What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a quintessential addition to your home cooked meal. It is a relative of ginger and one of the healthiest ways in which to add life and flavour to your meal.
In most studies, the active component of Turmeric called curcumin has been used with positive results. It is important to remember that many studies have taken place in vitro. Some studies have also shown conflicting results.
Despite this, turmeric has been found to be beneficial for the following conditions:
- Cell damage: Curcumin is a potent and powerful antioxidant and will therefore act as a free radical scavenger, preventing damage to cells
- Inflammation: Curcumin lowers the enzymes in the body that are responsible for inflammation
- Indigestion: One double-blind, placebo controlled study in Germany found that Turmeric was beneficial in reducing the symptoms of gas and bloating
- Ulcerative colitis: A double-blind, placebo controlled study suggests that people suffering with ulcerative colitis have a lower relapse rate when they took curcumin than those who took placebo
- Heart Disease: Turmeric prevents platelets from clumping together. Studies suggest that tumeric may therefore prevent blood clots from building up along the walls of arteries
- Cancer: To date, there has been extensive research on turmeric's potential anti-cancer properties. Results are still very early, however, in vitro evidence suggests that curcumin may help prevent or treat several types of cancers such as breast, skin, prostate and colon. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Furthermore, cancer should be treated by alternative therapies as a complementary to conventional medications. It is important to discuss this with your doctor.
- Pain Relief: In India, turmeric is used for traumatic pain and fatigue relief. Research suggests that turmeric improves postoperative pain and fatigue
