Content
Rose hips have certain benefits for diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar levels by improving the absorption of insulin. Also, the components of the berry stimulate the functioning of the pancreas, strengthen blood vessels and normalize blood flow, which has a beneficial effect on blood pressure and heart function. The berry does not contain many simple sugars, so it can be consumed in moderation for diabetes.
Can you drink rose hips if you have diabetes?
Rosehip is not a panacea for the disease. But it contains substances that lower blood glucose levels.
The glycemic index of this product is 25 units out of 100. For comparison: the same indicator for apples, buckwheat – 45, whole grain flour – 40-50, orange – 35, pomegranate – 35. The share of simple sugars (glucose, fructose and others) reaches 8% by weight. This means that the berries are completely safe to eat for diabetes of any type - first and second.
In what form can a diabetic take rose hips?
Rose hips can be consumed fresh, as well as in drinks:
- tea;
- decoction;
- infusion;
- jelly.
Berries can also be mixed with other ingredients, for example, currant leaves, orange slices, to obtain not only a tasty, but also aromatic drink. However, in case of diabetes, the consumption of sugar is sharply limited (and in some cases completely prohibited).
Despite the fact that rosehip tea or decoction has a unique taste, you should not put a lot of granulated sugar, jam, honey and other similar products into it.
Rosehip-based syrup, which is sold in pharmacies and stores, is excluded from the diabetic menu or is severely limited due to its high sugar content
What are the benefits of rose hips for diabetes?
The berries contain quite a lot of valuable substances - organic and mineral:
- Vitamins B, E, A, C are vital for ensuring normal metabolic processes.
- Pectins improve the functioning of the digestive system and remove excess cholesterol and bile acids.
- Carotenes help strengthen the immune system, increase human endurance, and activate cell restoration processes.
- Minerals (compounds of magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium) provide immunity, maintain water balance, and the normal functioning of all vital systems.
- Essential oils have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.
- Organic acids (citric, malic, oleic) help prolong youth.
- Tannins act as a natural antiseptic. They destroy bacteria.
The medicinal properties of rose hips for diabetes are due to the fact that it helps improve insulin absorption. Therefore, the level of glucose in the blood decreases, which is especially important for diabetics.
Rose hips also have other beneficial qualities. Regular consumption of berries in tea, decoctions and other drinks has a beneficial effect on the human body:
- stabilizes blood pressure;
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
- thins the blood and improves blood flow;
- promotes healing of minor wounds;
- acts as a choleretic agent;
- strengthens the immune system and promotes recovery from illnesses.
How to brew and drink rose hips for diabetes
The main way to consume berries is in the form of drinks. You can simply put them in tea and steam them for a few minutes. But many housewives prefer to cook compote or jelly. However, during cooking, many beneficial substances (including vitamin C) are destroyed, so the medicinal properties of such a drink will be lower.
The fruits can be used not only fresh, but also dried. They retain all the beneficial qualities, taste and aroma. It is possible to use frozen berries. They are also valuable, but they are stored less than dried ones.
Rose hips can be consumed for diabetes of any type
Rosehip infusion for diabetes
A water infusion can be used several times a week for illness. If the drink is without additional sugar, then you can drink it every day in moderate doses. You can prepare the infusion yourself using just two ingredients:
- fresh or dried fruits – 20–30 pcs.;
- boiling water – 1 l.
You need to act this way:
- If the berries are dried, they are poured with hot water (in small quantities) and steamed.
- Then transfer it to a blender and grind thoroughly.
- The resulting cake is poured into a thermos.
- Pour boiling water over and cover with a lid.
- Leave for 5–6 hours (preferably overnight), after which the drink is ready.It can be strained and drunk instead of tea.
Rosehip decoctions for type 1 and 2 diabetes
Diabetics can use rosehip decoction regardless of the type of disease. The drink is prepared from the following components:
- berries – 20–30 pcs.;
- water – 1 l.
The instructions are simple:
- Put water on the fire, bring to a boil.
- Rinse the fruits and add them at the moment of boiling.
- Cook for five minutes over moderate heat.
- Wrap in a towel and let stand for 4-5 hours, then strain. Can be stored in the refrigerator, but no more than two days.
Tea
Tea is an express version of a rosehip drink that can be consumed for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For preparation take:
- 5–7 fruits;
- a glass of boiling water (200-250 ml);
- 1 slice of lemon.
Algorithm of actions:
- Sort out the berries and pour boiling water over them.
- Cover the glass with a ceramic lid and let stand for 10–15 minutes.
- Add lemon or lemon juice.
- In consultation with your doctor, you can drink the drink with a small amount of honey.
Rosehip tea helps strengthen the immune system and normalizes blood sugar levels
Kissel
To prepare jelly, you need the following products:
- berries – 1 cup (150–200 g);
- granulated sugar – 5 tbsp. l.;
- starch - 2 tbsp. l.;
- water – 1 l.
The recipe technology contains several steps:
- Place a saucepan of water on the fire and bring to a boil.
- Add berries. You need to cook for 15 minutes.
- The container is insulated with a towel and left for six hours.
- Strain and add granulated sugar.
- Starch is diluted in a glass of chilled infusion.
- The rest of the drink is brought to a boil again. Gradually add starch solution and mix thoroughly.
- Bring to a boil and immediately turn off, allow to cool.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that rose hips can be used for diabetes, in some cases its use is contraindicated. Moreover, this is not associated with diabetes, but with other pathologies:
- Individual intolerance to individual components. If spots, itching or other allergic reactions occur, use should be discontinued. As a rule, those people who are allergic to citrus fruits suffer. If you are not sure, it is better to start with a small dose to check the body's response.
- Gastritis with high acidity, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum: rose hips contain vitamin C and other organic acids, which can aggravate the situation.
- Urolithiasis (regardless of whether you have diabetes or not). Rose hips contain vitamin C, which promotes the formation of stones.
- Predisposition to increased blood clotting (often hereditary, less commonly acquired).
- Hypotension: rose hips help lower blood pressure, so patients with readings below 110/70 should not consume this berry (both with and without diabetes).
All described contraindications are not absolute. The use of rose hips for diabetes mellitus is allowed even in the early stages of pregnancy and during lactation. If you have chronic diseases, it is better to consult your doctor to clarify the permissible amounts.
In the presence of certain diseases, the use of rose hips is contraindicated
Doctors' recommendations
Doctors agree that rose hips can be used for diabetes. However, it should be considered only as an additional means of treatment, without neglecting the main course of therapy. We also recommend paying attention to the following useful tips:
- Drinking tea with honey, sugar, and jelly is acceptable in small quantities 2-3 times a week. Sugar can have a bad effect on your well-being, but jelly always contains starch, which, when digested, also produces glucose.
- Drinking pure juice or a concentrated solution is not recommended, as it can corrode tooth enamel.
- Excessive consumption of rose hips in diabetes mellitus (in any form) can lead to impaired liver function, and in rare cases, to the development of jaundice.
- Using berries in large quantities can lead to constipation, which is especially dangerous for older people.
- You can give rose hips to children only from the age of three.
- Pregnant women with diabetes can consume berries in any form, but only in consultation with their doctor.
- During lactation, a drink based on rose hips is recommended, as it helps increase the production of breast milk.
Conclusion
Rose hips can be consumed for diabetes mellitus, but with restrictions on honey, syrup, jam and other products containing glucose and fructose. There is no strict dosage: berry-based drinks can be used even every day (in reasonable quantities). Therefore, you can prepare tea or decoction in advance and drink it for 2-3 days, after which you can make a new portion.
