Can Turmeric Milk Help Prevent or Manage Diabetes?

Can TurmericMilk Help Prevent or Manage Diabetes? - Warm turmeric milk is packed with numerous curative properties which can do wonders to your health. It has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine because it provides health benefits of both milk and turmeric in a single drink.

Turmeric is also commonly known as the ''queen of all spices" largely due to its antioxidant, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effects. Modern studies show that turmeric can protect you from full-blown diabetes. This member of the ginger family is commonly found in many Indian dishes for its golden color and, of course, wonderful earthly flavor. Numerous clinical studies show that curcumin, one of the most active ingredients in turmeric, works against diabetes in the same way as anti-diabetic medication.

Curcumin reduces insulin resistance and improves blood sugar levels. The American Diabetic Association's journal, Diabetes Care, published a study that shows that curcumin prevents pre-diabetes from developing to full-blown Type 2 Diabetes. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Newcastle pointed out that curcumin (the most active compound in turmeric), when combined with omega-3 fats may prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

It can also reverse pancreatic damage especially in Type 1 Diabetes. You can easily incorporate more turmeric in your diet by simply drinking turmeric milk.

How do you Prepare Turmeric Milk for Diabetes?

 Add a pinch of sugar and turmeric powder to a glass of milk.

 Boil it for about 10 minutes on slow flame.

 Add a pinch of black pepper when the milk is boiling.

 Before drinking, allow milk for a few moments and drink when it's not too hot. You should drink turmeric milk daily to enjoy its health benefits.  Here are some ways in which turmeric milk can be beneficial especially for diabetes patients.

 Strengthens your Immune System  Conditions such as diabetes usually impact the immune system negatively making diabetics more susceptible to other serious health conditions such as kidney failure, heart disease and poor liver function. The anti-glycemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of curcumin help strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system helps you stay safe because it can easily fight off various viruses and infections

Aids in Weight Management  Obesity is one of the major risk factors of diabetes. Accumulation of huge deposits of abdominal fat makes it difficult for the body to produce insulin. However, curcumin controls cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body hence improving digestion and preventing the accumulation of harmful abdominal fats. This aids in weight management, a very important way of managing diabetes or preventing its onset.

It helps Regulate Insulin Levels  The pancreas mainly handles the production of insulin in the human body. On the other hand, turmeric intake keeps the pancreas healthy because its anti-glycemic properties prevent insulin resistance, balance and regulate insulin levels, and maintain the overall proper functioning of the human pancreas. It also lowers triglyceride and blood glucose levels, hence helping in the effective treatment of diabetes or preventing its onset.

Daily Recommended Dose for Different forms of Turmeric

 Cut roots: 1.5 to 3g per day

 Powdered roots: 1 to 3g per day

 Tincture: 15 to 30 drops per day (spread across the day)

 Fluid extract: 30 to 90 drops per day

 Standardized powder: 400 to 600mg (3 times per day)  Caution!

Even though numerous studies show that turmeric is natural and safe to treat and prevent diabetes, there are some circumstances where you should not use turmeric or use it only after consultation with your physician.

 When you're scheduled for surgery: It's advisable to stop taking turmeric milk prior to surgery because of its blood thinning activity.

When you're taking hyperglycemia medications: Together, they can easily lower your blood glucose levels drastically.

In case you're suffering from obstruction in bile passage or gallstones.  On the other hand, when taken in appropriate quantities or in some incompatible conditions, turmeric can have some ill effects such as stomach troubles, ulcers and acne. Also lactating and pregnant mothers should avoid taking turmeric milk or supplements.

Always read the label on the package and follow all instructions carefully. Consult with your doctor if you're not sure of anything including the dosage. It is also wise to start with low dosages and gauge how your body is responding.

Turmeric can worsen anemia or increase urinary oxalate levels. Therefore, you should use turmeric with caution especially if you have a history of anemia or kidney stones.

Avoid buying turmeric in bulk because it has all its best properties when it's still fresh. Moreover, pairing black pepper, oil or fat with turmeric can bring more benefits because it improves the absorption of curcumin.