Spices that Are Good for Your Health: Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that is used mainly for cooking but recent studies have shown that this spice that is used a lot in curries may actually help cure cancer. Curcumin, the component in turmeric that gives the spice it yellow colour, has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and is also an antioxidant. Here are the main health conditions that turmeric can help with.

Turmeric health benefit no. 1: turmeric could help cure cancer.
The curcumin contained in turmeric has been found to kill cancerous cells. The research that has been carried out in Ireland is still new and was tested on esophageal cancer cells only but it could provide the starting point and hope for all cancer sufferers around the globe.

Turmeric health benefit no. 2: turmeric relieves arthritis pain.
The same curcumin, found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used internally or externally to relieve pain associated with arthritis.

Turmeric health benefit no. 3: turmeric is thought to be beneficial to asthma sufferers.
It is thought that turmeric may help relieve asthma but more research needs to be carried out in order to prove this. In the meantime, asthma sufferers should keep taking prescribed medication.

Turmeric health benefit no. 4: turmeric can be used to relieve sprains and muscle injuries.
Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties can also help relieve joint structures in sufferers of bursitis and tendonitis. This effective anti-inflammatory makes it a good natural remedy for people at risk of sporting injuries as well.

Turmeric health benefit no. 5: turmeric can help prevent cataract.
The only way to cure cataract is by using surgery but in order to prevent this eye condition that can eventually lead to blindness, turmeric taken regularly contains vitamins A, C and D and therefore is a good way to protect your eyes' health.

Turmeric health benefit no. 6: turmeric can be used in the prevention of glaucoma.
People at risk from glaucoma are advised to take vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants found in turmeric therefore once again, turmeric is one of the foods that can help prevent glaucoma.

Turmeric health benefit no. 7: turmeric helps relieve gout pain.
The acute pain in the joints and stiffness that are associated with gout can be relieved by the anti-inflammatory properties of the curcumin found in turmeric.

Turmeric health benefit no. 8: turmeric can help prevent liver disease.
Turmeric is an antioxidant, which is why it can help prevent liver disease that is caused by the presence of too many toxins in the body. An unhealthy liver can cause headaches, hormonal imbalances, bloating, fatigue, constipation, long-term skin conditions as well as premenstrual tension so turmeric is an excellent ally to have on your spice rack.

Turmeric health benefit no. 9: turmeric can help lower cholesterol.
Turmeric is not recommended for people who are already suffering from gallstones but is a good way to ensure prevention as turmeric helps the bile to dissolve cholesterol and calcium, thus acting as a natural agent to avoid getting gallstones.

Turmeric health benefit no. 10: turmeric relieves toothaches.
If you are hit with a toothache but unable to get to a dentist straightaway, it is a good idea to apply a paste made with one spoonful of turmeric and a little water to the sore tooth until you are able to get to a dentist's surgery. Not only the inflammatory properties of turmeric relieve pain, but turmeric is also a good anti-bacterial that can stop the toothache spreading to the rest of your mouth.

Turmeric can be taken either in food or applied topically; it is usually used in spicy dishes such as curries but it can also be found in health stores in the form or capsules as well as tinctures. Although turmeric is widely available without prescription, caution needs to be exercised and consuming too much of it could also backfire; it can improve your health but only if you follow some guidelines: for example people who are already suffering from gallstones, obstruction of the bile ducts, stomach ulcers, gastritis as well as pregnant women should avoid consuming turmeric as its main side effect is that it can damage the lining of the stomach. If you are interested in using turmeric for its medicinal properties, it is important to talk to your family doctor or a herbalist beforehand.

Main source used: "The Herbal Drugstore" by Linda B. White and Steven Foster.