Turmeric may prevent Type 2 diabetes, says study

An Indian organic scientist has revealed that Type-2 diabetes can be delayed as well as prevented with the regular use of a well-known compound turmeric coupled with omega ‘ 3 fat.

The researchers believe that a compound present in turmeric called curcumin, when combined with omega 3 fat, could potentially prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Professor and manager from Garg University of New Castle’s Nutraceuticals said that they can simply stop the inflammation with in the bud and also uses two major bio-active compounds like Curcumin and Omega-3 fats which are widely from the food sources. “Both are very important anti-inflammatory agents”, Garg said.

Curcumin is mainly derived from the Ginger family of plants and is used as a common method of food colouration.

Type 2- diabetes is known for its inflammation properties that reduce the secretion of the insulin and its major counterparts.

Curcumin (turmeric) – promotes the healing of bruises, sprains, wounds and inflammation, Garg said.

The first group was given one curcumin, the second with only omega three fats and the third with a combination of both.

“Nowadays in India the level of curcumin (turmeric) intake has dropped considerably as people switch to Westernized fast foods, and it parallels with a significant rise in type-2 diabetes cases”. Researchers warned that the diabetes is an epidemic in India and will soon become the number one burden for the country if nothing is done to prevent the disease now.

To be eligible for the study, a volunteer should be aged between 30 and 70 and should be prone to diabetes due to impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose.

The fourth group is used in acting as a control group avoiding the supplies.

Garg also noted, “The anti-inflammatory mechanisms surrounding curcumin and omega-3 fats are different, so we want to test if they complement each other and have treatment synergies beyond their individual effects”.

Concentration: The capsules containing 200 mgs of curcumin and one gm of omega-3 fat respectively are given to the groups. “Our thinking is that the combination is safe, free of any side-effects and may prove to be as effective as drugs used for management of diabetes”, reported by NDTV Food.