1. One Ancient and Multi-Functional Herb
Turmeric is an herbal plant that thrives in the tropics and sub-tropics. It has been grown for thousands of years for use as a cooking spice, a medicinal herb and a dye plant. The plant's large roots are dried and ground to make the yellow spice you find in the grocery store. Turmeric is a key ingredient in many Indian curries. In powder form tumeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which is responsible for the plant's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
2. Curcumin Reduces Inflammation
Turmeric's potent chemical component curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent. Curcumin makes turmeric a potential treatment for painful inflammatory conditions such as the various forms of arthritis. Studies have shown that curcumin may help to treat Alzheimer's disease. This is partially due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but also because it may reduce the buildup of waste proteins in the brain.
3. Fights Cancer Naturally
There is evidence that curcumin might help fight cancerous diseases. It weakens and slows the growth of cancer cells so they are more easily destroyed by radiation and drug therapies. Turmeric may also help prevent cancerous diseases because it is an antioxidant. Antioxidants keep cells healthy by eliminating cellular wastes that build up over time. Healthy human cells are therefore less likely to become malignant.
4. Turmeric Wears Many Hats
Turmeric has been shown to aid in lowering both blood sugar and cholesterol. It has long been used as a treatment for coughs and upper respiratory problems. As a natural antibiotic, turmeric appears to fight fungal infections and parasites, too. When contained in salve preparations it helps soothe skin irritations, and appears to also treat certain viruses.
5. Not Turmeric Time
Herbal use as medicinal aids requires taking much higher doses of the relevant components than might be found in food items. Side effects and drug interactions become a possibility. Turmeric is no exception, so there is reason to be careful. One possible side effect of turmeric is an upset stomach because it can cause your stomach to produce more acid. You should probably not use tumeric medicinally if you have gall bladder disease or if you are pregnant, but using it as a spice in food is okay. You should also not use turmeric medicinally if you are taking blood thinners, antacids or diabetes medications.
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