Juicing For Health - Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Name
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Parts Used
Rhizomes.
Information
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to tropical South Asia.
Turmeric has many uses not only a great culinary spice, but has been used as a dye, in some cosmetic products, gardening, ceremonial uses and in chinese and indian medicine.
Turmeric's active substance is thought to be a polyphenol named curcumin.
Traditionally Turmeric has been used medicinally as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic for cuts, burns and bruises, gastrointestinal disorders, antioxident, protecting the liver against toxins, inhibiting platelet aggregation, aiding circulation, lower cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease, improving blood-vessel health, arthritis, cancer, poor bile flow, liver diseases, anti-biotic properties and alzheimer's disease.
Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory
- Atherosclerosis
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Bacterial & Viral Infections
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Digestive Aid
- Uveitis
Turmeric possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties, which is often why its recommended for disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, uveitis and other inflammatory disorders.
Turmeric may help prevent atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque that can block arteries and lead to heart attack or stroke) in one of two ways. First in animal studies an extract of turmeric lowered cholesterol levels and kept LDL or "bad" cholesterol from building up in blood vessels.
Secondly it stops platelets from clumping together, turmeric may also prevent blood clots from building up along the walls of arteries.
Turmeric is showing promise in the treatment and prevention of alzheimer and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Test tube and animal studies suggest turmeric may have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
A large amount of research is ongoing into the anti-cancer effects of turmeric. Studies suggests that curcumin may help prevent, inhibit the spread, or kill several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon.
Curcumin's effects may be due to its ability to stop the blood vessels that supply cancerous tumors from growing, and its preventive effects may come from its strength as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
Turmeric may be useful for those with diabetes, animal testing showed that their blood sugar levels dropped, as did their blood cholesterol levels.
Curcumin stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which helps to improve digestion. Studies have shown turmeric reduced symptoms of bloating and gas in people suffering from indigestion.
Studies suggests curcumin may help treat uveitis which is an inflammation of the eye. In one study of 32 people with uveitis, curcumin appeared to be as effective as corticosteroids.
Side Effects/Precautions
Turmeric is considered a safe herb, however prolonged high doses can cause stomach upset and gastrointestinal disturbances.
People with painful gallstones, obstructive jaundice, acute bilious colic, pregnant or extremely toxic liver disorders should avoid turmeric.
Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding or potentiate the effects of warfarin therapy.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
- Turmeric Powder
- Doctors Best Curcumin C3 Complex - with BioPerine - 120 x 500mg Capsules
- HealthSpark Turmeric (Tumipure) 500mg 60 Capsules
- HealthAid Turmeric 350mg - 60 Tablets
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