Recently, a human study published by the University of Sydney in Australia evaluated the effects of fig extract ABAlife on blood glucose metabolism and blood parameters. The standardized fig extract is rich in abscisic acid (ABA). In addition to its anti-inflammatory and adaptive properties, it has also been shown to increase glucose tolerance, help insulin release, and may help reduce postprandial blood glucose levels.
This preliminary study suggests that ABAlife may be a beneficial dietary supplement ingredient that helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and serves as an adjunct to chronic metabolic disorders such as pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, the researchers evaluated the effects of two different ABA doses (100 mg and 200 mg) on the postprandial glucose and insulin response in healthy subjects.
Fig is one of the fruits with the highest concentration of ABA in nature. Adding 200 mg of ABAlife to the glucose drink reduced overall blood glucose and insulin levels and peaked after 30 to 120 minutes. Glycemic index (GI) levels are significantly improved compared to glucose solutions alone, and GI is the rate and efficiency with which the body metabolizes carbohydrates.
ABAlife is a patented extract from Euromed, Germany, which is purified using high quality production standards and a tightly controlled process to achieve high concentration, standardized ABA content. This ingredient provides a scientifically proven health benefit of ABA while avoiding the extra heat from eating figs. Low doses were also effective for the gastrointestinal tract but did not reach statistical significance. However, both doses significantly reduced the postprandial insulin index (II), which showed how much insulin was released by the body’s response to a meal, and the data showed a significant reduction in the dose response of GI and II.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, 66 million people in Europe have diabetes. Prevalence is rising in all age groups, mainly due to increased risk factors associated with lifestyle, such as unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity. Sugar increases the level of glucose in the blood, causing the pancreas to release insulin. Higher insulin levels can cause calories in the diet to be stored as fat, leading to overweight and obesity, both of which are risk factors for diabetes.
Post time: Sep-17-2019