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Eating Spices May Keep the Doctor Away

July 21, 2009: 0 comment(s)

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Turmeric is a spice found in most curries and has long been used in healing wounds and relieving pain but it may also play a role in reducing inflammation, a condition directly related to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. There is even promising research it may be effective in losing weight.

Drew Tortoriello, M.D., Stuart Weisberg, M.D., Ph.D., and Rudolf Leibel, M.D. at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center have conducted research studying the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric on mice. Obese mice were fed the spice, then tested. Compared to the control group, they were found to be less likely to develop diabetes based on their lower blood glucose levels and decreased insulin resistance. Liver and fat tissue also showed reduced inflammation and the mice even lost some weight!

Earlier research at this same institution showed obesity may cause inflammation in the heart and pancreas as well as increasing insulin resistance in the muscles and liver. It may be possible for turmeric to counter the effects of obesity.

Incorporating turmeric in our diet looks promising as part of an overall plan for reducing inflammatory conditions and even body weight. Inflammation is important to control since it is associated with diabetes and obesity. Improving your health could be as easy as opening your spice cabinet.

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