Turmeric: A Spice with Many Health Benefits

Turmeric is a hot, yellow spice often used in Indian curries and other dishes. It comes from a perennial bush grown in India and has been used there for over 2500 years . Besides its culinary uses, turmeric has many health benefits as well.

Health Benefits of Turmeric - My Experience

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, on his "Ask Dr. Oz" website, curcumin "...seems to activate PPARS (substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect." I experience minor aches and pains in my back and hips due to arthritis. Some days are worse than others. After mentioning this to my yoga instructor, she suggested that I try taking turmeric. She recommended buying capsules of turmeric, rather than using the spice, but stressed the importance of buying from a reliable company. It is important that the turmeric capsule contains 95% or more curcumin. The recommended daily dosage for an adult is 250-500MG. I bought a bottle and began taking turmeric daily and continued doing so for several months. When I knew I was going to be exercising strenuously, or working in the garden, I took ibuprofen as well as the turmeric. After a year, I noticed that my aches and pains were not as severe. I questioned whether this was due to the yoga I was doing, the weather, the ibuprofen or the turmeric. Whatever the reason, I wasn't about to change my routine. A couple of months ago I ran out of my turmeric and put off buying more. After noticing that my aches and pains were becoming more bothersome again, I bought more turmeric and noticed a lessening of the pain. I will continue to take the turmeric.

Studies To Determine Other Benefits of Turmeric

There are studies being conducted on other possible benefits of turmeric. Research seems to indicate that turmeric contains an anti-bacterial agent and can help speed up the healing of wounds and sores. Studies done on animals show that turmeric protected their livers from the harmful effects of toxins, including alcohol. Others studies have shown a possibility of turmeric as a cancer prevention. It appears that turmeric stops the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. Other research has indicated that turmeric can prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer Disease by removing plaque build up in the brain. More research is needed to prove the veracity of these studies; but turmeric could prove to be a miracle spice.

Safe Herb

Turmeric is considered a safe herb. However, there may be reasons for not consuming it. Taking high dosages for a prolonged period of time could cause stomach and gastro-intestinal disturbances. It is important to remember that it is a hot, spicy herb and should be used in small quantities even in cooking. There could be other health related reasons for not taking turmeric. In most cases, adding a pinch of turmeric to your recipes is probably more helpful than harmful.

Sources; http://ask.doctoroz.com/question/turmeric-fight-inflammation

http://ask.doctoroz.com/question/turmeric-fight-inflammation

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html