A groundbreaking clinical trial carried out at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, and the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has shown that consuming Mankai, a newly cultivated aquatic plant after meals can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. The study revealed that Mankai’s effect on lowering blood sugar levels is similar to that of certain medications.

High blood sugar, especially after meals, poses significant health risks for individuals with type 2 diabetes. This condition is often worsened by insulin resistance, which reduces the effectiveness of insulin in muscles and the liver. Chronic high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, affect the peripheral nervous system, and increase the risk of severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and reduced sensation in extremities.

Prof. Amir Tirosh from Sheba Medical Center, Dr Gal Tsaban, and Prof. Iris Shai from Ben-Gurion University conducted a study on the effects of Mankai on post-meal blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mankai is known for its high protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidant content. The study, which was published in Obesity, Diabetes, and Metabolism earlier this month, found that consuming a Mankai beverage after dinner resulted in approximately a 20% reduction in post-meal blood sugar levels, lower peak sugar levels, and a faster return to baseline levels. This positive effect was observed in about two-thirds of the participants.

During the trial, 45 participants with diabetes and A1c levels between 6.5% and 8.5% were involved. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group consumed a 300 ml Mankai drink after dinner for two weeks, while the other group drank an equivalent volume of water. After two weeks, the groups switched interventions for another two weeks. Blood sugar levels were continuously monitored using glucose sensors and standard laboratory tests throughout the study.

“Mankai, which grows naturally in water and is now cultivated under controlled conditions, has shown promise in previous research for improving vascular and brain health, reducing abdominal and liver fat, and positively influencing the microbiome. Early studies also suggest that Mankai may help lower post-meal blood sugar levels, even in individuals without diabetes.”