Many studies have investigated and continue to explore turmeric's wide array of health-improving powers, including its anti-inflammatory effects and even the promising science behind the turmeric cancer connection.
One of the most notable turmeric health benefits was pointed out when it was shown that people in India have a significantly lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease than many Western populations. Scientists say that the neuroprotective effects of turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, may be to thank.
Turmeric Health Benefits - Anti-cancer properties
- Cancer of the mouth showed inhibited activity when a curcumin preparation was applied to the site of the tumor. This effect was amplified with the inclusion of green tea extract.
- Liver cancer growth was suppressed and cancer cells underwent cell death more readily with orally administered curcumin.
- Mantle cell lymphoma patients who were curcumin demonstrated a notable delay in tumor growth.
- Non-small cell lung cancer patients showed an improved responsiveness to a particular form of chemotherapy.
- Squamous cell carcinoma patients experienced inhibited tumor growth and an increase in apoptosis (cell death) with curcumin treatment.
- Colon cancer growth was restarted and polyp formation inhibited with oral curcumin dosing in rodents.
Turmeric Health Benefits - Cardiovascular Support
- Vascular damage by way of c-reactive protein (a cell-damaging protein) was buffered by curcumin administration, which completely blocked CRP's deleterious effect on endothelial cells.
- LDL cholesterol may potentially be lowered with high-dose oral curcumin supplementation.
- Atherosclerosis was significantly decreased in animal models with curcumin administration.
- High homocysteine levels, which disrupt proper endothelial function, were not lowered with curcumin administration. However, it was found that the damaging effects of elevated homocysteine on endothelial function were reduced.
- Turmeric Health Benefits - Anti-Inflammatory
- Turmeric is a powerful COX-2 inhibitor. The COX-2 enzyme is responsible for inflammation and pain and many NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) target this same enzyme.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms including morning stiffness, swelling of the joints and movement endurance were greatly improved with oral curcumin dosing.
- There may be extensive turmeric health benefits multiple myeloma sufferers because curcumin inhibits constitutive and IL-6-inducible STAT3 phosphorylation in multiple myeloma cells in humans.
- Psoriasis patients may also benefit from curcumin supplementation by blocking the signal that produces -psoriasis with a topical skin cream that can be used to both prevent and treat plaques.
- It is clear that there are many turmeric health benefits which range from anti-inflammatory to neuroprotective and everywhere in between, and while more research is welcomed to determine promising new uses for the active ingredient curcumin, studies have already demonstrated and condoned the use of this remarkably safe and powerful addition to anybody's supplementation regimen.
Turmeric Milk Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (1 1/2 inch) piece fresh turmeric root, peeled and grated
- 1 (1/2 inch) piece fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 pinch ground turmeric
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
- Combine turmeric root, ginger root, and honey together in a bowl, crushing the turmeric and ginger as much as possible.
- Heat almond milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Once small bubbles begin to form around the edges, reduce heat to low. Transfer about 2 tablespoon milk to turmeric mixture to allow mixture to soften and honey to melt into a paste-like mixture.
- Mix the turmeric paste into milk in the saucepan; raise the temperature to medium-low and cook, stirring continuously, until fully combined. Blend with an immersion blender for a smooth texture.
- Pour turmeric tea into a mug and top with ground turmeric and cinnamon.
Post Sources: ezinearticles.com, allrecipes.com
