Turmeric has enjoyed a revered status in India and China for thousands of years for its amazing healing benefits. In the Pacific the spice was also known and used by the Polynesians who carried it to Hawaii where it’s still known as Olena. In the west turmeric is recognised as the yellow ingredient in many curries. But turmeric has long been used in Asia to treat a wide range of medical conditions due to its strong anti-inflammatory effects. The health benefits of turmeric are vast, and it is fast becoming the go-to natural anti-inflammatory alternative.
The main beneficial component of turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is curcumin. Curcumin is a very powerful antioxidant, and far more powerful than grape seed or pine bark extract. It can help reduce damage to DNA and cells caused by an excess of dangerous free radicals in our body.
There are many who believe that there is a strong link between inflammation and chronic illness. Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. These make it very effective for fighting heart disease, the pain of osteoarthritis and many other health problems associated with inflammation.
The effect of curcumin is particularly evident inside the colon where the result of its action is a quick turnover of cells. Damaged or mutated cells are destroyed quickly before they have the opportunity to spread through the body.
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC
Turmeric is one of the most researched natural remedies and there are numerous studies that validate its benefits.
These studies have shown that turmeric may be useful to:
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Prevent and Destroy Cancer Cells
Turmeric can help prevent breast, prostate, skin and colon cancer. Studies show that it can start a process of self-destruction in the cancer cells, destroying them before they have the chance to spread through the body. Nine different studies all showed turmeric reduced the size of brain tumours. It also limits the growth of blood vessels in tumours, and can be used to ease the side effects, and boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
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Support Healthy Bones, Joints & Skeletal System
Turmeric supports healthy joint function and is a wonderfully effective remedy for arthritis, reducing the inflammation that leads to pain without side-effects. Studies show that turmeric is a natural pain-killer.
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Maintain A Healthy Digestive system
Curcumin helps improve and balance your digestive system. It increases the flow of bile needed to break down dietary fat, which can relieve many gut and digestion problems.
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Prevent Diabetes and Hyperglyceamia
The antioxidant agents in turmeric help reduce insulin resistance and may help prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. If blood sugar levels are already within the normal range turmeric helps maintain them.
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Promote Heart Health
Turmeric supports healthy blood and your circulatory system. It reduces the risk of blood clots, and prevents buildup of plaque in the arteries, helping to reduce the risk of stroke and other blood clotting problems. It helps reduce bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol to maintain levels within the healthy range.
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Slow Alzheimers And Support Memory Function
Studies have shown that the curcumin in turmeric can slow the progress of Alzheimers, as well as the progression of acquired brain injury.
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Reduce the Symptoms of Asthma
Turmeric helps reduce the inflammation associated with asthma as well as reduce the symptoms. A teaspoon of turmeric added to warm milk before bed is a remedy for asthma you can try at home.
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Depression
In Traditional Chinese Medicine turmeric is a long-standing treatment for depression.
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Promote & Support the Immune System and Boost Immunity
Turmeric is an adaptagen that helps to support your body under stress and support the immune system.
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Protect Against Liver Disease
Turmeric is a strong liver detoxifier, helping to remove toxins from the body and supporting and encouraging healthy blood and liver functions.
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Help Promote Healthy Skin
While neutralising free radicals that cause skin aging, turmeric also nourishes and cleanses your skin and helps maintain its elasticity.
The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin can help heal cuts, wounds and other skin infections. Simply mix turmeric with water to form a paste and apply to the skin. It helps with restructuring the skin so may prevent scarring. Turmerict has been shown to help the symptoms of psoriasis when applied topically. It is a natural antiseptic and can also be used to treat burns.
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Promote Weight loss
Turmeric helps to metabolise fats and provides a boost for the metabolism.
By reducing the activity of the cells that contribute to many diseases including insulin resistance, turmeric helps reduce the incidence of obesity-related disease ans help contribute to weight loss.
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Slow Multiple Sclerosis
Turmeric slows the progression of Multiple Sclerosis
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Supports Overall Eye Health
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Promotes a healthy female reproductive system
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Assists your neurological system’s healthy response to stress
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Recently it was reported that curcumin has antimalarial properties.
RESEARCH INTO THE BENEFITS OF TURMERIC
There are many studies into the effects of turmeric on a range of different health problems. This study from the University of Texas suggests that turmeric may halt the ability of cancer cells to grow.
Other studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin are at least equal to those of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The big difference of course is that turmeric doesn’t have the side-effects of the drugs. Nor does it leave toxic residue in the body.
TURMERIC FOR ARTHRITIS
Turmeric shows an excellent ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body and thus positively affect many conditions. But perhaps the most significant impact of turmeric is in relieving symptoms of arthritic diseases, particularly Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is here it has the ability to make a significant difference.
A 2012 study comparing the efficacy of turmeric with the NSAID Voltaren showed curcumin to be more effective in relieving the symptoms of RA, including tenderness and joint swelling. The curcumin had no side effects, unlike the drug.
To gain the therapeutic effect for RA requires relatively high doses. Take it as capsules under the care of your Natural Health Practitioner to ensure you get sufficient turmeric to give you relief.
MAKE TURMERIC PART OF YOUR LIFE
Using unprocessed and organic powdered turmeric spice in your cooking is a simple and effective way to enhance and optimise your health. Even if you only have it sometimes you will benefit.
But it can be difficult to rely on turmeric in food for therapeutic use. You need to take a significant amount every day. When you add the spice to meals it’s important to remember just how much you actually end up ingesting. Adding a teaspoon of turmeric to a dish made for a whole family means you will not be eating very much in the end.
Some of the health benefits of turmeric are lost through the cooking process. If you are in reasonable health adding the spice to food occasionally is beneficial. But if you have a health problem you need a high quality supplement on a regular basis to get enough turmeric to gain the benefit.
Don’t expect too much from turmeric selected from the spice section of your supermarket as it’s processed. Using turmeric therapeutically requires a pure, high-quality product. Buying organic herbs for therapeutic use is a better option.
POWDERED TURMERIC
If you prefer taking powdered turmeric it’s better to take a measured dose than rely on turmeric in meals. Here are a few guidelines.
- Take one teaspoon twice a day (every day) with meals as a preventative for diabetes,
- Adding one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk before bed can help prevent inflammation. This is a good way to take turmeric as a treatment for asthma, colds or flu and general inflammation.
- For arthritis you need take a turmeric supplement in order to get a sufficient quantity to relieve the symptoms.
Taking turmeric in capsule form is an easy way to ensure you are taking enough to treat your health problem. To ascertain the amount you require consult with a qualified Natural Health practitioner.
Turmeric is useful to improve general wellness.
When cells are healthy the body is healthy, and turmeric supports and builds healthy body cells.
But the benefits of turmeric are most impressive when used for specific health issues.
Turmeric certainly impresses as a natural alternative anti-inflammatory.
Disclaimer.
All information and opinions presented here are for information purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional advice offered during a consultation. Please consult with your health care provider before following any of the treatment suggested on this site, particularly if you have an ongoing health issue.
Source articles
http://www.naturalnews.com/040981_curcumin_turmeric_cancer_prevention.html
http://www.undergroundhealth.com/health-benefits-of-turmeric/
http://www.medindia.net/alternativemedicine/turmeric-powder.asp
http://www.myhealthylivingcoach.com/top-7-amazing-health-benefits-of-turmeric
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/are-cancer-stem-cells-key-discovering-cure
