A Teaspoon of Turmeric a Day…
Why we love turmeric (and you should, too!)
By Siarra T. Mong
Turmeric is a culinary spice that has been used for 4,000 years by many cultures. It’s the main ingredient in Indian curries, American mustard, cheese, and butter that give these staples their yellow hue. The evidence is accumulating that this brightly colored relative of ginger may help fight infections, help in the fight against some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems.
Research suggests that turmeric may be helpful for the following conditions:
Indigestion or Dyspepsia
Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which some people think may help improve digestion. Additionally, it helps to reduce symptoms of bloating, and gas in people suffering from indigestion.
Ulcerative colitis
Osteoarthritis
Heart Disease
Early studies suggested that turmeric may help prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque that can block arteries and lead to heart attack or stroke. The animal studies seem promising in reducing cholesterol levels, and keeping LDL (bad) cholesterol from building up in blood vessels. Since it stops platelets from clumping together, turmeric may also prevent blood clots from building up along the walls of arteries.
Cancer
There is evidence that turmeric may help prevent or treat several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon cancer. Turmeric’s preventive effects may relate to its antioxidant properties, which protect cells from damage.
Bacterial and Viral Infections
There is strong evidence from animal, and test tube studies that turmeric may kill bacteria, and viruses.
Uveitis
Preliminary research suggests that curcumin may be as effective as corticosteroids, the type of medication usually prescribed to treat uveitis, and eye inflammation.
Neurodegenerative Conditions
How can I get more turmeric into my diet to benefit my health?
- Cut root: 1.5 to 3 g per day
- Dried, powdered root: 1 to 3 g per day
- Standardized powder (curcumin): 400 to 600 mg, 3 times per day
- Fluid extract (1:1) 30 to 90 drops a day
- Tincture (1:2): 15 to 30 drops, 4 times per day