The turmeric root has been known and used since ancient times to fight and prevent diseases in the body. Recent research has proven that many of turmeric's healing and health properties are in fact true - proving yet again the wisdom of old.
Turmeric has many benefits for the body with regular use. For people looking for alternative ways to prevent or treat certain conditions this great news.
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years not only as a food but in Ayurvedic medicine to help with many ailments including inflammation and oxidative stress both of which appear to play a role in diabetes. For this reason, doctors believe that turmeric, and more importantly, the active ingredient, curcumin, could play an active role in helping those with diabetes. In a study in Complementary and Alternative Medicine over 200 research papers were found looking at how turmeric/curcumin could help people with diabetes in different ways, including possibly improving insulin resistance and cholesterol levels.
Some studies have shown that turmeric may help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels as curcumin has been shown to have a positive effect on high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Another way that turmeric may be able to help is to help protect against the development of diabetes by helping to improve the function of the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. This in turn would help those with pre-diabetes slow down or reverse the development of this condition, as well as help reduce the amount of medication needed by those already with the disease.
Not only that but curcumin may also help to reduce the risk or severity of some diabetes related complications. Liver health is important for everyone, and a fatty liver can be a problem especially for diabetics. Curcumin has been shown to help with a range of liver problems.
Another problem that can be exacerbated by diabetes is heart disease and several studies have shown that turmeric can help to lower the levels of both total cholesterol and the low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol. Which is good news for us all.
Also, high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage called neuropathy. This can affect things like digestion, peripheral pain in fingers and toes, eye problems and cognitive deficits. Studies with curcumin have shown that this amazing spice may be able to help with all these conditions. It may also help reduce the severity of diabetic kidney disease and help with many forms of arthritis.
Wound healing is another area which is important for those with diabetes, as this can cause a risk of infection leading to further complications. Again, turmeric has been shown to help with this by protecting the vascular system and is well known in Asian countries for its healing properties.
Opinions between MDs (Medical Doctors) and NDs (Naturopathic Doctors) differ as to the cause of Diabetes. Certainly mainstream scientists believe that Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. A study in 2014 found that curcumin might be able to adjust the overactive immune system of people with Type 1 diabetes by lowering the bodies T- cell response (which is part of the immune system). In any case by helping to strengthen the immune system curcumin could help on many levels.
For those with diabetes or even pre-diabetes, adding Curcumin in the form of our 3xR Curcumin Super Blend Powder or Factor 8 Joint Ease to your regime diet, for anyone with diabetes or even pre-diabetes could be a game changer.