Also known as Curcuma longa Linn, tumeric is botanically related to ginger. Curcumin, the compound that gives it its yellow color, is known for its healing properties and is made from the dried roots of the tumeric plant. Tumeric has been used in India, China, and southeast Asia for centuries as a culinary spice and food preservative. It is also used as a coloring agent and in religious rituals. It is also very high in antioxidants, according to Oracvalues.com.
Cancer Prevention
The curcumin in turmeric has been cited in Alternative Medicine Review for its potentially significant role in cancer prevention, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. High levels of inflammation have been linked to tumor promotion. Consequently, phytochemicals like curcumin have been shown to inhibit the start of cancer, including colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, prostate, hepatic, breast, oral cancers, and leukemia. There have been very limited studies in humans, but more research is on the horizon.
Alzheimer's Disease Prevention
According to Current Alzheimers Research, India, where consumption of turmeric is widespread, has one of the lowest prevalence rates of Alzheimer's disease in the world. This has led researchers to consider the potential for curcumin to have a preventative role in this disease. In the lab, tumeric has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties, which can reduce the plaque implicated in Alzheimer's. Other research has shown turmeric and it's derivative curcumin to be safe, however, further studies in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease is needed.
Decreases Cardiovascular Disease
Curcumin can decrease the damage caused by a heart attack, according to the journal Current Science. It has also been shown to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower total cholesterol in animals. One study discussed in "Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine" showed a 29 percent increase in HDL (good cholesterol) and a 12 percent decrease in total cholesterol in humans. These studies in people are significant, but small with the need for more research to confirm this positive effect.
Skin Care Benefits
Turmeric has been shown to even out skin tone and color, and has been used in cosmetics. This skin tone modifier can also be made at home by applying a little turmeric with cucumber juice or lemon to the affected area for 15 minutes. Daily use will gradually return skin to normal. In India, it is also used to soften skin by using it as a body scrub when mixed with gram flour.
References
- Alternative Medicine Review, Anti-inflammatory Properties of Curcumin, a Major Constituent of Curcuma longa: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Research, Julie S. Jurenka, Vol 14, Number 2, 2009
- Current Alzheimer Research, A Potential Role of the Curry Spice Curcumin in Alzheimer's Disease, John M Ringman et al, April 2005.
- Current Science, Turmeric and Curcumin: Biological Actions and Medicinal Applications, Ishita Chattopadhayay et al, July 2004
- Natural Standard: TheAuthority on Integrative Medicine: Tumeric and Curcumin
- India Parenting: Benefits of Tumeric
