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Turmeric, Curcumin Known to Protect Against Alzheimers

Posted by Viola Woolcott

Turmeric is also known as Curcuma longa and is a member of the ginger family. It is the spice that gives curries and mustards the familiar vibrant yellow colour. Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavour and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger.

Turmeric has long been known for its healing properties. In the West, turmeric was considered as just another spice, until it was discovered to contain a potent anti-inflammatory agent also known as Curcumin, a powerful antioxidant which has been used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, haemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain, and colic. Curcumin has also been used as a way in the fight of cancer. In a great number of studies the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have shown to be equivalent to the potent drugs hydrocortisone, phenylbutazone and the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents like Motrin. Unlike the drugs, which are associated with significant toxic effects such as ulcer formation, decreased white blood cell count and intestinal bleeding, curcumin produces NO toxicity.

In India turmeric has been used for centuries. Ayurvedic practitioners have used the spice to treat a number of complaints like indigestion, inflammation and also arthritic pains. It works wonders as a blood purifier as well as improving circulation throughout the entire body.

As an antioxidant, curcumin is capable to neutralise free radicals. Radicals are chemicals, which are able to move through the body and cause huge amounts of damage to healthy cells and cell membranes. Free radicals are accountable for the painful joint inflammation and eventually for the damage to the joints. The combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects explain why a lot of people who suffer from joint disease find relief when they use the spice on a regular basis. Curcumin was compared to phenylbutazone in a recent study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and produced comparable improvements in shortened length of morning stiffness, lengthened walking time, and reduced joint swelling,

Turmeric has also been found to be useful to slow down human colon cancer cells as well as in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or other intestinal issues.

For a tummy friendly boost, add turmeric to yellow curry, rice and rice-salads as well as other turmeric rich dishes.

It has been suggested that a genetic defect is accountable to cause Cystic Fibrosis and that curcumin, which is the main component of turmeric could correct its most common expressions. Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal disease, leaving thick mucus that attack the lungs, which could cause life-threatening infections as well as damaging of the pancreas, which interferes in the body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients.

Studies prove that in elderly Indian populations, along with those whose diet involves turmeric is a common spice, that the levels of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s are very low. It has also suggested that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, protects against Alzheimer’s disease. It turns on a gene that codes for the making of antioxidant proteins.

Turmeric is an exceptional source of both iron and manganese and also a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber and potassium.

A word of advice, patients should not self-medicate with supplements containing curcumin until adverse interactions are identified with the numerous prescription drugs they may be taking and the correct doses are known.

Filed under: Health and Diet on April 4th, 2008