The Health Benefits of Turmeric

Many people are turning to natural sources for medicinal benefits. Various spices from around the world have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. An example of a spice that has been used for centuries is Turmeric. It is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia and has been used in Indian (Ayurvedic) and Chinese medicine. It has recently become popular in Western medicine as well.

There are many health benefits of using Turmeric as alternative medicine; the list below will educate you on some of its healing properties.

The Health Benefits of Turmeric

1. Reduces the risk and effects of Prostate Cancer– Turmeric is a natural healing agent and is often combined with cauliflower and served in a meal to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and also reduce some of the effects of this type of cancer.

2. Antiseptic and Anti-Inflammatory– Turmeric is known for its antibacterial properties. A person can feel some relief from sunburns, insect bites, as well as minor wounds when turmeric is rubbed on the wound. It can also be used to reduce inflammation in the joints.

3. Skin Condition Remedy– Some minor skin ailments can be relieved with the use of Turmeric. The effects of psoriasis can also be alleviated when turmeric is used accordingly.

4. Breast Cancer– Studies have shown that turmeric has eliminated breast cancer in mice. Although this has not been proven in humans, it is thought that turmeric destroys melanoma, and stops the disease from spreading within the body.

5. Liver Detoxifier– Turmeric is a powerful anti-oxidant. It aids in removing harmful chemicals from the liver and cleans it so that it can function at an optimal level.

6. Stops New Growth in Tumors– Those who are afflicted with tumors find relief from using turmeric as it eliminates new blood vessels from forming in the tumors, and therefore, eliminate cancer growths.

7. Aids in the Prevention of Alzheimer’s– Studies have shown that turmeric aids in the prevention of Alzheimer disease as it stops the build up of plaque in the brain. People with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from amyloidal plaque buildup.

Turmeric is a powdered spice that is added to food. It can also be purchased as a dietary supplement from a health food store. It is sold in a pill form, and can be taken in doses of 250-500 mg. Pregnant women and those who suffer from gallstones should avoid using Turmeric. The above list names a few health benefits from using Turmeric in a powdered or tablet form.

More Healthy Foods to Add to your Diet:

• The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
• The Health Benefits of Flax Seeds
• The Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
• 20 Frugal Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Resources:

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/662.html
• http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric

Alicia can be found on her blog Moms Don’t Say That where she share recipes, tips, and musings from her life.