Turmeric brings down cholesterol levels
Heart disease is a big problem in almost all countries because lots of people are developing pre-diabetes (a medical situation just before diabetes).
Diabetics and non-diabetics suffer from a common complication called oxidative stress, which has the ability to damage the inside of blood vessels. Cholesterol tries to patch up the damaged areas of the inside of the blood vessels leading to high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Anti-cholesterol drugs (statins) do bring down the cholesterol levels but do not consider the actual cause which is oxidative stress caused by high blood sugar levels and inflammation. In addition, statins are also known to harm the kidneys, liver, etc.
Hence, medical doctors do offer an option of natural alternatives like curcumin (found in turmeric) and fish oil.
In treatment of high cholesterol, a study done by Drugs in R & D found that curcumin was equal or more effective than diabetes medications at reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Turmeric, although commonly used in a powder form, can’t be consumed in large amounts. However, note that turmeric may interfere with anti-coagulants like aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin.
Avoid the synthetic form of curcumin as natural turmeric is plentifully available.
One way to increase turmeric is to add a little amount of turmeric powder in most foods you take. Also adding acceptable amounts of turmeric powder in milk is one way of increasing your curcumin levels.
And for those who aren’t sick, turmeric intake will serve as a preventative measure.
