According to WHO, the global occurrence of diabetes among adults over 18 years of age has risen from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014. According to WHO, by the year 2030, diabetes may take the position of the seventh biggest killer across the globe. Some indigenous spices play a crucial part in managing blood sugar levels. And, turmeric is considered to be one diabetic-friendly spice.
India's love affair with turmeric (scientific name: Curcuma longa) has seen a long history. Ayurveda has spoken at a length about the healing and healthy properties of turmeric. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it an excellent spice for boosting immunity and skin health. In the past, many studies have investigated its role in managing diabetes and mostly, the results have been in the favor of the healing spice.
According to a study published in the online journal, 'Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine' in the year 2013, curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, may decrease the level of glucose in the blood, as well as other diabetes-related complications.
A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition noted that the volatile oil present in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) tends to inhibit key enzymes linked to type-2 diabetes. The animal-based study also noted that turmeric's volatile oils inhibited glucosidase enzymes more effectively than the reference standard drug.
While turmeric has been a mainstay in the traditional eastern medicine, it is only now that turmeric is becoming the wonder spice abroad as well. Turmeric's potential in healing diabetes may need more investigation, but you can surely use it in your diet to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
One of the best ways to have turmeric is through turmeric milk (haldi wali doodh – as is known in Hindi). Turmeric milk has been India's favorite go-to beverage to soothe pain and boost immunity since time immemorial. You can use the delicious beverage to manage your blood sugar levels too. Make sure that you do not add sugar or honey to the drink as doing so could possibly spike up your sugar levels.
How to make turmeric drink to manage diabetes:
You can try this Ayurvedic concoction too. According to 'The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies' by Dr. Vasant Lad, "To help regulate blood sugar levels, you can try taking ½ teaspoon of ground bay leaf and ½ teaspoon of turmeric, mixed in 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Take this mixture twice a day before lunch and dinner."
Besides the above mentioned wonders, the spice has several other health benefits.
Other spices that are also known to have a positive impact on blood sugar levels are cinnamon, cumin, and basil. Do check for allergies before you make turmeric a common affair in your daily diabetes diet.