Researchers Found a Popular Food Ingredient Increases Diabetes and Obesity Risks

(Newswire.net — March 17, 2021) Orlando, FL — Today, the scientific community carries out more and more studies to identify food ingredients that are particularly harmful for health.

One was published in the Science Translational Medicine.

It was spearheaded by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in collaboration with researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Sheba Medical Center in Israel.

In this research, it has been found that consumption of propionate seems to increase the levels of several hormones, which are associated with risk of obesity and diabetes.

On a global scale, over 400 million people suffer from diabetes. By 2040, the prevalence of this condition is predicted to increase by 40 percent. 

It is worth mentioning propionate is a food ingredient widely utilized in animal feeds, baked goods, and artificial flavorings.

This study involved combining data taken from a randomized placebo-controlled trial in humans and mouse studies.

It suggested that propionate triggers a cascade of metabolic events, which leads to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The latter pertains to a condition marked by excessive levels of insulin. 

The findings of this research also showed that chronic propionate exposure led to insulin resistance and weight gain.

The investigators suggest that understanding the effects of certain food ingredients on the body’s metabolism at the molecular and cellular level may help in fighting the epidemics of obesity and diabetes.

Both of these conditions are highly prevalent and could result in a range of health complications. It is important to realize that these are also highly preventable conditions, often simply by following dietary and lifestyle improvements.

There are experts who recommend the use of ancient, medicinal spices like turmeric in fighting diabetes. There are actually many health effects turmeric has been found to produce, and this is thought to be due to the curcumin it contains.

Scientists carried out clinical trials involving animals that have found curcumin is an anti-hyperglycemic agent. Curcumin has long been studied to work wonders in increasing insulin sensitivity, which aids in decreasing blood sugar levels.

Some studies have revealed this natural healing compound can regenerate cells of a damaged pancreas. It may also work in enhancing the production of insulin in type 1 diabetes patients.

There have been research studies revealing that adding turmeric to one’s diet may aid in delaying the onset of this condition. It may even significantly help in fighting diabetic complications

Supplements like Divine Bounty Curcumin may be useful for individuals who want to experience the healing goodness of this natural remedy (https://www.amazon.com/Turmeric-Curcumin-BioPerine-Pepper-Extract/dp/B00VSVKJ8I).