Turmeric, known scientifically as Curcuma longa, is an herb that has been in use for thousands of years. In cuisine, it is often used to give Indian curry its flavor and color, and in traditional herbal medicine it has been used to treat wounds and digestive disorders, according to the World's Healthiest Foods encyclopedia. The primary compound in turmeric responsible for its health benefits is curcumin. Turmeric is available for use as a spice or a dietary supplement.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Inflammation occurs when the body tries to protect itself from injury or invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses. While the inflammatory response is a natural, protective one, if the body is in a chronic state of inflammation it can lead to inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, lupus and hepatitis, according to a report from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The curcumin in turmeric has been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits to help the body fight chronic inflammation. A report from researchers at the Cytokine Research Laboratory at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center explains that curcumin interacts with the body's cells, where it inhibits inflammation from taking place. The report, published in the April 26, 2010 issue of "Annual Review of Nutrition," also states that the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin in turmeric help fight obesity and obesity-related diseases by improving insulin resistance, lowering blood sugar levels and cholesterol.
Anticancer Benefits
Turmeric plays an important role in cancer prevention. As an antioxidant, the curcumin in turmeric is able to fight off cellular damage to the body's DNA, according to the World's Healthiest Foods encyclopedia. Curcumin also helps prevent cancerous cells from growing and spreading, which prevents tumors from forming. In a report on curcumin's effects on prostate cancer, published in the October 6, 2009 issue of "Genes and Nutrition," curcumin promotes the death of prostate cancer cells, making it not only a preventive agent, but an option in cancer treatment as well.
Liver Protective Benefits
The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, the liver aids in metabolism of fats, produces blood proteins, removes bacteria from the blood and helps clean the blood of toxins. Cirrhosis of the liver occurs when the liver begins to deteriorate and cannot function as it should, and common causes include alcohol, medications, hepatitis and fatty liver disease. A report published in the November 2009 issue of "Liver International" states that curcumin in turmeric can reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis, and can even reverse some liver damage that may have already occurred.
References
- World's Healthiest Foods: Turmeric
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Damping the Flames: Inflammation Control Mechanism Determined
- PubMed: Abstract: Annual Review of Nutrition
- PubMed: Abstract: Genes and Nutrition: Chemopreventive potential of curcumin in prostate cancer
- National Institute of Digestive and diabetes and Kidney Disorders
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