Health Benefits of Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory, Cancer Fighter, Antioxidant and Arthritis Relief
Nov 11, 2008
A member of the ginger family, the healing properties of turmeric originate in the stalk. Among the compounds found in turmeric are the polyphenols, curcuminoids, which give the spice its bright yellow colour. The most studied of these is curcumin, the substance that gives the spice its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Over the last ten years, a lot of research has been done to find out more about the pharmacological properties and biological activities of curcumin. The polyphenol is well known for its anti-tumour, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-amyloid, anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Its anti-inflammatory properties may be due to inhibition of eicosanoid biosynthesis. It also may be effective in treating malaria and in the prevention of cervical cancer. It may also be useful in the treatment of the HIV virus. A Michigan State University study in 2008 showed low concentrations of curcumin interfered with the Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) replication.
Arthritis to Cancer, Diabetes and Obesity
Used in India to relieve arthritis, modern studies have shown it is as effective as the anti-inflammatory, phenylbutazone. Turmeric is also used for muscle pain, joint inflammation and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Another study by Columbia University Medical Center found turmeric beneficial in preventing early onset diabetes and obesity as inflammation is involved in both. It has also been linked with halting Alzheimer’s.
A number of studies also suggest curcumin has anti-tumour effects. A 2006 study reported in the medical journal Oncogene found curcumin inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells while a 2007 study by the University of Alabama showed it also inhibited hormones thought to trigger prostate cancer.
Powerful Antioxidant
Curcumin also has an effect on cholesterol levels and has strong antioxidant properties. Curcumin inhibits lipid peroxidation. Animal studies have shown the spice protects against powerful oxidizing chemicals used to induce cataracts in rats. The rats given curcumin were protected against damage by the chemical and their eyes also improved.
Turmeric is also good for the liver and can be used for a range of liver ailments, including hepatitis, where it is frequently used to lower elevated liver enzymes. Another US study found that cauliflower makes turmeric even more effective.
Ayuveda and Oriental Medicine
According to traditional Ayuvedic herbal medicine: ‘turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity. It is effective for cleansing the chakras and purifying the channels of the subtle body’.
In Oriental medicine turmeric is used for asthma, candida, eczema and jaundice. It is also used as a post-trauma remedy both internally and topically to reduce inflammation from bruises, swelling and wounds. It helps wound healing by acting as an anti-coagulant and has anti-fungal properties. Other skin uses are for acne, boils as it purifies the blood and gives a healthy skin colour and texture.
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