In India, the rates of heart disease, Alzheimers disease and
cancer are much lower than the United States. It is thought that diet
accounts for the differences. One particular yellow spice used in India
is gaining a lot of attention from medical researchers.
Turmeric
(curcumin) is the Asian spice that turns curry yellow. It is also added
to yellow mustard to make it, well yellow. The turmeric plant is a
relative of ginger and its medicinal qualities have been known for
years. The German Commission E, an authoritative guide to herbal
medicines, lists turmeric as effective for stomach (dyspeptic)
conditions. Its actions which include increased bile flow and
anti-inflammatory actions are well documented in experiments.
Turmeric
prevents cystic fibrosis and Alzheimers disease in mice but some of the
most impressive data involves cancer. Research at the University of
Alabama demonstrated decreased production of the MDM2 cancer protein
which then caused prostate cancer cells to die. More studies have
demonstrated an impressive array of inhibitory effects on cancer cells
at all three phases of carcinogenesis; induction, growth and metastasis
(eCAM 2007;4:181). Not only can it prevent cancer formation but it also
has activity to decrease cancer cell growth and prevent spread of
cancer cells. The data are so impressive there are 7 clinical trials in
humans studying the effect of turmeric on cystic fibrosis, chronic
psoriasis, colon cancer and pancreatic cancer according to the National
Institutes of Health.
So add a little exotic turmeric spice to your life and help prevent disease. Good health never tasted so good.
