Turmeric cuts fat expansion in rodents

Curcumin, the major polyphenol found in turmeric, appears to reduce weight gain in mice and suppress the growth of fat tissue in mice and  cell models, according to findings from a US investigation.

Lead study author Mohsen Meydani noted that "weight gain is the result  of the growth and expansion of fat tissue, which cannot happen unless  new blood vessels form. Based on our data, curcumin appears to suppress  angiogenic activity in the fat tissue of mice fed high-fat diets."

Turmeric is known for providing flavor to curry. One of its components  is curcumin, a type of phytochemical known as a polyphenol. As the  bioactive component of turmeric, curcumin is readily absorbed for use by  the body. Dr Meydani stressed that studies have not been done to  confirm this effect in humans.