3 reasons turmeric is a boon for diabetics

It just doesn't add flavour to your food, but can be your alternate medicine too.

Turmeric is such an easily available ingredient! It has antibacterial and antibiotic properties and is used widely for many natural remedies cold and cough; heal wounds, for digestion, etc. Here are some health benefits of haldi or turmeric that you should know.

However, a recent study conducted by the health scientists from the University of Newcastle s Nutraceuticals Research Group, led by Professor Manohar Garg, pointed out that a compound present in turmeric curcumin, when coupled with omega-3 fats may delay or prevent the onset of type-2 diabetes. Know more about this study here.

However, here are a few ways in which turmeric can be beneficial for diabetics

It strengthens the immune system: With a condition like diabetes, the immune system goes for a toss. One of the many reasons why a diabetic becomes susceptible to other health conditions like heart disease, kidney failure, poor liver function, etc. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycaemic properties of curcumin present in turmeric, helps to strengthen the immune system and fight various infections and viruses. Here are some natural remedies that help you boost immunity and stay safe.

It helps in weight management:Obesity is a major risk factor of diabetes, accumulation of abdominal fat makes insulin production difficult. However, curcumin helps to control triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body, improve digestion, prevent the accumulation of harmful fats. This helps in weight management, an important way to manage diabetes or prevent its onset. Here is a diet plan for diabetics to control blood sugar levels.

It regulates insulin levels: Pancreas handles insulin production in the human body. Turmeric intake promises to keep the pancreas healthy. Its anti-glycaemic properties help to maintain proper functioning of the pancreas, regulate and balance insulin levels, prevent insulin resistance in the body. It also lowers blood sugar and triglyceride levels, thereby helping to treat diabetes effectively or prevent its onset. Read to know how artificial pancreas can control type I diabetes.

How to consume turmeric

Turmeric is available as whole (rhizome), powder, capsule, tincture or in oil form.

• Adding turmeric to your food is the best way to include it in your diet. But if your food is over cooked you may lose out on the goodness of the spice. So make sure that your food is prepared at the right temperature. Here are 10 ways to cook your food the right way.
• You can also add turmeric powder to your milk. Here are few benefits of haldi dhood or turmeric milk that you should know about.
• Chewing on a piece of turmeric can also help you fight diabetes and prevent its complication.

Daily recommended dose limits for various forms of turmeric are as follows:

• Cut roots- 1.5-3g per day
• Powdered roots- 1-3g per day
• Standardized powder-400-600mg 3 times a day
• Fluid extract - 30-90 drops per day
• Tincture - 15-30 drops 4 times a day

Word of caution

Even though turmeric is thought to be safe and natural to treat diabetes, here are some situations when you should avoid using turmeric or use it after proper consultation with your doctor:

• When you are under medications to treat hyperglycemia, as together they can lower glucose levels drastically.
• When you are scheduled to undergo a surgery. Due to their blood thinning activity, it is advisable to discontinue turmeric supplements prior to surgery.
• If you are suffering from gallstones or obstruction in bile passage.

Taken in inappropriate amounts, turmeric can have ill effects like ulcers, stomach troubles, acne, etc. Also, pregnant and lactating mothers should refrain from taking turmeric supplements.

Image source: Shutterstock

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