Turmeric is a spice created from the dried and powdered roots of the Curcuma longa plant, a shrub native to Asia and Africa. Its vibrant yellow color and pungent flavor add visual flair and a warm, bitter taste to foods such as curry. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, this spice also has a 4,000-year history of use as a medicinal agent, and to this day it is used as an aid for digestive problems.
Turmeric and Curcumin
Turmeric contains a number of compounds that could have positive effects on human health. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, its color is due to the presence of curcuminoid, a type of fat-soluble pigment. The most biologically active curcuminoid, called curcumin, is an antioxidant, meaning that it helps neutralize unstable particles called free radicals that can cause cell damage. Curcumin may also help reduce inflammation and has been shown to kill cancer cells in laboratory tests, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Curcumin and Bile Production
Curcumin stimulates the production of bile, a digestive enzyme created by your gall bladder. Many people believe the increased bile production is an aid to digestion. University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the German Commission E, an herbal regulating body, has ruled that turmeric can be prescribed for digestive disorders in that country.
Digestive Problems
According to the American Cancer Society, turmeric has been used in the treatment of a range of digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn's disease and parasitic and bacterial infections, though research on the effectiveness of turmeric in treating these conditions is lacking. UMMC states that a double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that turmeric reduced the symptoms of indigestion, including bloating and gas.
Using Turmeric
Turmeric is available as a cooking spice as well as a supplement sold in capsule, tincture and extract form. The concentration of turmeric typically found in foods is generally considered safe, according to UMMC, but if you are taking high dosages of turmeric for extended periods, you may experience the very malady you're trying to avoid -- stomach upset. There is also the possibility that large amounts of turmeric can lower your blood sugar levels to hypoglycemic levels when combined with diabetes medicine. Consult your doctor before taking turmeric supplements.
