Increasingly, the benefits of turmeric in treating diabetes are coming to the forefront. The active properties in turmeric are curcuminoids and the volatile oil. Curcuminoids are natural antioxidants and the reason why turmeric has its yellow color. The volatile oil consists of medically important compounds such as tumerone and ar-tumerone.
Here are 5 ways that turmeric helps you combat diabetes.
- Helps offset inflammation.
Chronic low-level inflammation is one of the conditions associated with diabetes. Fortunately, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. It works by modulating varies pathways and suppressing inflammatory cytokines and reducing the activity of enzymes and proteins that cause inflammation.
- Reduces oxidative stress,
Oxidative stress occurs when there is a loss of equilibrium between natural antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS). When ROS levels spike dramatically they can cause cell death and inflammation. Studies show that the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, reduces oxidative stress.
- Lowers blood sugar levels.
Curcumin is an anti-hyperglycemic agent, decreasing elevated blood sugar levels fast. It also stimulates insulin production and insulin sensitivity.
- Repairs pancreas cells.
Experiments have demonstrated that curcumin regulates the behavior of immune cells that destroy beta cells of the pancreas. Beta cells that are needed for insulin production. So not only does turmeric lower blood sugar levels it also helps to coax and repair damaged pancreatic islet cells.
- It reverses pre-diabetes.
Curcumin, in a study of pre-diabetic patients, proved effective at delaying the development of the disease. It prevents diabetes by acting on what known as pancreatic adrenergic receptors that regulate the release of insulin.
Include turmeric in your diet and make it a go-to spice in your kitchen will help you enormously. Remember, add black pepper to meals that include turmeric. You’ll be glad that you did. But just remember, it is poorly absorbed by the body, ergo, pepper and healthy fats help you to better absorb the nutritious spice.
