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Curcuma
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae (or ginger) family. Curcuma is native to South India and grows well in hot and humid climates. It is the rhizomes, or root system, of the plant that is most often used.
Turmeric reaches a height of around 3 feet. Its roots are yellowish-orange in color, and have been used in Asia for thousands of years as both food and medicine. Turmeric is often used in curries in Asian cuisine. And it’s added to mustard, which is why mustard is yellow.
Where turmeric is grown locally, the roots are often used fresh like ginger root. The leaves are also sometimes used to wrap and cook food in. Besides Asia, turmeric is popular in the Middle East, and South Africa, where it is often added to white rice giving it a nice golden color.
The main active ingredient in turmeric, and that which is responsible for its bright yellow color, is called curcumin. Curcumin, along with several other active compounds, is responsible for turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Curcuma Benefits
There have been thousands of studies done on the effects of Turmeric, specifically the Curcuma longa variety. However, many of its benefits stem from one powerful ability. And that is its ability to reduce inflammation.
Chronic inflammation exists when the body initiates an immune response even when there’s no threat, which causes an excess of inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases, including the 80 or so autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and cancer.
One problem with chronic inflammation is that it can exist in the body for years undetected. Until suddenly your body is in a serious state of disease. And if you think anti-inflammatory drugs solve the problem, they don’t. They merely mask it. And they cause other problems (side effects, they call them) requiring more prescription drugs.
One 2014 study on the effect of curcuminoids in turmeric on systemic inflammation found significant improvements across the board.[46] Eighty subjects were given self-assessments on their quality of life, as well as several tests which examined inflammation levels in the body. The result was a “significantly greater improvement in quality of life scores compared with the placebo group.” As well as significant improvements on test scores measuring inflammation.
The curcumin and essential oils in turmeric have demonstrated some pretty powerful anti-inflammatory protection. And without the risk of side effects. Check out this video, as Dr. Weil will tell you about two powerful anti-inflammatories. One is turmeric and the other is … guess you have to watch the video.
Turmeric benefits also include …
- Improved lung health
- Alzheimer’s protection
- Improved liver function
- Cardiovascular protection
- Cancer prevention
- Rheumatoid arthritis relief
- Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease
- Cystic fibrosis treatment
- Treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases
Cancer is perhaps the most studied disease on the planet. Combine that with one of the most studied herbs on the planet (curcuma or turmeric) and you’ve got a wealth of clinical trials providing some pretty persuasive data.
This 2014 study looked at curcumin’s ability to prevent invasion and metastasis of liver cancer.[47] Tests showed that cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness were “eliminated by curcumin.” Not reduced. Eliminated!
Another study on the potential of curcumin for cancer prevention showed that this special herb proved very effective in the management of cancers.[48] All cancers! Apparently, there is something special about turmeric that allows it to modulate molecular pathways in the body. This quote by Dr. Joseph Mercola may help shed more light on that.
Once it gets into a cell, it affects more than 100 different molecular pathways. And, as explained by Dr. LaValley, whether the curcumin molecule causes an increase in activity of a particular molecular target, or decrease/inhibition of activity, studies repeatedly show that the end result is a potent anti-cancer activity.
Dr. Mercola goes on to say “curcumin is unique in that it appears to be universally useful for just about every type of cancer.”
The antioxidants in turmeric have shown the ability to specifically protect colon cells. Cell turnover in the colon is rapid and occurs about every three days, which can result in cancerous cells multiplying very quickly. These antioxidants inhibit synthesis of a protein that is instrumental in tumor formation, providing one more way that turmeric helps prevent cancer.
Studies have shown that the active ingredients in turmeric can help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. This oxidation is responsible for damaging blood vessels, and causing plaque build-up, both of which contribute to greater risks of heart disease and stroke.
Turmeric also has high amounts of B6 which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease due to its effect on lowering homocysteine levels. High levels of this amino acid also causes blood vessel damage and artherosclerotic plaque build-up. And finally, turmeric lowers LDL cholesterol by increasing the production of messenger proteins that help create LDL receptors. These receptors allow the liver to rid the body of more LDL cholesterol. All of which greatly benefit cardiovascular health.
For any of you interested in improving your complexion, turmeric can also help with that. In this video, Promise Phan will show you how to make a turmeric face mask for more radiant and youthful-looking skin. Just remember, what you put into your body will always be more beneficial, even for your skin, than what you put on your body.
Curcuma Uses
You probably wouldn’t think you could find a number of ways to incorporate curcuma into your diet. But you’d be wrong. It can easily be added to rice dishes, potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and one of my favorite ways, soups and stews. You won’t notice much difference in flavor. And if making homemade chicken soup, it gives the broth a nice yellowy hue.
Dr. Weil, in the video link above, even talks about using turmeric in soups and stews, and how little you’ll notice a flavor difference. You could always make curry, and who doesn’t love a good curry. Or you could simply do as I do: mix one heaping tablespoon into a glass of water and drink it down. It really has little flavor. And the benefits are tremendous. But as always, start out small, and see how your body reacts.
Check out this Pinterest page on turmeric recipes, where you’ll find everything from curcuma egg salad to turmeric milk (hmmm)! You could always try to encapsulate organic turmeric yourself, but you’ll likely realize what a bad idea that is after you stain your fingers, your clothes, and your kitchen counter.
I’d recommend adding curcuma to a lot of different dishes in small amounts until you feel comfortable adding more. But if you really want to maximize the benefits, go with my simple solution of mixing it into water, as heating it will likely diminish the value of its nutrients.
And as this is a totally natural food, you can increase the dosage when needed. I will sometimes take several tablespoons spread throughout the day if feel sick, or experience some pain in my muscles and joints. I’m always surprised by how fast it works. And it’s also one of the cheapest superfoods you will find.
You can probably find organic turmeric in the spice aisle of your local supermarket. However, that amount won’t last long. Which is why I buy organic turmeric in bulk through Starwest Botanicals. One pound for $13.08 is ridiculously low for such a powerful superfood.