Ancient Remedy for Modern Needs
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used in India and Asia for
4,000 years, not only as a delicious culinary herb, but as a medicinal herb, as
well. However, it is only in the last twenty years, or so, with the race to
find foods and medicines that lower cholesterol, that science has begun to
affirm what the ancients have known for millennia: turmeric not only lowers
cholesterol, protects against heart attack and stroke, and certain cancers, but
it is a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and protector
of the liver, stomach and digestive system. It is profoundly useful for many
health problems, but its incredible ability to reduce inflammation in the body
has a great impact on one’s overall health, in general, because it effects many
body systems. In fact, its anti-inflammatory action has been found to be more
effective than hydrocortisone, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such
as ibuprofen, and without any adverse side effects. In recent years, scientists
have begun to recognize that the mechanism for inflammation, the body’s natural
mode of self-protection during illness or injury, can, due to poor diet and
lifestyle, go awry, causing chronic inflammation in the body. Recent research
has found that this “acute inflammation” is the basis for many age-related
diseases, such as, some forms of cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s,
cardiovascular disease, premature aging and diabetes.
A growing body of research has shown that free radicals (an
especially reactive atom, or group of atoms, that have at least one unpaired
electron) can cause oxidative stress (destruction to our cells, proteins and
DNA). Antioxidants stabilize free radicals, thereby rendering them harmless,
and turmeric is highly antioxidant. This becomes important information when we
realize that recent research has shown that the primary factors in Alzheimer’s
pathology are believed to be caused by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and
beta-amyloid (the substance which
causes plaque build-up in the brain, and over time, obstructs cerebral
function.) Extracts of turmeric, including curcumin , one of its most powerful
constituents, is composed of phyto-chemical compounds that prevent the
formation of beta-amyloid. Its anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant
properties, and ability to prevent the build up of beta-amyloid plaque, make
turmeric a triple threat when it comes to fighting Alzheimer’s, and other types
of dementia. In India, where turmeric is consumed on a daily basis, dementia has
the lowest occurrence rates in the world; while the U.S has the third highest
rating, with over 5 million Americans
living with the disease; in addition, it is the 6th leading cause of
death in the U.S.
The list of turmeric’s benefits is long: not only is it a
powerful ally in the fight against cardiovascular disease ( it has properties
which inhibit blood-clotting, so it thins the blood, helping to prevent heart
attack and stroke) but it lowers cholesterol, as well. In addition, C. longa
improves the action of the liver and stomach. It has long been used in India’s
Ayurvedic tradition, as well as in traditional Chinese medicine, for jaundice,
and digesive problems such as gastritis and acidity. Because it stimulates the
flow of bile, it greatly improves digestion. It also stimulates the production
of mucus, which lines the stomach and is very soothing for stomach pain. In
addition, it is antimicrobial; made into a paste and applied to skin, which is
then exposed to the sun, it is very effective in healing skin conditions such
as psoriasis. Though not an analgesic, per se, it helps many painful inflammatory
conditions (such as arthritis, asthma and eczema) because often pain is caused
by the inflammation. Seeing as chronic inflammation is connected to the onset
of certain types of cancer, it is thought to act as a preventative for the
disease, especially with colon cancer and breast cancer.
As a culinary herb it adds a rich peppery taste, adding that
distinctive robust flavor found in Indian food. It can also be bought fresh,
and will add beautiful color and flavor to your meal. In addition to its
medicinal qualities, it is highly nutritious, being a rich source for vitamin
B6 (pyrodoxine), choline, niacin, riboflavin and vitamin C. It is also high in
essential minerals, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper and
zinc.
If you purchase turmeric capsules, make sure they have black
pepper in them, for this spice helps to aid in the metabolism of the turmeric,
making it more efficient, in addition, it has anti-Alzheimer’s, and
anti-inflammatory effects of its own.
But if you prefer not to take capsules, you can buy it
either powdered, or fresh, and make yourself a lovely cup of tea each day. I
can’t think of a more wonderful ritual to start in our move toward better
health!
Turmeric Tea
4 cups water
1 tbl ground turmeric (or 2 tbl grated fresh turmeric)
½ tsp ground black pepper
Wild honey and lemon to taste
Bring water to a boil, add spices. Simmer for ten minutes.
Strain. Add honey and lemon to taste
Drink 1-3 cups
per day
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