Health
Turmeric, also known as haldi in hindi, is one of the most widely used spices to add colour and flavour to food. However, if you suffer from diabetes, this spice is an essential ingredient you need to include in all your food preparations without fail. Known to be a potent antiseptic and a powerful antioxidant agent, turmeric is packed with numerous health benefits. Moreover, turmeric acts as an effective natural remedy to keep your blood sugar levels in control. Here’s what makes it a natural anti-diabetic compound.
Updated : Feb 18, 2015, 11:00 AM IST
Turmeric, also known as haldi in hindi, is one of the most widely used spices to add colour and flavour to food. However, if you suffer from diabetes, this spice is an essential ingredient you need to include in all your food preparations without fail. Known to be a potent antiseptic and a powerful antioxidant agent, turmeric is packed with numerous health benefits. Moreover, turmeric acts as an effective natural remedy to keep your blood sugar levels in control. Here’s what makes it a natural anti-diabetic compound.
How does it work?
Turmeric contains curcumin, one of the three key compounds of curcuminoids, which exert a very potent effect in moderating insulin levels and enhancing the efficacy of anti-diabetic drugs. Being a powerful antioxidant, turmeric plays a key role in warding off the free radicals in the body, along with reducing insulin resistance in the body.
The two key processes that occur in the body of a person suffering from diabetes are protein glycosylation (where the protein molecule is altered) and lipid peroxidation (oxidative degradation of lipids). A study conducted by Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center revealed that curcumin present in turmeric prevents these two processes, thereby increasing the person’s sensitivity to lower blood sugar levels. Read about 10 ways to control diabetes naturally.
Tips to include turmeric in your diet
Besides the traditional way of adding turmeric to vegetable, rice, curry and dals, here are few ways you can include this spice in your diet.
Originally published on www.thehealthsite.com