Certain foods get a tremendous amount of attention concerning their addition to the average diet. Occasionally, the attention is because of publicity campaigns and marketing. The foods might not be all that healthy or appealing, but a public relations campaign creates a positive image of the food. In other cases, marketing of a food is unnecessary. Its natural benefits are enough to generate positive attention and grab the interest of health professionals and average people concerned about improving their diets. An example of one of these power foods that needs no publicity is turmeric.

Turmeric is a common ingredient in South Asian recipes. It is the main ingredient in curry powder and is admired for both its taste and medicinal properties. The benefits are nothing new to people living in this region, but turmeric has recently gotten the attention of Western medicine. Why is turmeric considered so beneficial for improving health?

Turmeric is Anti-Inflammatory

Perhaps the most beneficial thing about turmeric is its ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation has been associated with a variety of diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Some research has shown that when used properly it is just as effective as many common anti-inflammatory medications, but it triggers no side effects. Turmerics anti-inflammatory qualities can ease the discomfort associated with all types of arthritis.

Turmeric Might Reduce Risk for Cancer

Turmeric is well known in the cancer research world. It contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant compound that has reduced the size of brain tumors in nine different studies. Turmeric has also shown potential for preventing breast cancer by altering cancer cells. There are current studies underway testing the way in which turmeric might affect pancreatic cancer cells.

Other research has shown that when turmeric is used in the preparation of cooked cauliflower, it might prevent prostate cancer and limit the growth of existing prostate cancer. There is also evidence that exposure to turmeric caused some types of skin cancer cells to kill themselves. Some studies have shown turmeric halts the growth of blood vessels in tumors. Finally, turmeric can be used indirectly in cancer treatment to ease the side effects and boost the effects of some chemotherapy drugs.

Turmeric is a Great Addition to Your First Aid Kit

Turmerics anti-inflammatory properties also speed healing and ease the pain associated with external wounds. It also features antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, so it can be used in the treatment of wounds. There is evidence it aids in the restructuring of skin, so it might prevent scarring after injuries. Turmeric powder can be mixed with water and applied to wounds as a paste.

What Else Can Turmeric Do?

As if the health benefits listed above were not enough, turmeric potentially provides a number of other benefits including:

Prevent the progression of Alzheimer s disease: It does this by removing the plaque build up in the brain that is believed to trigger Alzheimers.
Detoxify the liver: The build-up of toxins in the liver might cause a variety of mild and serious health conditions. Some health professionals believe detoxification is important for good health.
Aids in the metabolizing of fat: Many dieters need to use spices to enhance the flavor of healthy foods as they adjust to a new way of eating. Not only does turmeric add flavor, it might provide a boost for the metabolism.
Slow the progression of multiple sclerosis: Additional studies are needed, but the work done with mice so far has been promising.
Treat depression: Turmeric is a long-standing treatment for depression in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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Natures Way Turmeric, 120 Tablets