Turmeric, and it’s main bioactive compound Curcumin, has some incredible health benefits. It’s use dates back thousands of years where it has been cultivated in India and Southeast Asia. As a matter of fact, India produces and consumes most of the world’s turmeric.
You certainly can’t miss it’s bright orange color. It is a polyphenolic plant pigment and has played an important role as a colorant, flavor enhancer, cosmetic, perfume, textile dye, and remedy from digestive problems to psoriasis.
Did you know that in India you could once buy Band-Aides saturated with turmeric to treat minor cuts and skin irritations? This leads me to talk about this spices amazing health benefits. This spice is an antioxidant that fights inflammation which is a major factor in a wide range of serious ailments. Hundreds of experiments conducted by researchers around the world have demonstrated that curcumin can stop certain types of cancers, improve cardiovascular health, improve cataracts, kill or inhibit microbes, fungi and parasites, and relieve the pain and swelling of arthritis.

The other advantage of lowering inflammation that has been noted in the research is the link between turmeric and a decreased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. In India, where Turmeric is used regularly (as curry powder), the rates of Alzheimer’s ranks lowest in the world.
The fact that turmeric has been used safely by millions of people for thousands of years indicates that the choice to supplement your diet with this herb should not be questioned.

For more information: Kiefer, D. Curcumin Update. Life Extension., February 2004; 83-89.
Redmond, C. Power Foods: Turmeric. Whole Living: Body and Soul. February 2008; Number 33, 43-46.

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