Turmeric, an Asian spice found in many curries, has a long history of use in reducing inflammation, healing wounds and relieving pain. Since inflammation is believed to be involved in onset of both obesity and Type 2 diabetes, researchers examined the effect of the herb on diabetic mice.
They discovered that turmeric-treated mice were less susceptible to developing Type 2 diabetes, based on their blood glucose levels and their glucose and insulin tolerance tests. They also discovered that turmeric-fed obese mice showed significantly reduced inflammation in fat tissue and liver compared to controls.
Curcumin, the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant ingredient in turmeric, may lessen insulin resistance and prevent Type 2 diabetes in these mouse models by dampening the inflammatory response provoked by obesity.
Posts
