Turmeric and Blood Sugar levels – Best benefit and Uses
Among the many chronic maladies that afflict people today, perhaps one of the most widespread and insidious is the disease known as diabetes. This potentially serious disease is characterized by abnormal levels of sugar or glucose in the bloodstream.
Left untreated, diabetes is known to cause a host of life-threatening health problems. For this reason, many people with high or low blood sugar make use of a variety of pharmaceutical medicines in an attempt to mitigate the symptoms. Unfortunately, many of these highly touted so-called remedies are far less than effective in reducing the effects of blood sugar-related problems.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Traditional Eastern medicine has provided some solid ways in which individuals can naturally, effectively, and safely regulate their blood sugar. Many of these methods are based on the foods that people consume, and one of the most efficient of these foods is the famously delicious spice called Turmeric.
Turmeric: Ancient Superfood
Turmeric is a spice that has been used by people in Asia for at least 6,000 years. It is closely related to ginger and looks somewhat similar before it is processed. It is derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant. The roots are cultivated, harvested, dried, powdered, and used in a variety of foods and medicines. Turmeric is so highly valued among these cultures that many use it for religious purposes.
This amazing spice has many important nutrients in it, one of the most important known as Curcumin. This is the substance that gives Turmeric its yellow color and slightly bitter flavor. It has also been discovered to have the power to cure many serious ailments.
High Blood Sugar and its Risks
Turmeric and blood sugar control, why this herb is important. High blood sugar can also be described as an overabundance of glucose in the bloodstream. This can have various causes, but the one related to diabetes is called insulin resistance.
This occurs when the cells of the body do not properly respond to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. This situation often results in the onset of type 2 diabetes. Curcumin the chemical in turmeric might decrease blood sugar. Use with caution for diabetes patients as it might make blood sugar too low.
Turmeric and Blood Sugar
Researchers in Thailand interested in studying the effects of Turmeric and Curcumin on blood sugar levels set up an experiment to see just what was happening. The study involved a number of individuals who were at high risk of developing diabetes due to their blood glucose levels.
The study participants were given 300 milligrams of Curcumin for 12 weeks. The result at the end of the study Individuals who had been taking Turmeric had lower levels of free fatty acids in their blood. Free fatty acids interfere with the ability of cells to respond to elevated levels of insulin in the body.
Lowering the levels of these acids resulted in less glucose in the blood, hence a lowered risk of developing diabetes in the future. Turmeric can indeed help to balance and reduce levels of blood sugar. Individuals who are at risk of developing diabetes due to their blood sugar levels owe it to themselves to make Turmeric a regular part of their diets. If they do, they will surely reap great benefits.
