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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Your Daily Dose of Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions. It is widely used in cooking and gives Indian curry its flavor and yellow color.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies suggest that turmeric may be helpful for the following conditions:

Indigestion - controlled studies found that turmeric reduced symptoms of bloating and gas.

Heart Disease - early studies suggested that turmeric may help prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque that can block arteries and lead to heart attack or stroke.

Cancer - there has been a lot of research on turmeric's anti-cancer properties, but results are still very early. Evidence suggests that curcumin, the active substance in turmeric, may help prevent or treat several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon cancer. Its preventive effects may be because it is a strong antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. 

Turmeric and curcumin can be consumed as supplements and are considered safe when taken at the recommended doses. However, please consult your health care provider if you're currently taking medication or have any of the medical conditions mentioned in the source link below.

Note: Because bromelain increases the absorption and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, it is often combined with turmeric products. 

Source: Turmeric | University of Maryland Medical Center