Turmeric reduced weight, improved mood
This study followed 90 healthy overweight adults, aged 50 to 69, who took a placebo or 979 mg of turmeric extract per day. At four, eight, and 12 weeks, those taking turmeric saw significant decreases in body weight, and improvements in body mass index scores, compared to placebo. At each of these points in the study, signs of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, decreased significantly vs. placebo.
Addressing mental health, participants took the Medical Outcomes Study and the Profile of Mood States Scale, both of which showed improved scores for the turmeric group, while not changing for placebo.
“Turmeric improved mental health and negative mood state, suggesting improvements not only in systemic inflammation, but also in neuro-inflammation in the central nervous system,” doctors said.
Reference: BMC Nutrition Journal; 2021, Vol. 20, Article No. 91, 1598
Magnesium improved insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose
Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar, and low levels have a link to insulin resistance, common in type 2 diabetes. In this review of 25 random-controlled trials, participants had or were likely to have diabetes.
Participants took a placebo or an oral magnesium supplement, with doctors measuring fasting glucose levels, and again after a two-hour oral glucose tolerance test. In both tests, those taking magnesium had improved glucose levels and better insulin sensitivity, compared to placebo.
Discussing the findings, doctors said the results suggest taking oral magnesium may improve glucose metabolism in those with diabetes, and in those who are likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Reference: Nutrients; 2021, Vol. 13, No. 11, 4074
Internet Metadata tags: #Turmeric #Magnesium #Weight #Mood #Glucose