Gurmar

Also Known As : Gymnema, Australian cowplant, Periploca of the woods
Technical Name : Gymnema sylvestre

Vegetarian

Description

Gurmar is a perennial woody vine native to tropical China, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, Asia, and Australia. It has elongated-oval shaped, having soft hairs on the upper surface. Its leaves have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Health benefits

  • Gurmar contains an active component, gymnemic acid that helps to suppress sweetness and reduce sugar cravings. (1)
  • It has anti-diabetic properties that help to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels in the body. (1)
  • It can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and triglycerides, and decrease the risk of heart diseases. (1)
  • It helps in weight loss and also prevents weight gain. (1)
  • It contains tannins and saponins that have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to fight inflammation. (1)

Selection Guide

Gurmar is available in pill or tablet form, and also as an extract or leaf powder form.

Note

Gurmar can cause an unsafe drop in blood sugar levels. People taking blood-sugar-lowering medications must consult doctor before consuming gurmar. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. (2)

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”