Turmeric – a Natural Remedy that Can Prevent Obesity and Diabetes

Turmeric, a spicy vegetable extensively used in the Indian cuisine to prepare flavourful curries, can become a new weight loss remedy. Long known for its ability to heal wounds, facilitate digestion and combat inflammation, turmeric has recently been noted for its capacity to fight weight gain and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. The results of this new study on turmeric have been presented at an annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in San Francisco.

A team of US researchers led by paediatrician Drew Tortoriell and endocrinologist Rudolph Leibel of Columbia University Medical Centre have discovered that turmeric-fed laboratory mice were less likely to be obese or suffer from diabetes than mice that did not receive this tasty treat in their feed. When compared to controls, the turmeric-fed animals showed more stable weight, reduced inflammation, and healthier liver tissues.

Based on the results of the research, the scientists suggest that turmeric, a member of the ginger family, can become a potent weapon against rapidly spread epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The healing properties of this handsome plant can be due to its unique ingredient, curcumin, which is a powerful anti-oxidant that can also lower insulin resistance in overweight patients by reducing the inflammatory response in the fat tissues and the liver.

During the research, a diet rich in turmeric-derived curcumin has also been associated with significant weight loss and a reduction in body fat levels, even when the laboratory animals were fed high-fat and high-calorie meals. This finding suggests that the dietary consumption of turmeric can be recommended as a weight loss aid.

Turmeric, also known under its botanical name Curcuma longa, has been traditionally cultivated in India, China and the Middle East for at least several thousand years. Recently, it has also been introduced and is now grown in all the tropical areas of the world. It is believed that turmeric was associated with sun worship in ancient Persia, where it was also praised as a liver remedy and a mild digestive aid. This plant is essential to curry powders, and it is also applied to flavour a whole range of Indian vegetarian dishes.

Tim Ford