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.
Haldi doodh (Turmeric milk): Add half a spoon of turmeric powder and coarsely grounded black pepper to a glass of boiling milk. Drink this doodh twice in a day (in the morning and evening) for its myriad range of health benefits. Here are 7 reasons to start drinking turmeric milk or haldi doodh.
Turmeric tea: Add a teaspoon of turmeric and a pinch of ginger powder into around 4 cups of boiling water. Now, simmer for 10 minutes, strain and drink this tea when cool.
Soup or rasam: You can add turmeric in combination with other spices and some vegetables to boiling water and drink this solution when warm. Another way to reap the health benefits of turmeric is to add a pinch of this powder to soups. Read more about a diet plan diabetics can use for better blood sugar control.
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