Study: Could Turmeric Combined With Fish Oil Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?

16 Jul 2015 --- Newcastle researchers are investigating whether an Indian spice, combined with fish oil, can prevent type two diabetes.

University of Newcastle health scientists are looking for 80 people, aged between 30 and 70, to take part in a new clinical study. Lead researcher Professor Manohar Garg said some participants will take capsules containing turmeric and omega-3 fat. He said both are important anti-inflammatory agents.

"Inflammation, if it sticks around in the body, can actually speed up the process of diabetes production," he said."Inflammation can be self-resolved, but we can speed it up by taking certain natural products in the diet.

"One is called curcumin, from the Indian spice turmeric. The other one is omega-3 fat, from seafood and fish."

Professor Garg said the spice's healing properties are well known in India.

"When we have bruises or sprains or wounds, or some kind of inflammation, then you put a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk," he said."It will reduce the inflammation and it will speed up the healing process. My mother used to give it to me and make me drink it.

"It doesn't taste that great but it's got healing properties."