Health Benefits of Turmeric

What are Some Health Benefits of Turmeric Spice?

Turmeric contains a powerful active chemical compound called curcumin. This compound is not only responsible for its vibrant yellow-orange color and its distinctive zing, but is also this spice's most powerful medical constituent, bestowing it with powerful health benefits.

1. A Safe Yet Potent Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric has traditionally been used as a remedy for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For literally thousands of years, it has been the standard anti-inflammatory in Indian and Chinese systems of medicine.

Both laboratory and animal studies have provided evidence of this spice's powerful anti-inflammatory activity. In fact, the potency of turmeric's anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects have been equated with that of the popular pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and hydrocortisone – without the potential side effects and toxicity of these manufactured drugs. A 1986 study, for example, showed that a daily dosage of curcumin was even more effective in easing post-surgical inflammation as the regular anti-inflammatory prescriptions.

Recent research attributes turmeric's anti-inflammatory mechanism to its powerful capacity to inhibit the activity of the enzymes COX-2 and lipoxygenase. It also eases the inflammation caused by the body' allergic reaction to histamines, as well as trauma, injury and the stiffness of over- or under-inactivity.

2. A Potent Anti-Oxidant

Clinical studies have shown that turmeric has potent anti-oxidant properties. Anti-oxidants are essential disease-fighting compounds that work to protect your body cells by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules in the body, which cause great tissue damage through oxidation.

The combined effect of turmeric's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties work to provide relief from the painful symptoms of arthritis. Free radicals have been shown to contribute to the pain of inflammation and the damage caused to the joints that is common with rheumatoid arthritis.

3. A Proven Anti-Carcinogen

Ayurvedic medicine recommends turmeric for treating cancer, particularly breast and uterine cancers, as well as benign tumors. A number of early but promising animal and laboratory clinical studies show its anti-cancer properties to be helpful in treating other types of cancer, including skin, pancreatic, prostate and colon cancers.

Turmeric helps to prevent the formation of cancer-causing enzymes, reducing the risk of cancerous cell-formation and cell growth. One of turmeric's anti-cancer mechanisms involves inhibiting the activity of the enzyme Topoisomerase, which is essential to the replication of cancer cells. This, in turn, limits the ability of cancer cells to metastasize, spreading to other healthy parts of the body. It also prevents cancerous tumors from growing new blood vessels, in effect starving them of nutrients and inhibiting their growth.

4. A Natural Liver-Protective

Turmeric has significant liver-protective effects, helping to minimize damage from pathogens and toxic compounds such as heavy metals, radiation, nicotine and other chemicals. It helps prevent damage resulting from prolonged use of alcohol and drugs such as paracetamol, both of which tax the liver and may cause liver disease. One of the mechanisms by which turmeric protects the liver is by promoting the secretion and movement of bile. In effect, turmeric keeps the liver healthy, helping it function optimally as the body's primary detoxifier.

5. An Effective Antiseptic and Antibiotic

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibiotic that has historically been used as an herbal salve to treat everything from minor cuts and scrapes to scabies, skin ulcers and even leprosy. Turmeric essential oil is a powerful topical antibiotic that helps prevent infections and sepsis in wounds. Acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions also benefit from turmeric spice.

In addition to disinfecting and preventing infection, turmeric also helps to stop pain and swelling while promoting the healing of damaged skin tissue. It has also been traditionally used in India for cosmetic purposes, for clearing up blemishes as well as giving a natural glow and radiance to the skin.

Other Health Benefits of Turmeric Spice

Turmeric is also used in the prevention and treatment of several other diseases and conditions, including:

• Cold, Flu and Allergies
• Cystic Fibrosis
• High Cholesterol
• Peptic ulcers
• Alzheimer's disease
• Diarrhea
• Gum Disease
• Weight management
• Insect repellent

As the ancient healers knew, turmeric is one of Mother Nature's most versatile and powerful healers. Few other medicinal plants boast as wide a range of therapeutic uses as this brightly colored spice. Today, the rush is on to conduct further research on turmeric's benefits and side effects, and to develop curcumin as a drug.