20 Health Benefits of Turmeric
The active ingredient
in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.
The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing
themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric
is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.
Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful
in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent
prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in
mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells
to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease
by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different
forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as
well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple
sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a
treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces
its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric
on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric
on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels
in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged
skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory
skin conditions.
Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available
in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.
Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun
to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor
and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.
Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with
gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor
before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.
