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.
Top 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Turmeric
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.
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