Is Turmeric a Health Star?

Today, turmeric is seen in everything from teas to supplements. It has also been claimed that turmeric is a miracle spice capable of fighting cancer, inflammation and for detoxifying of the body.

Turmeric has been a huge part of Indian cuisine for thousands of years and folk medicine has used it for centuries to treat indigestion, inflammation, treat wounds and also for arthritis. This is because many see turmeric for its various health-promoting abilities. Studies have shown that turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. The credit to all these properties goes to its compound known as curcumin. It is also observed to lower down the unhealthy cholesterol levels and increase the healthy HDL levels.

In case of cancer, the compound curcumin is responsible for activating the pathways that cause the cancer cells to die. It is also responsible for blocking out numerous pathways that make the cancer cells to multiply, divide and grow more and more. Turmeric is of great interest to researchers because it specifically targets the cancer cells while leaving out the healthy cells in the body.

For the treatment of inflammation, studies show that curcumin is capable of changing the body’s immune system response and can also block enzymes that are the cause of inflammation because of arthritis, relieving arthritis pain.

With numerous applications and effectiveness of turmeric, researchers are investigating the benefits of turmeric to find out more on its success in treating conditions such as Arthritis, Skin Conditions, Infections, Diabetes, Depression, Bowel Disease, and Cancer.

Turmeric is Not the Only Solution

One reason why the doctors don’t openly prescribe turmeric for various diseases is that although it heals the body, it is not easily digested by the gut. For this reason, it is important to take turmeric in a specific amount and along with another spice like black pepper. Black pepper contains a component called piperine that prevents the gut from breaking down and also promotes absorption.

Is it Safe to Consume Turmeric?

Turmeric is considered safe to be consumed whether it is applied externally to the skin or ingested, however it can also have its side effects. People who take turmeric in high amount also get diarrhea or nausea. Another possible problem can be the contractions of the gallbladder, this can be dangerous for people who have gallbladder stones and diseases. If taken with other medicines turmeric can also interact with them and cause a reaction so it is always best to discuss with your doctor before taking turmeric.