Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. This amazing herb has so many benefits. Now research shows it helps normalise cholesterol in type 2 diabetics.

A new study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found remarkable benefits of curcumin for addressing dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Dyslipidemia means high levels of bad fats and not enough good fats in the bloodstream. The researchers showed that curcumin supplementation can reduce lipoprotein(a) levels and increase HDL cholesterol, which should reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in type 2 diabetics.

The study recruited 82 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were aged between 18 and 65 years. Each patient either took 1000 mg of curcumin or a placebo. The study lasted 12 weeks. Each patient had an initial blood test for triglycerides, cholesterol and lipoprotein(a). At the end of the 12 week period, the patients taking curcumin experienced a significant drop in serum lipoprotein(a) and an increase in good HDL cholesterol. There weren’t any significant changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol or triglycerides in either group.

This is an interesting study, since it is very difficult to lower lipoprotein(a) levels, even with medication. People with elevated levels are at significant risk of a heart attack, even if their other blood fats are good.

Curcumin is wonderful at reducing inflammation, and we know that when levels of inflammation in the body are high, bad blood fats tend to rise. Other ways to lower inflammation include avoiding sugar and gluten, and healing leaky gut. If you have a fatty liver, this significantly raises inflammation. This is because the bad fats inside the liver secrete high levels of inflammatory chemicals, which cause wear and tear throughout the body. Earlier research has shown curcumin helps repair a fatty liver.

Curcumin is a polyphenolic phytochemical. It has documented anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties. When taken in supplement form, curcumin is highly concentrated. It is not possible for most people to achieve the levels used in clinical trials via consumption of turmeric in the diet. I certainly encourage you to add turmeric to your meals, since it has so many benefits. However, if you are trying to improve your blood fats and reverse a fatty liver, a supplement is necessary.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28735818

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.