GLP-1 is a Good Little Protein

GLP‑1 is a natural hormone made in the gut that helps control blood sugar, slows stomach emptying, and curbs appetite—making it a key target for diabetes and weight‑loss treatments.

Zhao, Xin et al. “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Their Pancreatic Effects.” Frontiers in endocrinology vol. 12 721135. 23 Aug. 2021, doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.721135 This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).

Prescription GLP‑1 medications mimic this hormone and have proven benefits for blood sugar control, heart health, brain protection, and liver function. However, these drugs can have side effects and usually require injections.

Researchers have discovered that certain nutrients and plant compounds can boost the body’s own GLP‑1 production by “tasting” the nutrients in the gut and triggering hormone release.

These natural GLP‑1 secretagogues include widely available herbs and foods, offering a gentler, oral approach to support metabolic health without injections.

Natural Phytochemical GLP‑1 Secretagogues

• Berberine (from barberry, goldenseal)
• Tea (green and black)
• Curcumin (turmeric)
• Cinnamon (tree bark)
• Resveratrol (grapes, red wine)
• Gardenia (fruit extract)
• Mate tea (leaves)
• Little dragon (leaves)
• Soybean (roots)
• Agave (roots)
• Yacon (roots)
• Pygeum (bark)
• Bitter melon (fruit)
• Wheat (fiber)
• Mango (leaves)
• Korean pine (seeds)
• Barberry (roots and rhizomes)

Optimal Takeaways

• GLP‑1 helps lower blood sugar and curb hunger; synthetic versions work but have drawbacks.
• Many common plants contain compounds that safely stimulate natural GLP‑1 release.
• Incorporating these botanicals—through diet or supplements—may support diabetes, weight management, and overall metabolic health.

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