Top 6 Benefits of Turmeric Extract for Diabetics

Role of Turmeric Extract in Diabetes-Management

Since ancient times, nature's gifts have been used for treating different health conditions. Multiple herbal remedies have been tried and tested in the treatment of diabetes and complications arising out of it. Turmeric, a spice commonly used in our kitchen, is derived from the root of the turmeric plant.

It has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Curcumin, the most active component of turmeric, has been proven to possess anti-diabetic properties. It has been shown that curcumin may reduce the risk of developing diabetes in prediabetic patients. Curcumin has been demonstrated to have a direct impact on pancreatic β cells causing increased secretion of insulin. This results in increased glucose uptake, thereby, controlling hyperglycemia.

Curcumin is also found to effectively reduce hyperlipidemia, that is, increased cholesterol. Curcumin possesses strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic, that is, anti-cancer properties.

Apart from decreasing blood glucose levels, curcumin has proven to be effective in various other conditions and complications associated with diabetes.

Effective in Diabetes-related Liver Diseases

Patients suffering from diabetes usually develop fatty liver disorder (excessive fat on the liver) and other liver related disorders. Studies conducted to assess the effect of curcumin in such patients revealed that curcumin significantly improved the condition of such patients.

Role in Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which nerves are affected due to diabetes. In a study, curcumin was found to suppress diabetes related cataract in animal models. Another study has proven that curcumin was beneficial in improving cognitive (intellectual) function and insulin signaling in Alzheimer's patients. It was also found to improve hyperalgesia, a condition in which the patient experiences sensations of increased pain.

Potential Benefits in Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is a disorder in which kidneys are affected due to diabetes, resulting in protein excretion in the urine, decreased rate of filtration through kidneys and increased blood pressure. Curcumin is found to ameliorate renal damage by several mechanisms.

Improves Diabetic Vascular Conditions

In diabetic vascular conditions, blood vessels in the body are affected. Studies have supported the role of curcumin in improving vascular conditions associated with diabetes. This was proven by improved wound healing, better microcirculation in patients with microangiopathy (a condition in which small blood vessels are affected) and retinopathy (a condition in which blood vessels in the eyes are affected).

Beneficial in Other Diabetes-related Complications

Curcumin has been demonstrated to be beneficial in several other diabetes-related complications.

It was found to be effective in problems of muscles and bones which arose from a diabetic condition. In a study, it was observed that curcumin improved erectile functioning in diabetic patients suffering from erectile dysfunction. It was also proven to improve stomach related problems in diabetic patients.

Prevents the Development of Diabetes Mellitus

A study assessed the effects of curcumin in the prevention of type 2 diabetes development in prediabetes patients. None of the patients treated with curcumin developed type 2 diabetes during one-year period of treatment.

Additionally, turmeric is a relatively safe and inexpensive product, and an essential ingredient in Indian kitchens.

Tips for Making Turmeric a Part of Your Daily Diet

• Haldi ka Doodh/ Golden Milk - Our elders have been consuming boiled turmeric milk since time immemorial but nowadays several other health drinks seem to have replaced the multipurpose turmeric. If you are already consuming it daily, well and good; otherwise reintroduce it to your diet.

Tea/ coffee shops in foreign countries have introduced golden latte as a part of their menu and are doing good business.

• Turmeric Omelet - You can sprinkle a pinch of turmeric powder on your omelet.
• Curry Paste - Make a paste with turmeric or add turmeric powder in curry paste.
• Turmeric root in soups - Since the root is the most effective part of turmeric, you can add chopped root of turmeric in your purees or soups.
• Turmeric tea - You can add 2 teaspoons of turmeric in boiling water along with honey and a dash of lemon to make a refreshing turmeric-honey-lemon tea and make a refreshing start to your day.

• Turmeric for Chicken Marinade - Marinade chicken along with other ingredients, and use turmeric paste or powder generously for this.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels increase beyond normal levels due to inadequate insulin secretion or improper insulin functioning. There are 2 types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes also known as diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in young people, when the body doesn't produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels; while type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, in which muscle, fat, and liver cells are unable to use insulin (a hormone secreted by pancreas) properly resulting in its increased requirement.

Prevalence of diabetes is increasing globally. The major increase in diabetes prevalence is seen in developing countries. As per the recent data, India tops the list of countries with highest prevalence of diabetes. In Indians, the prevalence of diabetes is on the rise not only in urban population but also in rural people due to socioeconomic transition. Simultaneously, the prevalence of prediabetes is also escalating over a period of time. Important reasons for increased diabetes prevalence are increased population, aging, urbanization, physical inactivity and increased obesity.

Free radicals from metabolic reaction can lead to altered forms of proteins, lipids and carbohydrate, if not eaten up by body cells. Hyperglycemia i.e., increased blood sugar levels result in oxidative stress, is known to play a role in changing inflammatory mediators and energy metabolism in the body, ultimately resulting in diabetes mellitus.

References:

1. Efficacy of Turmeric as Adjuvant Therapy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4393385/)
2. Curcumin and Diabetes: A Systematic Review - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3857752/)
3. Curcumin Extract for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3476912/)
4. 10 Ideas on How to Use Fresh Turmeric Root in Cooking - (http://www.healwithfood.org/what-uses/fresh-turmeric-root-cooking-ideas.php)
5. 10 Ways to Make Turmeric Part of Your Daily Diet - (https://kripalu.org/resources/10-ways-make-turmeric-part-your-daily-diet)

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