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Turmeric is a familiar spice found in dishes like curries and is what gives mustard its bright yellow color. However, the spice is gaining more attention for more than just its flavor. Turmeric has a plethora of health benefits including possible applications in the treatment of diabetes.

 

Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is best known for its anti-inflammatory effects. One study even suggested that Turmeric can be as effective as ibuprofen to reducing pain. Within Turmeric, there are active compounds called curcuminoids which have attracted many modern day researchers.

 

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has investigated the benefits of turmeric and its curcuminoids. The top benefits include pain relief for arthritic knees, relief of skin irritation caused by radiation treatment, and reduction of heart attacks following bypass surgery.

 

While Turmeric in the treatment of diabetes is still in its preliminary stages, there has been evidence that Turmeric could play a beneficial role for diabetics in three ways. One, those who are predisposed to diabetes could possibly prevent it with the use of turmeric. Two, for those who have diabetes, turmeric could help to lower blood and help increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin. And three, Turmeric can help prevent some of the complications associated with diabetes, such as fatty liver.

 

Turmeric can be taken in a few different forms, including a capsule or powder. While there is no exact amount of how much turmeric you should be taking, doses should be kept between 200 to 300 mg a day.

 

One issue with turmeric is the curcumin isn’t easily absorbed by the body and is quickly excreted by the body. However, when combined with piperine, which can be found in black pepper, the curcumin is more easily absorbed. Due to this, incorporate turmeric in the food you eat can be one of the easiest and effective ways to get your daily dosage.

 

Many diabetics can be quite wary of taking new supplements that may affect their current medications. The good news is that turmeric is generally a safe supplement to take. The National Institute for Health states that the only side effect of Turmeric is gastrointestinal distress, but only when taking a high dose.

 

The only time Turmeric supplementals become dangerous is when it is taken in place of conventional treatments. Although Turmeric does have its benefits is not a cure for diabetes, so make sure to take it along with your prescribed medications.