Turmeric and Diabetes Management: Recent Studies and How It Can Help Control Your Blood Sugar

Diabetes is one of the major health concerns across the globe. It is now termed as an epidemic. Researchers have been scratching their heads thinking ‘Is there no way to manage diabetes’? Until they stumbled upon the Ayurvedic quotes on ‘turmeric in diabetes management’.

Well, turmeric is an Indian household spice. We can’t imagine our dishes without this golden spice. Though most people think of it as a coloring and flavoring agent, there is so much more to it.

This kitchen staple boasts unmatchable benefits!

From the Haldi doodh to the Haldi lep, it has always been our granny’s go-to aid. From relieving pain to soothing inflammation. Enhancing skin to heal wounds. Preventing diseases to regulating body functions. Turmeric does it all!

Also Read: White Foods – Ayurvedic Doctor reveals the truth

Turmeric in Diabetes Management: Scientific Evaluation

Scientific research revealed that turmeric owes most of its miraculous properties to a compound called curcumin. This magical compound, curcumin, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

It is curcumin that makes turmeric a magical healer.

Researchers found that inflammation and oxidative damage play a role in insulin resistance. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric fight off the damaging free radicals. Thus, it helps in managing blood sugar levels.

Another research says curcumin helps improve the function of beta cells. These cells help make insulin in the pancreas. Curcumin further improves cholesterol levels and immunity. Thus, offering an overall protective effect. 

These potent properties of curcumin make turmeric effective in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes. 

Turmeric in Diabetes Management: Home Remedies 

1. Turmeric Tea 

The hot herbal turmeric tea is a natural immune booster. It helps in warding off the harmful effects of inflammation and oxidants. Thus, serving as one of the best preventives against type 2 diabetes.

How to prepare Turmeric Tea?

Ingredients:

• Turmeric powder – 1 or 2 teaspoon
• Water – 4 Cups 
• Ground pepper – 1/2 Tsp 
• Ginger-pinch grated.
• Lemon Juice – 5 ml
• Organic Honey – as per taste(it’s optional)

How to Prepare?

• Boil the water and add the turmeric powder. 
• Add the ginger and lemon juice to it.
• Let the blend simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Strain the tea and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
• Add honey as per taste for natural sweetening.

 Drink it once a day!

2. Turmeric and Milk 

Low-fat and high-fat milk help in preventing type 2 diabetes. Mixing turmeric and milk to form a latte is another healthy way to acquire a golden component – Curcumin. It is an immunity booster and a potential blood purifier.

How to prepare Turmeric Milk?

Ingredients:

• Turmeric – ½ Tsp
• Water 
• Milk 
• Jaggery (as per taste)
• Saffron – few strands

How to Prepare?

• Boil the milk and let it cool. 
• Take the cool milk in a cup and add a little water to it.
• Add half tsp of turmeric powder to it. 
• Stir it well and add jaggery for a sweet taste. You can also skip the jaggery.
• Sprinkle a few strands of Saffron and it’s ready to serve.

Also Read: Antiviral Properties of Turmeric Milk

3. Cinnamon and turmeric 

Research claims cinnamon can reduce cholesterol to an extent of 18% and blood sugar by 24%. It helps regulate diabetes and keep cholesterol in control. Thus, cinnamon and turmeric make a great combination for beating diabetes.

Ingredients:

• Cinnamon
• Turmeric

How to Prepare?

• Take 1 Tsp of turmeric powder
• Mix 1/4th Tsp of Cinnamon Powder
• Boil water and mix the paste to it
• Keep it for 10-15 min to dissolve and serve hot

Drink it daily in the morning!

Also Read: Cinnamon in Diabetes

Other recipes

Apart from this, you can also add turmeric to your regular meals.  Turmeric is also a main component in Indian curries or sambhar. 

Also Read: How my wife uses Turmeric to keep me healthy!

Precautions 

Turmeric is a magical healer and is generally regarded as safe. But too much of it can be harmful. It is well tolerated in children. However, in a large dose, it can cause unpleasant side effects like – nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea.

Consuming large amounts of turmeric extracts on a regular basis may also cause liver problems. However, low doses of turmeric on a daily basis are not harmful. The ideal doses of turmeric extract are marked in the range of 400 – 800 mg per day.

Doses higher than 1000mg of turmeric extract, when taken on a regular basis, can cause mild digestive issues like bloating, acid reflux, flatulence, and diarrhea. Doses of 450 mg or higher doses of curcumin may cause headaches or nausea in some people.

If you are using fresh-cut root daily, the ideal quantity is 3-5 grams;1-3 gm if it’s dried powder root; 15-30 drops if it’s the tincture 

Turmeric in Diabetes Management: It works magic!

Clinical studies and research evidence validate the potency of turmeric in diabetes management. It is a potent preventive of Type 2 diabetes and a great aid for managing diabetes. Thus, this Ayurvedic doctor recommends using turmeric as a part of the daily diet. Modern science also concurs with this suggestion.