trials.”says Professor Alexander Tupsresponsible for the work published in the journal Life Metabolism.
“In As scientists, often our work ends when we find the mechanism of how something works. So in this case, finding three compounds found in a flower that combined improve blood sugar regulation was a dream come true.”he specifies.
THE trials on animals and people with prediabetes are conclusive
To confirm their promising results, the researchers carried out tests on animals suffering from prediabetes. The results showed that blood sugar regulation was significantly improved after taking a food supplement based on extract of dahlia. Encouraged by this initial data, scientists conducted clinical tests on people suffering from prediabetes. They concluded that blood sugar regulation improved after taking the supplement.
“The product provides a unique blend of nutritional compounds to support normal blood sugar and insulin levels. Trials have shown that this will be useful for people diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to help stop the progression of the disease.”concluded project leader Dr. Graham Strong in a press release.
