Gymnema Sylvestre: the miracle fruit!

No matter how weird it sounds, Gymnema Sylvestre is an irresistible fruit. Also known as Gurmar in Hindi (meaning destroyer of sugar), it is native to India, Africa and has loads of medicinal properties.

Used for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, it acts as a magic potion on the human body. Containing effective anti-diabetic properties, which can be attributed to its anti-sweet activity, Gymnema Sylvestre has components like glycosides and gymnemic acids.

Various studies suggest that the gymnemic acid molecules pull the plugs on the sweet-receptors of our taste buds, thereby preventing its activation by the sugar molecules naturally present in the food ingested. Thus, sugar craving is curbed throughout the day. In fact, this “miracle fruit” works wonders for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as it helps maintain the sugar balance.

This healthy green herb can also prove beneficial for weight loss as it blocks the sugar receptors in the intestinal wall. Hence, when the food is consumed, only a small part of sugar particles (glucose) is allowed into the blood stream, the body excretes the rest.

Gymnema is also invaluable for fighting infection. It builds up enough resistance to protect the body against various diseases and improves immunity. It also lowers cholesterol, thus making one less prone to heart diseases.
It also protects the liver from damage from drugs and medications. It is thus great for people suffering from asthma and inflammations.

However, one must watch out for excess urination or defecation as it has diuretic and laxative properties. Its dose therefore, depends on the age and health of a person and one should consult a doctor before taking it. It is available as leaves (chewable), tablets and tea.