You may be surprised to learn that a simple spice often found in yellow curry could be the next super supplement capable of helping a number of common ailments. Turmeric root contains a couple of powerful compounds that are used to treat conditions from inflammation and arthritis to cancer and Alzheimer’s.
The people of India must know a thing or two, they’ve been using turmeric as a spice and for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.
Fights Cancer
Earlier studies have suggested that curcumin (the most active constituent of turmeric) is capable of destroying certain types of cancer cells (those present in the esophagus otherwise known as the foodpipe). Ever increasing rates of oesophageal cancer now make it one of the most prevalent cancers around.
It has shown to be effective at reducing the growth of new blood vessels to the cancer cells in the laboratory.
Boosts Brain regeneration
The latest research focused on the role of aromatic-turmerone and it’s ability to help activate the part of the brain that encourages nerve growth. Laboratory tests were performed recently on rats who had been injected with aromatic-turmerone. When their brain activity as scanned it was found that particular parts of the brain that relate to the growth of nerve cells became more active.
In another trail it was found that neural stem cell growth was accelerated through progressively higher concentrations of aromatic-turmerones.
It is hoped that in the future the basis of these trials may help towards benefiting Alzheimer’s sufferers.
It should be noted that most of the studies carried out so far use a more concentrated version of curcumin and aromatic-turmerone than you’re likely to get from just eating turmeric in its regular form.
Even with more concentrated version absorption into the body is limited unless it is taken with piperine (which is a form of black pepper).
Anti-inflammatory Monster
Curcumin also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can even match those of some pharmaceutical grade drugs but without having dangerous side effects.
Fighting inflammation on a molecular level this the reason that curcumin is so effective. With many long term health issues such as heart disease and cancer being linked to low level inflammation it’s clear to see why this use for curcumin is so interesting to researchers.
A Powerful Anti-oxidant
If that wasn’t enough this simple spice is also said to be a powerful antioxidant. This is important because anti-oxidants protect our bodies from free radicals which are capable of damaging cells.
Many diseases are linked to free-radical damage including cancer, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to name a few. It has also been suggested that free radicals are the underlying cause body’s aging process.
Treating Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints resulting in swelling and joint pain. The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin help alleviate many of the associated symptoms and is also effective for the more devastating rheumatoid arthritis.
why not try a turmeric smoothie that’s full of curcumin goodness
Defeating Dementia
Being the top neuro-degenerative disease in the world, Alzheimer’s often leads on to dementia in later stages so anything that helps to combat Alzheimer’s should go a long way towards preventing dementia.
It’s already known that curcumin helps combat free radicals and inflammation but because it can cross the blood-brain barrier it has also been shown to breakdown proteins plaques which are another cause of the disease.
Organic curcumin extract is available online
Organic Curcumin is readily available online from stores such as Amazon. You are best to go with an organic version that doesn’t contain binders or fillers so that you get the full potency of the curcumin.
Also check on the concentration of the extract that you’re buying. Make sure you purchase one that contains at least 70% extract (Note: 95% is the highest concentrate available).
For extra absorption choose a version that has contains contains piperine (sometimes called by a trademarked name such as Bioperine®)