Most people know turmeric as something that they flavor their meals with. But more careful turmeric studies indicate that it may be one of the most health beneficial supplements we can take. In this article, you’ll learn what this herb is and what its health benefits are.
This yellow-orange herb comes from the Cucurma longa plant and has multiple uses in the eastern world from skin care, ceremonies, cosmetic use, and medicinal treatments. What gives this herb its amazing healings properties is the compound inside called curcumin. This powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory is the sole reason why scientists are impressed with turmeric.
There are numerous studies on turmeric that have been done. Let’s talk about some of the more popular studies that have been done.
Turmeric for cancer prevention – The studies into its abilities in fending off cancer is the most exciting. When researchers set up a test and fed mice with cancer with an extract of the herb, the results were astonishing. Compared to the mice that didn’t take the extract, they found that the mice who consumed it on a regular basis had their cancer stay localized while the cancer in other mice spread throughout the body. Curcumin seems to inhibit the spreading as well as cut off blood flow to cancer cells without harming healthy cells. To further validate this, they mixed curcumin with cancer cells in a test tube and found the same cancer fighting properties.
Turmeric for Diabetes – This herb has also been used to study its effects against diabetes. They gave patients with type II diabetes curcumin to use on a daily basis. Over a course of 1-2 months, these patients have lowered their blood sugar levels more than another group which did not take curcumin. Because curcumin stimulates insulin production, the blood sugar levels remained low.
Heart Disease – Curcumin was also given to mice with heart inflammation and a risk of dying from heart attack. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory combination of curcumin helped the hearts of the mice return to normal size and even start healing.
Skin Care – In parts of Asia and India, turmeric is used to help treat cuts, bruises, and wounds. It seems its ability to fight inflammation and infection why this herb was used for centuries in these parts of the world. As a result, it was eventually used to help blemishes and acne with great results. Patients who use turmeric as a paste and applied it to their trouble areas seemed to get the same kinds of results as acne medication. It seems this herb can be a natural alternative to expensive chemical applications that can be just as effective.
While turmeric studies are still in its infancy phase when it comes to studies on its medicinal value, the existing studies suggest that the health benefits of Turmeric could be extremely valuable to human health. For that reason, both natural medicine advocates and conventional medicine recommend taking it as a regular supplement.
