Rhemannia glutinosa has the effects of nourishing blood and yin, and invigorating essence and marrow. Many people use Rhemannia glutinosa to make soup. Can diabetic patients eat Rhemannia glutinosa?
Can Diabetic Patients Eat Rhemannia Glutinosa?
Yes, they can.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, which is related to defects in insulin secretion or other biological functions. Rhemannia glutinosa is a traditional Chinese medicine with a sweet taste and slightly warm nature. It has the effects of nourishing and invigorating blood, and invigorating essence and marrow. It can be used to treat blood deficiency and liver and kidney yin deficiency.
Taking Rhemannia glutinosa will not cause an increase in blood sugar levels. On the contrary, the iridoids in Rhemannia glutinosa can help lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, diabetic patients can eat Rhemannia glutinosa.
How to Eat Rhemannia Glutinosa for Diabetic Patients
Rhemannia Glutinosa and Winter Melon Soup
Ingredients: 200g winter melon, 300g dragon bone (pork spine bone), 30g Rhemannia glutinosa, salt to taste.
1. Wash the winter melon, dragon bone, and Rhemannia glutinosa.
2. Cut the dragon bone into pieces and blanch to remove blood.
3. Cut the winter melon into pieces and set aside.
4. Put the dragon bone and Rhemannia glutinosa into a stewing pot.
5. Add an appropriate amount of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
6. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, then add the winter melon.
7. Cook until the winter melon is tender, then season to taste and serve.
Rhemannia Glutinosa and Angelica Chicken
Ingredients: 1 chicken leg, 25g Rhemannia glutinosa, 15g angelica, 10g chuanxiong, 10g white peony, salt to taste.
1. Wash the chicken leg and chop into pieces.
2. Put the chicken leg and medicinal herbs into a stewing pot.
3. Add about 1000ml of water.
4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 40 minutes.
5. Add salt to taste before serving.
Precautions for Diabetic Patients Eating Rhemannia Glutinosa
1. Don't blindly consume
Rhemannia glutinosa does have some blood sugar lowering effects, but its efficacy is limited when used alone. Therefore, diabetic patients still need to continue taking hypoglycemic drugs and monitor their blood sugar levels. If the blood sugar fluctuates significantly, they should consult a doctor.
2. Don't consume in excess
The recommended dosage of Rhemannia glutinosa is generally 10-30g. Excessive consumption is not recommended because the body may not fully absorb its effects. Additionally, Rhemannia glutinosa has a greasy nature and excessive consumption can affect digestion.
3. Avoid consuming with radishes and "Three Whites"
"Three Whites" refers to white onion, white leek, and white garlic. Radishes have a qi-reducing effect and strong dispersing properties. Consuming Rhemannia glutinosa with them can reduce the nourishing effects of Rhemannia glutinosa.
4. Avoid using iron utensils for cooking
According to "Pharmaceutical Identification", using iron utensils can cause "kidney consumption". Therefore, when cooking Rhemannia glutinosa, it is advisable to avoid using copper or iron utensils. Rhemannia glutinosa is a traditional Chinese medicine and may react with copper or iron, reducing its efficacy or producing substances that are harmful to the body.
Contraindications for Eating Rhemannia Glutinosa
1. Those with qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation
Symptoms may include localized lumps, chest tightness, rib pain, and slippery pulse. Since Rhemannia glutinosa has a greasy nature and is not easily digested, it may worsen phlegm accumulation in individuals with qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation.
2. Those with weak spleen and stomach
Rhemannia glutinosa is sticky in nature and hinders digestion. If the individual has weak spleen and stomach function and cannot absorb and digest Rhemannia glutinosa, it may worsen symptoms such as abdominal distension, poor appetite, and loose stools.
3. Those with colds
According to traditional Chinese medicine, colds are caused by external evils and can cause dysfunction of the lung's defensive Qi. During a cold, it is not advisable to tonify the body. Rhemannia glutinosa is a highly tonifying medicinal herb, and taking it during a cold may cause stagnation of evil Qi in the body, worsening symptoms or prolonging the duration of the illness.
Daily Health Principles for Diabetic Patients
1. Measure blood sugar regularly
Blood sugar levels vary at different times of the day, so it is recommended for diabetic patients to measure their blood sugar levels before and after meals to monitor their blood sugar levels and prevent unaware increases in blood sugar that may lead to complications.
2. Control diet
Diabetic patients should strictly control the intake of sugar and fat in their diet. Foods such as rice, pork, watermelon, and pear, which are high in sugar and fat, should be consumed in moderation to prevent an increase in blood sugar levels.
3. Exercise regularly
As the saying goes, "control your mouth, move your legs" when blood sugar is high. In addition to strict dietary control, regular exercise is also necessary. Moderate exercise can promote the transformation and transportation of spleen Qi, thereby improving blood sugar levels. Running, tai chi, and walking are all good choices.
