The spice turmeric has been used for flavoring, coloring and beauty regimens in India for thousands of years. Asian medical practitioners have used turmeric to treat various illnesses, including arthritis and heartburn, according to Timothy Moynihan, M.D. Fresh turmeric has a more subtle, mild flavor than the dried variety, but health benefits are common to both. Before using turmeric to treat any medical condition, consult your doctor. Some herbs may interfere with prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Turmeric has antioxidant properties and acts as an anti-inflammatory, according to Moynihan. Even small amounts of this spice can help reduce swelling and fight infection. The curcumin in turmeric lowers inflammatory enzymes and prevents platelets from forming blood clots.
Cancer Treatment
The anti-inflammatory nature of the curcumin in turmeric is thought to be one of the components that helps prevent cancer formation and growth. Moynihan claims that this ingredient may even kill certain types of cancer cells that have already formed in the colon, breast and prostate. World's Healthiest foods reports that a series of Loyola University Medical Center studies has shown that Asian countries have fewer children diagnosed with leukemia than Western countries, and the speculation is that this may be due to the amount of turmeric consumed in Asia.
Blood Sugar
Turmeric may play a role in lowering blood sugar, according to the National Institutes of Health. Before adding turmeric to your diet for blood sugar problems, speak with your doctor, since it may interfere with diabetes medication. Although diabetic animals experience lower blood sugar levels when consuming turmeric, the effects of treating diabetic people with turmeric are unknown.
Cholesterol
In some cases, turmeric has been found to help lower LDL, known as bad cholesterol, and raise HDL, known as good cholesterol. The curcumin in turmeric may help prevent the cholesterol from oxidizing, thus avoiding the buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. The vitamin B-6 in turmeric also decreases the risk for damage to the blood vessels, according to World's Healthiest Foods.
Diseases Related to Aging
Some diseases related to aging may be eased with the use of turmeric. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric may provide relief from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Although evidence is inconclusive, turmeric may help prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease by lowering the buildup of plaque in the brain.
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