Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Root
Turmeric, a spice that has long been recognized for its medicinal properties for over 4,000 years, has received interest from both the medical/scientific world and from culinary enthusiasts for its medicinal properties. There are over 200 medicinal compounds in this medicinal spice and research has shown that it may help fight infection, cancer, inflammation, digestive problems and to preserve memory in people with Alzheimer’s Disease. Turmeric benefits health via one bio-active polyphenol called Curcumin.
From The National Institute on Health regarding Curcumin: “Curcumin is the most important active component in turmeric extracts. Curcumin, a natural monomer from plants has received a considerable attention as a dietary supplement, exhibiting evident activity in a wide range of human pathological conditions. In general, curcumin is beneficial to human health, demonstrating pharmacological activities of anti-inflammation and antioxidation, as well as antitumor and immune regulation activities. Curcumin also presents therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.”
The Health Benefits of Turmeric:
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• May help to prevent and treat Atherosclerosis due to its Curcumin content.
• Inhibits abnormal Blood Clotting by inhibiting Platelet Aggregation and lowering elevated Fibrinogen levels.
• Enhances production of Prostaglandin F1 Alpha, a powerful inhibitor of platelet aggregation as well as a potent vasodilator.
• Inhibits Platelet Aggregating Factor (PAF).
• Inhibits Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a hormone-like substances that is involved in the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, the control of blood pressure and modulation of inflammation.
• Inhibits the function of Thromboxane A2, a chemical secreted by Platelets that promotes Blood Clotting.
• Helps lower Fibrinogen levels.
CELLS
• Stimulates Apoptosis (cell death) in some types of Cancer Cells.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• Stimulates the flow of Bile due to its Curcumin and Tolymethylcarbinol content.
• May alleviate Cholecystitis.
• By helping to stimulate Bile production it may help to prevent Gallstones.
• Helps strengthen the Gastric Mucosa.
• May help to prevent and treat Gastric, Duodenal, and Peptic Ulcers.
• Helps alleviate Indigestion.
• May help to prevent and treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• May help to prevent the following Cancers:
▪ Colon
▪ Duodenal
▪ Leukemia
▪ Leukoplakia
▪ Oral
▪ Pancreatic
▪ Stomach
• Reduces Inflammation.
• Helps inhibit the pathogenic bacteria Helicobacter pylori which is implicated in the formation of Gastric Ulcers.
• May stimulate the production of Interleukin 4.
METABOLISM
• Possesses powerful Antioxidant properties neutralizing:
▪ Hydroxyl Free Radicals (due to Turmerin content)
▪ Peroxynitrite Free Radicals
▪ Superoxide Free Radicals (due to Turmerin content)
• May lower serum Cholesterol.
▪ Can help reduce liver damage caused by Aflatoxin.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• Inflammation associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis can be reduced by Turmeric due to its Tolymethylcarbinol content (a volatile oil).
• Inhibits Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inflammation promoting enzyme.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• May help to treat Alzheimer’s Disease to to its ability to counteract the toxic effects of Amyloid-Beta Protein.
• Due to its ability to inhibit Monoamine Oxidase Type A (MAO-A) in the brain it may be useful in treating Depression.
To see a complete list of Curcumin’s health benefits and for my personal supplement recommendations click the button below.
The Health Benefits of Curcumin
Turmeric has many amazing health benefits but unfortunately the active constituents can be difficult for the body to absorb. Thus, when using this medicinal spice always remember to take it with a fat containing meal. Another way to enhance the absorption of active constituents is by fermentation or to consume it in the form of Turmeric Milk. Below is a recipe for this healing beverage that actually tastes good! If you are not allergic make sure you add the Coconut Oil as this increases the solubility of the spice’s active constituents.
Recipe for Turmeric Milk
USAGE
The typical dosage of Turmeric is 500-2,000mg per day consumed with a fat containing meal, or, prepared and consumed as a milk as in the above recipe. Fermented Turmeric is “pre-digested” through the fermentation process and can provide for enhanced absorption. Quality and potency can vary so when choosing a preparation look for a deep rich yellow color. If you have a serious health condition and wish to ensure that you are receiving a metered dose of the primary active constituent, you may want to consider using a standardized Curcumin supplement.
Turmeric Supplements
CAUTIONS:
• Turmeric can increase the effectiveness of certain blood thinners. If you supplement with Turmeric, please check with your physician regarding this interaction as the dosage of your blood thinning medication may need to be reduced. DO NOT REDUCE YOUR MEDICATION without first checking with your doctor.
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