Type 2 diabetes: the effect of the medicinal herb Sumac on blood sugar levels

Sumac is used as a medicinal herb in traditional medicine. Researchers from the Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran and several other research centers in Iran and the United States studied the effects of this medicinal herb on type 2 diabetes.

Their study, published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmacological Research in the fall of 2014, included 41 participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes…

• 22 participants received 3 grams per day of sumac powder, while the other

• 19 received a placebo for 3 months.

Blood sugar and HbA1c levels were found to drop in the sumac group while remaining the same in the placebo group.

From these results it was concluded that the herb sumac could possibly lower blood sugar in many people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Edible sumac is a different species of herb that causes an itchy rash—edible sumac berries are known for their sour, fruity flavor. Its red color imparts a shiny appearance to food. According to Nancy Guppy, a registered dietitian, the tart taste of sumac comes from vitamin C.

Try making a chickpea salad based on a recipe from thekitchn.com website. You will need chickpeas, garlic cloves, black pepper, red onion, sumac, chili powder, Italian parsley, lemon, olive oil, pomegranate syrup, and fresh mint sprigs. Or make a tofu and vegetable dish with a recipe from Kblog.LunchBoxBunch.com. It calls for broccoli florets, oyster mushrooms, safflower oil, firm tofu, sumac, tamari, minced ginger, chili powder, and maple syrup (no sugar).

From alfez.com/moroccan_lebanese_cuisine/recipes/middle-eastern/middle-eastern-vegetarian-recipes/sumac-fattoush.html comes a recipe for a traditional Fattoush salad with olive oil, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell pepper, radish, onion , parsley leaves, mint, lemon juice and sumac.

Sumac powder can be found in the spice aisle of many grocery stores and in most Middle Eastern stores. Various sources also offer it online.

Edible sumac is drought resistant and grows throughout the 48 contiguous US. It can be grown as an ornamental plant as well as for its fruit. Many people look for edible sumac, which can be easily distinguished from poisonous species that produce white or yellow berries in contrast to the purplish-red berries on edible plants. A pink lemonade can be made from the berries. Pick a few bunches of berries and add them to cold, not hot, water. Allow the berries to soak until the water turns pink, which can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Add sweetener and enjoy.