Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the distinctive yellow-orange spice that lends flavor to curries and other ethnic dishes, may do a lot more than jazz up food, research shows. The health benefits of turmeric are numerous, and since it is a natural food substance, this powdery spice can be safely ingested on food or in the form of supplements. Recent attention has been given to Turmeric's flu fighting potency. Turmeric’s active ingredients, known as circuminoids, have been shown in laboratory investigations to have powerful antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, among others.
Top Ten Health Benefits of Turmeric: What follows are ten of the top health benefits of turmeric. This list is by no means exhaustive. Research continues to reveal ways this potent spice can be used to enhance health and well-being.
- Turmeric is a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory Laboratory studies have demonstrated turmeric's potency against virtually all primary inflammatory agents. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis reported significant pain relief when given turmeric in a clinical study.
- Turmeric can help the body stave off flu and ease its symptoms. While not a replacement for a flu shot, turmeric has been shown to be a natural preventative against many flu viral strains. As a natural protease inhibitor, turmeric interferes with the ability of the flu virus to replicate itself.
- Turmeric has been the subject of anti-cancer research. Preliminary studies indicate that turmeric may slow the growth of certain tumors. Demographic research has shown that people in areas where turmeric is abundantly consumed have some of the lowest cancer rates in the world.
- Turmeric stimulates the production of gastric mucus, making it useful in assisting digestion and protecting against ulcers.
- Turmeric is a natural pain reliever. Various laboratory studies have demonstrated turmeric's potency against virtually all primary inflammatory agents.
- Turmeric promotes wound healing. Because of its antiseptic and analgesic properties, turmeric can be applied topically to speed the healing of wounds.
- Turmeric has anti-asthmatic properties. Clinical studies have shown turmeric to be effective in treating bronchial asthma.
- Turmeric promotes cardiovascular health. A clinical trial showed turmeric's cholesterol-reducing properties to be as potent as the medication Clofibrate. Another study showed that turmeric lowered cholesterol and triglycerides levels in nearly all cases. Patients in both studies also reported reduced angina.
- Turmeric helps stabilize blood sugar levels. An extract prepared from turmeric root was found to have a hypoglycemic effect. In combination with other herbs, turmeric's anti-diabetic properties are even more pronounced.
- Turmeric is useful in weight management. Because it stimulates the metabolism of fat, turmeric has been found useful for combating obesity and promoting healthy weight loss.
Because it is a food substance, turmeric may be consumed safely. Other examples of potent medicinal herbs and spices that double as foods are cumin (Cuminum cyminum), cinnamon (Cinnamonum cassia), ginger (Zingiber officianlis), black pepper (Piper nigrum) and garlic. When herbs such as these are incorporated into a healthy diet, they provide important health benefits that last a lifetime.
References
Ammon HPT, Wahl MA 1991 Pharmacology of Curcuma longa. Planta Medica 57(1):1
lyengar MA, Rama Rao MP, Gurumadhva Rao S, Kamath MS 1994 Anti-inflammatory activity of volatile oil of Curcuma longa leaves. Indian Drugs 31(11):S28
Srimal RC 1997 Turmeric: a brief review of medicinal properties. Fitoterapia 68:483
lyengar MA, Rama Rao M, Bairy I, Kamath MS 1995 Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Curcuma longa leaves. Indian Drugs 32(6):249
Lucy Tashman - As a writer, I draw on my background in environmental studies, natural history, botany, and herbal medicine, combined with a lifelong ...
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