More than 1,000 years ago, descriptions of the health benefits of turmeric appeared in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. Throughout Asia, the American Cancer Society notes that people used, and continue to use, turmeric to make a topical paste, an inhalant or a tonic to treat a variety of conditions. In the United States, companies like Nature's Way sell turmeric in tablets or capsules. Other available forms of turmeric include powders, fluid extracts and tinctures.
Description
Turmeric grows in tropical regions of Asia, such as China, India and Indonesia. The roots of the turmeric plant, specifically the rhizomes and bulbs, turn into a bright yellow powder if boiled and dried, creating the spice that gives curry its sunlit hue. The University of Maryland Medical Center describes the active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, as a substance with antioxidant properties.
Research
In 2010, laboratory results published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry demonstrated that turmeric may protect bones against osteoporosis. Other research, compiled by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, suggests that turmeric prevents colon, stomach and skin cancers in animals. Animal and laboratory tests also suggest that turmeric reduces inflammation. Sloan-Kettering reports that multiple clinical studies show turmeric enhances gall bladder contraction.
Reminders
Turmeric is regarded as safe in food preparations for those who are not allergic. Rather than advocating vitamin and mineral supplementation, nutrition guidance published by Harvard Medical School highlights evidence that eating real food in its natural form maximizes health. Because the FDA does not monitor the purity or potency of dietary supplements, U.S. Pharmacopeia offers an independent verification of quality. Products that pass their assessment process carry a U.S.P. label.
Contraindications
Taking turmeric in supplement form can create problems, rather than solve them. Nature's Way warns pregnant women and anyone with ulcers, gall stones or bile duct obstructions not to take turmeric. Sloan-Kettering adds that people with hyperacidity should not take turmeric, nor people taking chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners or a list of other drugs. To be safe, consult with a doctor who knows the details of your medical condition, medicines and supplements, before taking turmeric.
References
- American Cancer Society: Turmeric
- Nature's Way: Turmeric
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Laboratory Study Shows Turmeric May Have Bone-Protective Effects; National Institutes of Health
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- U.S. Pharmacopeia: USP Verified
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