Discover Turmeric Health Benefits

From the rhizomes (root) of this perennial plant found in India, come the highly valued turmeric health benefits. However, turmeric has other talents besides being used for medicine. Turmeric is a fairly new arrival to most Americans spice racks, but it's been a mainstay flavoring spice of Indian curries for thousands of years. In addition to its role as a flavoring spice, turmeric has a long history of use in India's Ayurvedic medicine.

Indeed, its arrival here is good news because studies with animals show that this herb has an impressive array of medicinal uses. So, without further adieu, let's delve into turmeric health benefits.

First, it's important to note that turmeric's chief constituent is known as curcumin. However, it also contains volatile oils, which also harbors medicinal effects.

That said, let's move on to this herbs health benefits.

Turmeric has created a lot of excitement in the natural world of medicine. It's a potent antioxidant and a powerhouse anti-inflammatory agent. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, which are highly unstable destructive oxygen molecules that can damage cells if left unchecked. Put simply, antioxidants protect the body from the continuous onslaught of free radicals that many experts believe are responsible for premature aging and most diseases, including cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and arthritis if left unchecked.

If you suffer from arthritis, turmeric health benefits may be of interest to you. Turmeric is prized for its ability to fight arthritis. Turmeric is often found in arthritis supplements to help mitigate pain and inflammation. More specifically, test-tube and laboratory studies have confirmed turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity. In addition to arthritis, turmeric may be helpful for other inflammatory conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and joint inflammation.

Many people have specifically expressed an interest about turmeric for tumors. Turmeric is currently being researched for its effects on different types of cancerous tumors. In fact, many laboratory studies have shown that turmeric has anti-cancer activity. In animal studies, turmeric (curcumin) has been shown to prevent a number of cancers. According to our research, evidence suggests via laboratory data that turmeric (curcumin) can inhibit tumor initiation, promotion, invasion, angiogenesis (growth of new tumor blood vessels), and metastasis (uncontrolled spread).

For example:

    Turmeric (curcumin) inhibited growth of tumors in the colon.
    Turmeric (curcumin) helped stop the spread of breast cancer tumor cells to the lungs of mice.
    Turmeric slowed the development of prostate cancer on tumor cells in a lab dish.

Indeed, the evidence from laboratory data, meaning animal and laboratory studies suggests that turmeric (curcumin) has potential in the treatment of various forms of cancer, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon. In addition, turmeric is touted as a cancer protective herb because antioxidants help prevent the cell damage that sets the stage for cancer.

Turmeric health benefits may be of benefit to heart disease prevention. According to the well renowned tome "The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines" written by Michael Murray N.D. who states:

"Curcumin prevents LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized and damaging arteries. In addition, it exerts other atherosclerosis-preventing effects, including lowering cholesterol levels, preventing plaque formation, and inhibiting the formation of clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation."(Page 608.)

But wait, there's more turmeric health benefits...

Turmeric's volatile oils is said to have external anti-bacterial action. As such, it may help prevent bacterial wound infections.

The herb also stimulates the production of bile, which helps digest fats. In addition, turmeric has shown in animal studies to have a protective effect on the liver such as protecting the liver from many toxins.

What about turmeric for fibroids? In this regard, we located scant information that turmeric may be helpful for uterine fibroids. According to Phyllis A. Balch, CNC the author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, turmeric may be helpful for uterine fibroids because it's a powerful antioxidant that supports the liver while promoting the elimination of toxins.

Other possible turmeric health benefits or uses:

    May be helpful for indigestion and heartburn.
    It is used for improved liver function.
    May help prevent cataracts due to its antioxidant properties.

By Cindy Amorin

 Also Read Ayurveda Medicinal Properties of Turmeric (Haldi)