Consuming mushrooms might assist individuals in managing Type 2 diabetes , according to a study.
Researchers at Semmelweis University in Budapest discovered that edible mushrooms are abundant in compounds that enhance responsiveness to insulin, a major issue for individuals with diabetes.
"Our research uncovers the significant potential of natural substances found in mushrooms to target crucial metabolic processes," stated Dr Zsuzsanna Németh.
Approximately 5.8 million individuals have Type 2 diabetes. In the UK, this condition often arises due to excessive weight and consumption of an unbalanced diet.
The condition may raise the chances of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney issues, eyesight deterioration, and limb amputations.
A fit body generates the hormone insulin within the pancreas after consuming food, utilizing it to convert dietary sugars into energy.
Nevertheless, in certain individuals, cells become resistant to the hormone and fail to respond appropriately.
This condition is known as insulin resistance and results in increased glucose levels in the blood since it hasn’t been transformed into energy.
Dr Németh stated: "With increasing interest in non-drug methods of preventing diseases, this creates thrilling opportunities for employing edible medicinal mushrooms as supplementary elements in managing diabetes."
Previous studies have demonstrated that fungi possess medically significant elements for example, polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenols, and heterocyclic amines.
The Semmelweis team noted in their research that mushroom extracts exhibit "anti-diabetic, anti-high cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, heart-protective, anti-bone density loss, and anti-cancer properties."
They discovered that the polysaccharides—various forms of sugar—in white button mushrooms have the potential to enhance beneficial gut bacteria within the human body.
The sugars found in the lion's mane mushroom act as antioxidants. , whilst the shiitake mushroom contains compounds associated with lowering blood sugar levels and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties.
The researchers stated: "Edible mushrooms, which include medicinal ones, play a crucial role in diet. These fungi serve as excellent sources of fibre, vitamins, amino acids, and trace minerals; however, the majority of studies have focused on the water-soluble compounds known as polysaccharides."
Polysaccharides exert intricate impacts on the human body. They beneficially adjust gut microbiota, glucose levels, and lipid balance, along with supporting the immune system; these collective effects may decrease insulin resistance.
These properties render mushrooms, particularly medicinal ones, a possible component of supplementary treatment for obesity and associated conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
The study was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
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