The health benefits of turmeric have been known in Chinese
herbal medicine for years where it has been commonly prescribed
to treat stomach ailments and as a blood purifier.
Modern research has shown that the health benefits of curcumin
are real, and there are studies that prove its usefulness as
an anti-inflammatory agent and as an antioxidant.
Further health benefits of turmeric and turmeric extract include
a degree of protection for the liver against toxins, and
the property of improving circulation.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family. Its botanical name is
Curcuma longa, and it is often used as a spice in cooking like
ginger. Also like ginger, turmeric is also used medicinally.
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin - the component of
Indian curry that gives it its bright yellow color and provides
the health benefits of turmeric and turmeric extract. Scientists
believe that curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties may make it a powerful cancer fighter.
At least one study at the University of Texas showed that curcumin can
slow and even stop reproduction of cancerous cells in multiple
myeloma, an insidious form of cancer.
Among the specific health benefits of turmeric are:
Digestive System health benefit of turmeric:
Curcumin induces the flow of bile which breaks down fats. In
one study, turmeric extract protected against the damage
caused by medications like reserpine and indomethacin.
Another recent study concluded that turmeric
may help reduce
the pain and irritation experienced by patients with
irritable bowel syndrome.
Anti-inflammatory health benefit of turmeric
: Curcumin relieves the pain associated with
arthritis by reducing inflammation in the joints.
Cardiac health benefit of turmeric:
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin
combine to help keep the heart healthy, scientists
speculate. In several studies, patients treated with
curcumin showed less plaque buildup in the arteries. A study
in India confirmed that turmeric has beneficial effects on
heart functioning in patients recovering from myocardial
infarction.
Antibacterial health benefit of turmeric:
The volatile oils in turmeric seem to offer anti-bacterial
protection when applied topically to injuries to the skin.
Cancer health benefit of turmeric:
There is mounting evidence that turmeric extract with
curcumin fights skin cancer and breast cancer. It may also
reduce the incidence of colon cancer and prostate cancer.
Research into the benefits of turmeric in fighting cancer is
among the most
exciting
news about the bright yellow spice. Doctors at the
University of Texas following up on earlier research have found
that turmeric extract helped stop the spread of breast cancer
cells to the lungs.
Possible
side effects of turmeric
According
to the study group at the University of Texas, turmeric has few
known side effects
