Turmeric is a
popular spice for cooking, but it has a long history of medicinal uses, too. It
is one of the most researched natural remedies available and there are numerous
studies validating its healing properties. Turmeric provides a wide variety of
benefits, but there are seven standouts. Once you know about these seven
benefits you’ll be eager to add the spice to your diet.
1.
Antioxidant
The active
ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is known as a powerful antioxidant.
This means it targets dangerous free radicals in the body and reduces the
damage they are able to cause DNA and cells. When cells are healthy the body is
healthy, which means turmeric offers general wellness benefits, as well as
targeting specific health problems.
2.
Anti-Inflammatory
Curcumin also
has anti-inflammatory qualities. This makes it effective for fighting heart
disease, osteoarthritis pain, and other health problems related to inflammation
(researchers believe there are many links between inflammation and chronic
illness). Curcumin is believed to reduce certain enzymes in the body known to
trigger inflammation.
3. Heart
Health
Turmeric
reduces the risk of blood clots and prevents the build up of plaque in the
arteries, which helps in the battle against stroke and other clot-related
problems. There are also studies showing turmeric is beneficial for reducing
bad cholesterol and improving good cholesterol, both of which play a role in a
person’s heart health.
4. Slows the
Progression of Alzheimer’s
Researchers
studying the effects of curcumin in relation to Alzheimer’s cite the health of
those living in regions that consume turmeric in high quantities. People in
India aged 70 and older have a much lower rate of Alzheimer’s disease than
those in the same age group in the United States. Many believe this difference
is due to the high intake of Indian curries, which are made with turmeric.
Further research points to turmeric’s ability to remove amyloyd plaque buildup
in the brain, which is believed to put people at risk for developing the
Alzheimer’s.
5. Natural
Painkiller
An article in
the July 2009 issue of Time magazine points to a study conducted at the
University of Arizona. Researchers found rodents injected with a material known
to cause joint pain suffered less when the injections were paired with
curcumin. The article also cites anecdotal evidence singing the praises of
turmeric for fighting a variety of pain that would otherwise be treated with
over-the-counter pain medication.
6. Skin
Health
Turmeric’s
anti-inflammatory benefits can be beneficial when applied topically, too. It is
considered an effective treatment for psoriasis and other skin disorders, and
it is a natural antiseptic and can be used to treat burns and cuts.
7. Cancer
Fighter
The jury is
still out on just how effective turmeric is for fighting cancer. Some health
experts point to its anti-inflammatory benefits and draw conclusions based on
the link between inflammation and the development of cancer. Free radicals and
cell damage are believed to be linked to cancer, too, so if turmeric is able to
work as an antioxidant it has a secondary anti-cancer effect.
According to
well-known holistic health practitioner, Dr. Andrew Weil, turmeric reduces the
carcinogenic compound that form when meat is fried, grilled, or boiled by up to
40%. Dr. Weil also believes turmeric is effective for fighting melanoma and in
halting the spread of breast cancer.
There are
also preliminary studies showing turmeric could be beneficial for preventing
breast, prostate, skin, and colon cancer. Since turmeric is safe and offers a
variety of general heath benefits, you have nothing to lose by adding it to
your diet in moderate amounts. If you plan to use concentrated doses of
curcumin in your cancer treatment plan, be sure you inform your doctors to
prevent any interference with other components of your treatment.
by Roxy Rala
Labels: nutrition
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