Turmeric

Turmeric is considered a blood purifier and an effective remedy for inflammatory conditions.

It contains phenolic compounds called curcuminoids that have antioxidant properties (4). Curcumin, a natural compound (polyphenol) found in turmeric, is responsible for the vivid yellow color as well as numerous health benefits 

Turmeric and it’s compounds have been found to have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal and antioxidant  properties (1).

Turmeric also contains nutrients such as calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. 

Effective remedy for inflammatory conditions such as:

  • arthritis
    • turmeric “can relive chronic pain, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis” (6)
    • “inhibits many inflammatory compounds,, including COX-2, without the side effects associated with NSAID pain relievers.” (6)
  • alzheimer
    • “halts the destruction of neurons associated with the development of Alzheimer’s” (5)
    • “Scientists have discovered that curcumin (…) stops the accumulation of plaque in the brain. Destructive protein fragments known as beta amyloid plaques build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. leading to memory loss.” (7)
  • skin conditions including psoriasis
  • digestive disorders (indigestion, stomach ulcers)
  • liver disorders
  • inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • post-operative inflammation
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Powerful antioxidant:

  • curcumin is a potent antioxidant
  • can neutralize free radicals (2)
  • “is able to promote its antioxidant activity” by blocking free radicals (1)
  • enhances glutathione which is a powerful detoxifier of the liver
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Blood purifier:

  • has been shown to reduce harmful cholesterol levels in the blood
  • has been shown to reduce the development of hardened and blocked arteries 
  • thins the blood and improves circulation (6)
  •  

Anti-cancer effects:

  • curcumin stops development and progression of cancer
  • curcumin “can inhibit colon cancer cells by 96 percent in a matter of hours. It appears to have great potential in countering the effects of prostate and breast cancer.” (3).
  • “In a sense, curcumin can be thought of as a natural chemotherapy, with the ability to selectively kill cancer cells while at the same time leaving normal cells alone.” (3)
  • “Curcuminoids can inhibit the formation of many different types of cancers in animals exposed to known carcinogens.” (4)
  • “promotes detoxification of the liver, cleansing it of cancer-causing substances, including xenoestrogens” (5)
  • “inhibits tumor growth directly – stops abnormal cell growth” (5)

Sources:

  1. Turmeric and Its Major Compound Curcumin on Health: Bioactive Effects and Safety Profiles for Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnological and Medicinal Applications.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522354/
  2. Antioxidant Potential of Curcumin-A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33172016/
  3. “Lessons from The Miracle Doctors” by Jon Barron. (2008): 166
  4. “The Antioxidant Miracle” by Lester Packer, Ph.D. and Carol Colman
  5. “A Smart Women’s Guide to Hormones” by Lorna R. Vandererhaeghe, M.S. with Alvin Pettle, MD
  6. “Body Into Balance” by Maria Noel Groves
  7. “National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs” by Rebecca L. Johnson & Steven Foster, Tieraona Low Dog, MD & David Kiefer, MD