Turmeric is a powerful Ayurvedic spice which is also used in Chinese medicine. Everyone should have some in the kitchen cabinet. The main active ingredient in tumeric is curcumin. Curcumin (from Curcuma longa) is the orange-yellow pigment that gives the spice turmeric its unique color. Turmeric is the main ingredient in curry powder.
Curcumin is a potent anti-oxidant, more powerful than vitamin E. Antioxidants are substances which can donate free radicals without becoming unstable themselves though electron loss. This means that they can help prevent free radical creation and the resulting cellular instability and damage. This kind of oxidative damage plays a huge role in many of our modern degenerative diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Turmeric is great for for all intestinal infections and damp conditions as it reduces bacteria. Studies have shown that it can play a preventative role in the prevention of bowel cancer (the second most common cancer in the States). It is also useful as an adjunct treatment for cancer in that it may help. Animal studies suggested that curcumin could reduce side effects or increase the antitumor action of some chemotherapy drugs.
Turmeric increases the flow of blood through the hepatic system which can help to dissolve and prevent gallstones. It is a blood purifier and as such can help clear up skin conditions, and clear the eyes.
Curcumin reduces inflammation and can be great for pain such as arthritis, dermatitis, psoriasis and painful joints. It has a similar mechanism as hydrocortisone. Due to it’s ability to inhibit the inflammatory agent, NF kappa-B curcumin may provide an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
To Summarize: How Turmeric will Help You
- Promote heart health
- Provide anti-cancer benefits
- Strengthen the digestive system and help prevent bowel cancer
- Dissolve and prevent gallstones
- Purify the blood and promote beautiful skin
- Brighten the eyes
- Reduce inflammation and pain in conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, IBS and Crohn's disease
A recommended dose is about 1.5 to 1.8 gm a day.
