| I got a phone call the other day from a dear friend | | | | about the prevalence of mental disease such as |
| of thirty years who has been suffering with the | | | | Alzheimer's. A number of studies have been done |
| devastating effects of a virulent form of breast | | | | which show that several active ingredients in turmeric |
| cancer. She wanted to ask me about something she | | | | may affect your body's ability to ward off |
| had read in the breast cancer magazine that she | | | | Alzheimer's disease, including boosting your immune |
| receives. Amongst the ads and informational articles | | | | system, affecting gene coding and improving brain |
| about breast cancer treatment, was a | | | | chemistry. Interestingly, the incidence of this |
| recommendation that she include something called | | | | devastating condition is very low amongst the old |
| turmeric in her diet, and she wanted to know what it | | | | people of India, and it may be due, at least in part, |
| is and how she could most easily incorporate it into | | | | to their daily consumption of turmeric in the curried |
| her eating plan. I was so happy to oblige her with | | | | foods that are popular in Indian cuisine. |
| information, since I think it may really help! | | | | Helps your heart |
| Turmeric is that bright yellow spice that gives | | | | The curcumin found in turmeric has been shown to |
| mustard its distinctive yellow color and is used in | | | | help your body to eliminate bad cholesterol (LDL) as |
| Indian curries. It comes from the root of the | | | | well as helping to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. |
| Curcuma Longa plant and is sometimes called "Indian | | | | This protects your blood vessels from damage and |
| Saffron." It is native to India and Southeast Asia, | | | | helps to prevent the build up of plaque in your |
| although its warm, peppery flavor is popular around | | | | arteries. This is significant in reducing your risk of |
| the world. Although turmeric has been used for | | | | heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders. |
| thousands of years, recently it has been added to | | | | Even weight control! |
| the list of "super" foods for a variety of reasons: | | | | A recent study suggested that turmeric may even |
| Anti-inflammatory | | | | have a role to play in weight control! Apparently, the |
| Inflammation is your body's response to cellular injury | | | | curcumin found in turmeric helps to slow the |
| that, if prolonged, can lead to disease. The pigment in | | | | formation of body fat, even when a significant |
| turmeric, which is called "curcumin," has been shown | | | | amount of fat is consumed in the diet. Although, I am |
| to be an effective anti-inflammatory-and without the | | | | not recommending a new "Turmeric Weight Loss |
| side effects of many drugs that are sold for this | | | | Plan," including turmeric in your diet can only help, |
| purpose. According to a study done at the University | | | | especially when you consider all of its other benefits. |
| of Michigan, curcumin gets into the cells and makes | | | | What about vitamins and minerals? |
| them more orderly, allowing the cell membranes to | | | | Like many spices and herbs, turmeric is a good |
| have better control over substances that flow in and | | | | source of the mineral, manganese. It also has |
| out of the cell and thus providing a protective effect | | | | significant amounts of Iron, Potassium and Vitamin B6. |
| against malignancy and infection. This has implications | | | | How do I get turmeric into my diet? |
| in the prevention of cancer, arthritis and other | | | | Although enjoying some nice Indian curry may be |
| diseases. | | | | one way to get some turmeric into your diet, it is |
| Anti-oxidant | | | | certainly not the only way. In fact, curry powders |
| The curcumin in turmeric has anti-oxidant capabilities, | | | | often have less turmeric in them, than you might |
| which helps protect your body against the cell | | | | imagine. |
| damage caused by free radicals. The bright yellow | | | | Here are some ideas for incorporating turmeric into |
| color of turmeric is a clue to its anti-oxidant | | | | your diet: |
| properties, since the bright pigments in foods seem | | | | You can make tea from turmeric by simmering a |
| to have this protective power. | | | | teaspoon of the powder in about four cups of boiling |
| Aids liver in detoxification | | | | water for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea and |
| Your liver works hard 24/7 to rid your body of all of | | | | sweeten, if desired. (There are also commercial |
| the toxic substances that you inhale, ingest and | | | | turmeric teas available, if you prefer.) Some ginger |
| produce as your body functions. There is good | | | | root or a ginger tea bag may be added for additional |
| evidence that the curcumin found in turmeric may | | | | benefits and flavor. |
| help the liver to detoxify certain toxic chemicals. This | | | | Add turmeric to egg salad, deviled eggs and macaroni |
| is significant, especially as our air, water and food | | | | salads. Add turmeric to soups, chili, meatloaf, or |
| become more toxic. | | | | Sloppy Joes. Turmeric is a good seasoning for |
| Cancer prevention | | | | steamed cauliflower with a bit of oil and salt. Look for |
| Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and | | | | some Indonesian and Indian brown rice dishes that |
| detoxing properties, the curcumin found in turmeric | | | | include turmeric or curry powder. (If they call for |
| may help protect you against cancer. There is also | | | | curry powder, you can add some extra turmeric.) |
| evidence that curcumin helps the body to destroy | | | | My friend with breast cancer wondered if she could |
| cancer cells and thus may inhibit the growth of | | | | take turmeric as a supplement. Of course that is a |
| tumors. Studies have been done that demonstrate | | | | possibility, but with all the pills she is already taking, |
| that those who consume turmeric regularly have a | | | | why add more, when there are so many ways to |
| lower incidence of breast, prostate, colon and lung | | | | incorporate turmeric into her diet? I would also be |
| cancer. | | | | leery of taking a "curcumin" supplement, since the |
| Aid in preventing Alzheimer's Disease | | | | whole food may be necessary to get all of the |
| As our population ages, there is increasing concern | | | | wonderful benefits. |