Turmeric: it fights against oxidative damage
As we know today, oxidative damage is responsible for many diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Turmeric would therefore have its role to play in prevention. American teams have shown that in animals, curcumin (one of the active ingredients of the spice) blocks the accumulation of amyloid proteins which are responsible for the cognitive deficits of Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric: its origins
Originally from South-East Asia, this orange-fleshed ginger is highly prized in Hindu religious rites, and by Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Its pigments were used as dye for the dresses of the bonzes and gave its yellow color to the curry, of which it is the main ingredient (up to 25%). Among the 50 species, it is Curcuma longa that is used for medicinal use. It is used for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, and many studies are in progress to clarify its action on cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, AIDS. While waiting for these results, nothing prevents you from adding turmeric to your plate. Note that to be well absorbed by the body, it must be diluted in oil, or combined with pepper (piperine) or pineapple (bromelain).
Turmeric: it prevents cancer
In vitro studies have shown that turmeric is likely to act at three levels: it would decrease the mutagenic effect of certain substances (such as those present in tobacco), facilitate the premature death of degenerating cells and have an anti- angiogenic by preventing vascularization of the tumor. In China, it is officially recommended for people at risk of esophageal cancer.
Turmeric: it improves digestion
By stimulating the liver and promoting the excretion of bile. It is, moreover, the main component of Hépatoum®, precious after overeating. By regulating hyperacidity, it thus prevents the walls of the stomach against heartburn. Its presence in curry is therefore not trivial, it counterbalances the acidity to which “hot” spices can lead. Finally, it interacts with the enzymes in the liver which are responsible for detoxification. It thus facilitates the elimination of certain toxins, such as arsenic or those associated with taking medication. If you are having heavy treatment, talk to your doctor.
Turmeric: it calms inflammation
Ayurvedic medicine uses it to treat arthritis, rheumatism, eye inflammation. Research has made it possible to decipher its mode of action: “It does not prevent inflammation, but modulates it, summarizes Franck Dubus, it“ extinguishes the fire. ”In fact, it inhibits the enzymes, which participate in the synthesis inflammatory substances Promising clinical studies have been conducted in ulcerative colitis.
Turmeric: in what form to buy it?
In powder, most of the time. Even if some market gardeners sell it fresh. Preferably choose it organic.
In the form of essential oil. That of Curcuma longa is used for digestive disorders, to calm inflammation and the pain of rheumatism.
Warning: check that the essential oil is not Curcuma xanthorrhiza or Curcuma zeodaria (the latter being toxic to the nervous system).
For skin use, don’t forget to mix it with vegetable oil.
In food supplements. The latter almost always couple turmeric with piperine or bromelain.
Turmeric: how to use it?
The standard intake is 1.5 g of powder per day or half a teaspoon (with a pinch of pepper).
A book.
Update on the health benefits of this spice, and ideas for using it on a daily basis.
“Turmeric, virtues and benefits”, Yves Requena, Véronique Lemaire and Charles Vitello, eds. Guy Trédaniel, € 12.90.
You knew it ?
In India, its anticancer virtues are recognized
Countries that consume turmeric (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, etc.) have a lower prevalence of colon, breast, prostate and lung cancer, despite pollution levels, much higher than in our countries.
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