Turmeric’s Health Benefits   10 comments

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), also known as “the golden spice of life,” is a highly popular spice. Originating in India nearly 4000 years ago, turmeric is used throughout Asia and the Western world. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Turmeric is a major component of “curry powder” and it imparts the famous yellow coloring for which curry is known.   In addition to its use in Indian dishes for color and as a preservative, turmeric is used in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) to treat various common ailments including stomach upset, dysentery, ulcers, jaundice, flatulence, arthritis, sprains, wounds, acne and skin and eye infections.

From a clinical standpoint, turmeric has been extensively investigated. It is remarkably safe. Scientific studies have shown that turmeric has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is a promising chemopreventive and disease-modifying agent. Turmeric is currently being studied in human clinical trials for several diseases including pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple myeloma and psoriasis.

Stay tuned for a tasty recipe that uses turmeric…

References:
Aggarwal BB et al. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:1-75. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569205
Dorai T et al. Prostate. 2001;47(4):293-303. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11398177
Epstein J et al. Br J Nutr. 2010;103(11):1545-57. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20100380 
Hatcher H et al. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2008 Jun;65(11):1631-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18324353
Singh S. Cell. 2007:130:765-768.
http://nature-natural.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-natural-skincare-remedy-turmeric.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=singh%20s%20cell%202007%20and%20turmeric

Posted August 29, 2010 by lipiroy in Spices

10 responses to “Turmeric’s Health Benefits

Subscribe to comments with RSS.

  1. I’m a believer in the anti-inflammatory powers of tumeric. I’ve used it personally for back pain and ulnar neuropathy. I seemed to work just as well as taking ibuprofen. I’ve actually suggested it to a variety of patients for arthritis and various aches and pains, and some have reported good results. I think this blog is a great idea. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

  2. This looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing. It’s a rainy day in Atlanta, and this definitely added some much-needed spice and color!

    I’ll definitely be trying out some of these…

  3. I always take turmeric because it is an immune system enhancing supplement. I also grow a turmeric plant in our backyard. ;”,:,

    Our web blog
    http://www.prettygoddess.com

  4. turmeric is one of the herbs that can increse immune response and shorten healing times. .

    <a href="Remember to look into our favorite webpage
    http://www.healthmedicinelab.com/pain-under-left-rib-cage/

  5. Turmeric is a plant. You probably know turmeric as the main spice in curry. It has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. But the root of turmeric is also used widely to make medicine.*

    The latest content straight from our personal web portal
    <.http://www.healthmedicinecentral.com/reoccuring-yeast-infections/

    • Thanks for your comment, Kassie. Yes, I know turmeric’s uses quite well! As I mention in my blog, turmeric is used in curried vegetables and other curried dishes in India. I’ve been using turmeric for many years!

  6. Turmeric is a good remedy for blood purification which resist your body from cancer.

    • Turmeric truly has a cornucopia of health benefits. I try to incorporate a little bit of the spice into many of my meals (salads, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, etc.). Thanks for your comment!

Leave a comment