Turmeric is a peppery, warm spice commonly used in Indian cuisine; it has also been referred to as "Indian saffron" due to its deep yellow-orange hue. A member of the ginger family, or Zingiberaceae, this medicinal spice has long been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in Ayurvedic medicine. The volatile oil in turmeric, responsible for its bright color is curcumin. In addition to being beneficial as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent for cuts and burns, turmeric offers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Curcumin, an active component of turmeric, is thought to be a primary pharmacological agent of this spice, offering potent anti-inflammatory benefits. Its anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to drugs, such as ibuprofen and hydrocortisone. A benefit of turmeric is that, unlike the drugs, this spice is safe and without toxic side effects. According to research published in the medical journal "Advances in Experimental Biology" in 2007, curcumin inhibits certain enzymes involved in the inflammatory process in the human body, such as cyclooxygenase-2, or COX-2, lipoxygenase, or LOX, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, or iNOS. These pro-inflammatory enzymes are thought to play a major role in inflammation throughout the body and are involved in the development of chronic diseases and conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders. Thus, including turmeric in your diet regularly may help to prevent and treat pro-inflammatory diseases.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of protein fragments in brain cells known as amyloids. The presence of amyloids in brain cells leads to chronic inflammation and disrupts proper cognitive functions. In individuals with healthy brains, these protein fragments are broken down and eliminated from the body. In a study published in February 2005 in the "Journal of Biological Chemistry," when curcumin was injected into aged mice with amyloid plaque accumulation, the curcumin bound to the plaques, preventing clumping of these protein fragments characteristic of advanced Alzheimer's. This combined with curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may offer protection against the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Source of Trace Minerals
Turmeric is a good food source of two trace minerals essential for human health: iron and manganese. A small serving of 2 tsp. provides 1.88 mg of iron, or 10.4 percent of the recommended daily value, or DV, for this nutrient, as well as 0.36 mg of manganese, or 18 percent of the DV. However, a 2 tsp. serving provides fewer than 20 calories, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website.
Iron plays an important role in carrying oxygen in the red blood cells throughout the body. This trace mineral also plays a role in supporting function of the immune system. Manganese is needed for energy metabolism and is used for maintaining healthy bones.
References
- World's Healthiest Foods: Tumeric
- "Advances in Experimental Biology"; Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin; VP Menon et. al; 2007
- "Journal of Biological Chemistry"; Curcumin inhibits formation of amyloid beta oligomers and fibrils, binds plaques, and reduces amyloid in vivo; F. Yang, G.P. Lim, A.N. Begum et. al; February 2005
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aging: Vitamins and Minerals
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