How Turmeric Could Save Your Life

Besides imbuing meals with a warm and vibrant orange colour, turmeric has a host of healing properties. It has been used as a healing agent in India for over five thousand years. So how is it that curcumin - the active ingredient in this magic powder, could potentially save your life? Here's how.



Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant . Research has shown that it may have powerful healing actions against many chronic and debilitating diseases, in some cases outshining the effects of pharmaceuticals, and without the nasty side effects.

Digestive aid
Turmeric can stimulate and strengthen digestion, and alleviate symptoms associated with indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as bloating and gas. Ayurvedic medicine often uses the following home remedy for IBS: add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of water, soak overnight and drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Turmeric is also rumoured to stimulate the gallbladder and bile production, assisting with weight loss and lowering cholesterol levels.

Cancer treatment and prevention
Early studies have shown turmeric to have strong anti-cancer properties, possibly due to it's powerful antioxidant action. It may help prevent and treat several types of cancer.

Alzheimers protection
Extensive research has been done into the effects of turmeric on Alzheimers disease and the results indicate it may prevent the development of beta-amyloid, the substance responsible for plaques that gradually impair brain function.



Fights arthritis
As a multi-faceted anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric has been reported to reduce the pain and debilitation associated with arthritic conditions.

Heart health
Turmeric can protect against heart disease by preventing the build up of plaque in arteries that can cause blockages leading to stroke and heart attacks. Turmeric may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body, both of which can be risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Turmeric is also useful for treating wounds, skin damage, colds and flus, diabetes, problems, depression, and aids liver detoxification.

So get some turmeric into your life, it's not difficult; add a teaspoon full to your soups, curries, casseroles, sauces and marinades. The beauty of turmeric's antioxidants is that they're reportedly not damaged by heat so are great to cook with. Or try adding even a quarter teaspoon to your herbal teas or lemon water. For turmeric supplements, or anything stronger than one gram a day, consult a health professional, and avoid high doses if pregnant, trying to conceive, or suffer blood clotting disorders.

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