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With their ingredients, mushrooms can help modulate the intestinal flora and improve insulin secretion and thus counteract diabetes.
A new review involving experts from the Sri Jayadev College of Pharmaceutical Sciences in India examined the effects of various mushrooms on diabetes. The results can be read in the English-language scientific journal “Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fiber”.
Mushrooms lower the glycemic index
Mushrooms contain various types of secondary metabolites (e.g. β-D-glucans, lipopolysaccharides, proteins and peptides) that lower the glycemic index, the research team reports.
The most common metabolites are triterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, which are known for their hypoglycemic properties. According to the researchers, the polysaccharides from mushrooms also have various bioactivities and can also have a positive effect on the intestinal flora.
Animal studies have shown that this modulation of the intestinal microbiota is associated with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and a restoration of the redox balance.
Antidiabetic effect of mushrooms
In summary, the secondary metabolites, especially polysaccharides (β-glucan and exopolymers), terpenoids (triterpenoids and diterpenoids), proteins and peptides, phenols and flavonoids from edible mushrooms have a potential antidiabetic effect.
Thanks to these secondary metabolites, fungi have a positive influence on the regulation of insulin secretion, the proliferation of pancreatic β-cells, the maintenance of blood sugar levels in the plasma and the lipid profiles, the researchers emphasize.
Nutritionist Zhenhua Liu from the University of Massachusetts Amherst also confirms the positive effects of consuming mushrooms. In a specialist article, the expert reports that mushrooms can help improve protection against diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
Edible mushrooms can have a far-reaching positive influence on health and especially on the intestinal flora and the risk of diabetes. Regular consumption of mushrooms appears to be a natural and effective way to prevent diabetes and could also be useful in the course of treatment. (as)