Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric belongs to the family of plants that includes ginger. It comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which may grow to heights of 5 to 6 feet. Turmeric is an attractive plant that has a tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh, with a large yellow and white flower spike surrounded by long leaves. While the majority of turmeric is cultivated in India, it is also grown and harvested in other regions of the world.

Turmeric has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. While it is occasionally shredded and used fresh, turmeric is generally dried and powdered for use. It is oftentimes referred to as "Indian saffron" because of its deep yellow-orange color.

Turmeric is one of the key ingredients in many Indian curries. Curcumin is the part of turmeric that gives curry food its golden color. Curcumin provides turmeric with curcuminoids, which are believed to have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.

In numerous studies, curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to the potent anti-inflammatory drugs; both prescription and over-the-counter. Recent research suggests that curcumin may provide an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. In another study, curcumin was given to a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants reported improvements in shortened duration of morning stiffness, lengthened walking time, and reduced joint swelling.

The healing benefits of turmeric have been known for centuries. Turmeric has always been a vital part of Chinese herbal medicine and the Ayurvedic medicine of India. These systems of medicine consider turmeric to be a powerful medicine due to its anti-inflammatory properties. They use it to treat a wide variety of conditions including flatulence, jaundice, menstrual problems, toothache, bruises, hemorrhage, chest pain and colic. In Chinese medicine, turmeric is a common ingredient used as a stomach tonic and blood purifier.

Turmeric is currently being studied for its ability to block cancerous tumors. In laboratory studies at the University of Texas, preliminary research found turmeric to be useful in preventing and blocking the growth of certain cancer cells including melanoma, breast and colon. Now, new research conducted at the University of Texas suggests that even when breast cancer is already present, curcumin can help slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs in mice. Additionally, research presented at a conference on childhood leukemia, held in London, provided evidence that eating foods spiced with turmeric could reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia.

Turmeric extract has been reported to offer multiple health benefits including healthy skin, liver and gallbladder support and possible joint pain relief due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Turmeric is on the FDA's generally recognized as safe (GRAS) list and is considered a safe health food when recommended doses are not exceeded. As with any supplement, always read and follow label directions. However, healthcare practitioners advise that turmeric extract be avoided by anyone with gallstones except under doctor supervision, and it should not be taken women who are pregnant. Became turmeric has blood-thinning effects; it should not be used by people taking anticoagulants.