Diabetes affects hundreds of millions of people in the US and UK, however a new superfruit, the baobab, may help diabetics manage their blood sugar.
Those who suffer from diabetes must ensure that they manage blood sugar levels properly. If they do not, it may lead to diseases of the heart, kidney damage, or even amputation of the foot.
However, it has come to light that eating this ‘superfood’ powder may help diabetics prevent further repercussions.
New Study
Research from Oxford Brookes University claims that the African baobab fruit may potentially help diabetics regulate levels of sugar in their blood.
Throughout the study, researchers were finding that powder extracted from the baobab fruit, which they could then add to shakes or smoothies, can help avoid spikes in blood sugar.
The findings were presented by ‘Superfoods: The Real Story’ on Channel 4 last week. Since the broadcast, sales of Aduna Baobab Powder soared by over 1,300 percent.
Dr Shelly Coe, a researcher at Oxford Brookes University, stated: “We have carried out a number of studies on baobab fruit at our Centre and the results have consistently demonstrated that baobab can have a stabilising effect on blood glucose.
“It is also high in polyphenols which have been shown to effect the release of sugars from carbohydrates into the blood stream, reducing their conversion into glucose.
Diabetes in the UK
Diabetes symptoms are known to affect around 40.5 million people throughout the UK. The condition carries a costly price tag of £14 billion a year from the NHS.
Baobab fruit has been consumed in Africa for centuries, and according to Dr Coe, “Our studies have shown that along with a good diet and exercise, consuming baobab could help regulate your blood sugar – which is particularly good news for those with Type 2 Diabetes.”