Turmeric is part of the same family as ginger. Turmeric is also one of the most thoroughly researched plants in existence. There have been over 4,000 scientific studies on one of turmeric’s most medicinal compounds, curcumin. In addition, there are over 10,000 published, peer reviewed articles on curcumin and its therapeutic effect on several debilitating diseases and conditions.
These scientific studies and articles on turmeric/curcumin, have indicated that turmeric supplements work the same, or even better, then at least 14 commercial pharmaceuticals currently prescribed. However, there is one difference…turmeric lacked the side-effects.
TURMERIC SUPPLEMENTS HEALTH BENEFITS
- Turmeric treats pain and inflammation
Did you know that turmeric contains over two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds? There are six COX-2-inhibitors in turmeric/curcumin. By blocking COX-2, turmeric is blocking one of the main enzymes that promotes swelling, inflammation and pain in our body. There are also two other enzymes which promote inflammation that are reportedly blocked by curcumin.
Here is a study, conducted by the University of Columbia, that showed curcumin as an effective inflammation treatment. Such an effective, natural agent such as turmeric should be used as front-line therapy for such conditions as arthritis, sports injuries, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease tendonitis and autoimmune conditions (due to its credible efficacy trials and favorable side-effect profile).
- Turmeric treats rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain
According to researchers at The University of Maryland, turmeric is loaded with antioxidants. As you may already know, antioxidants are essential for our body to fight off cancer causing free-radicals. This is particularly important to patients with arthritis, as free radicals cause painful joint inflammation and even physical damage to joints. Because of turmeric’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, it is a safe and natural therapy for joint and bone related diseases.
- Turmeric supplements helps fight cancer
There has been a lot of research on turmeric and cancer. Researchers have particularly focused on curcumin, which appears to block an enzyme that promotes head and neck cancers.
Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2007, reported that curcumin’s efficacy in fighting cancer is similar to that of oxaliplatin, a agent in chemotherapy.
In addition, scientific studies on animals and test tubes determined that curcumin may be effective in fighting cancers such as prostate, breast, skin and colon cancer.
- Turmeric Lowers your risk for Diabetes
Doctors estimate that nearly 25.8 million Americans have diabetes (about 8.3% of the population). Studies have demonstrated that turmeric is effective in lowering your risk of having diabetes.
Further, research published in the medical journal Diabetes Care, reported that prediabetes was less likely to develop into Type 2 Diabetes, when patients regularly consumed curcumin.
- Turmeric Boosts the Immune System
According to a research published in the journal PLOS ONE (Public Library of Science), curcumin, a compound found in turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that helps boost immunity.
Turmeric can help with:
- Indigestion
- Ulcerative colitis
- Stomach ulcers
- Osteoarthritis
- Heart Disease
- Bacterial and viral infections
- Alzheimer’s/Dementia
How to take turmeric
Add ½-1 teaspoon to your dishes, beverages and smoothies. Sprinkle over veggies before roasting. Add to curries.
Turmeric milk (best in the evening)
Slowly simmer 1 ½ cups of milk (or substitute) with ½ teaspoon of organic turmeric powder. Add small amount of ginger, a couple crushed cardamom pads, a pinch of black pepper and a pinch of cinnamon. Simmer for 2-4 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, strain and serve.