The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, contains properties that go far beyond its traditional use of giving mustard and curry their distinctive flavors. Worlds Healthiest Foods.com (WHF) reports that turmeric has traditionally been used in Eastern cultures as an anti-inflammatory to treat a variety of ailments. Today, scientists are discovering additional benefits from the bright yellow spice.
Cardiovascular Protection
Stanford University researchers report on their Wellsphere website that turmeric may have properties that help lower levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol, in the body. University of Maryland scientists report that these properties may also help prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries and could prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. WHF reports that turmeric contains vitamin B6, which helps protect the walls of blood vessels. The WHF reports that turmeric is also effective at helping lower cholesterol levels in the body, noting that "In research published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, when 10 healthy volunteers consumed 500 mg of curcumin per day for seven days, not only did their blood levels of oxidized cholesterol drop by 33 percent, but their total cholesterol dropped 11.63 percent, and their HDL (good cholesterol) increased by 29 percent."
Anti-Inflammatory
Curcumin, which makes turmeric yellow, has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory comparable to hydrocortisone and over-the-counter remedies. WHF researchers report that this naturally occurring spice, unlike pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories, has no toxic side effects like intestinal bleeding and decreased white blood cell count.
Digestive Aid
According to WHF, turmeric has been shown to be an effective treatment for ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Early research from investigators at Harvard University's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has shown that curcumin is also effective in helping to ease the discomfort of many common stomach disorders, including nausea, appetite loss, bloating and gas.
May lower cancer rates
WHF reports that epidemiological studies suggest frequent use of turmeric in the diet lowers rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Animal research conducted at the University of Texas and published in "Biochemical Pharmacology" concluded that turmeric reduced the spread of cancer in more than 75 percent of mice. However, this has not been proven in people.
