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The Banaba leaf comes from the banaba plant that naturally grows in India, Asia, and the Philippines. Often the banaba leaves are used in herbal preparations, as they present health benefits. In making traditional medicines, the Banaba leaf has long been utilized and believed to treat diabetes and assist with weight management.
Banaba leaf can be a dominant weapon in the fight against high blood sugar. It can be consumed in the form of tea, powder, pill, tablet, juice or dietary supplement. In many other parts of the world, banaba does not grow so it is taken as a dietary supplement. With banaba leaf, never self-treat any medical conditions and before adding it to your routine, get endorsement from your physician.
Banaba leaf comes from a tree with thick, waxy leaves and striking purple flowers, usually found in Southeast Asia. In Banaba leaf, the active compound that is extracted is known as corosolic acid. In fact, Corsolic acid lowers and maintains blood sugar levels and helps control food cravings. Naturally it also decreases the cravings for carbohydrates and sweets so it has been used to treat and control diabetes as well as used for weight loss. People suffering with hypoglycemia are recommended not to use banaba leaf or banaba extract as it could worsen their condition or lower their blood sugar to hazardous levels.
Identification:
Banaba, identified scientifically as Lagerstroemia, is a flowering tree that is native to the Philippines and India. The Banaba plant is also well-known as the crepe myrtle and is prominent for its elegant flowers and dark bark, which sheds away in big patches throughout the year. As per Medical Health Guide report, banaba can grow up to 30 feet high, producing pink and lavender flowers and leaves that are 3 inches wide by 7 inches in length. The plant can be grown in almost any climate.
Fast facts about Banaba Leaf
Banaba Leaf Extract Synonyms: Banabá(for Philippines), Giant Crape-myrtle, Queen’s Crape-myrtle, Pride of India
Blood Sugar Control/Diabetes Control:
Banaba leaves contain corosolic acid, which has been recognized as one of the main agents for banaba’s glucose lowering effect. Also Corosolic acid helps to repair the connection among insulin and insulin receptors, easing the problem of insulin resistance. It helps the body to break down sugars and carbohydrates and send them out to the body as energy through a process known as glycolysis, according to a study in the April 2008 issue of “Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice”.
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