Love Indian and other Asian foods with that vibrant yellow color? The yellow spice turmeric is a staple ingredient in many cultures and kitchens. But is turmeric the hidden miracle found in your pantry that can help you prevent dementia, cancer and other diseases as well as beautify your skin?
Indian Ayurvedic medicine widely uses turmeric root as a medicinal herb. The ground yellow powder comes from the dried turmeric root and is added to curry spices and consumed in numerous Asian dishes. Curcumin is the biologically active component within turmeric powder that has a variety of supposed benefits for both your health and beauty.
According to livestrong.com, a U.S. study published by the “Journal of Biological Chemistry” in September 2010 found that curcumin reduces the damaging effects of protein plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients. “The study on laboratory mice revealed that curcumin inhibited the production of amyloid-beta protein, which comprises the plaques that disrupt brain function in Alzheimer’s. The researchers noted that this study represents the first of its kind to pinpoint a mechanism for the effects of curcumin on this disease process.”
With powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-soluble properties, turmeric improves the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease according to a study published in the January 2008 “Annals of the Indian Academy of Neurology.” Livestrong.com says, “Turmeric relieves oxidative stress, reduces damage caused by free radicals, inhibits the formation of beta-amyloid proteins, reduces inflammation and protects against disruption of brain function by toxic metals that contribute to the development of the disease. These benefits to nerve function improved memory for Alzheimer’s patients.”
Curcumin also provides anti-cancer effects in skin, breast, lung and prostate cancers, proven by the 10 times lower incidences in these disease in India compared with the United States. Livestrong.com reported that a study published in “Anticancer Research” in 2003 “found that curcumin destroys malignant prostate cells, most likely by blocking the activation of genes that trigger cancer. The researchers believe curcumin can suppress tumor initiation, promotion and metastasis, while being completely safe with no known toxicity. Curcumin also has its own antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties and enhances the body’s immune system. In fact, turmeric extract has been tested as a more potent antioxidant than garlic, devil’s claw and salmon oil.”
Turmeric can also help with arthritis due to curcumin’s strong anti-inflammatory properties. To help reduce inflammation, use turmeric powder both topically and internally. According to livestrong.com, “arthritis research demonstrates that curcumin acts as a scavenger of nitric oxide and superoxides, and functions to inhibit the pro-inflammatory substance COX-2. Clinically, curcumin has proven to work as well as cortisone or phenylbutazone for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and postoperative inflammation, reports the “International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Therapy and Toxicology.” Curcumin also has the advantage of being nontoxic and not producing any adverse side effects.”
While making your insides healthier, turmeric can also beautify the outside and specifically the beauty of your skin. Using pure turmeric powder can add glow to your skin while reducing pigmentation on your face and even out skin tone. According to bewellbuzz.com, simply mix a little turmeric with cucumber or lemon juice and apply to your face. Leave it for some time and wash off. A one-time application will be of little help and only regular use will give a soft glow to your face. Before you get started with any cosmetic or skin related treatments with turmeric, do make a note that it can stain the skin a light yellow.
Another at home skin treatment: use turmeric for acne. According to bewellbuzz.com, “turmeric mixed with sandalwood powder and a little water, and applied to the face can greatly reduce the appearance of acne. It’s definitely a cheaper alternative to all those creams and gels that are often not as effective as desired or they claim.”
An Indian beauty secret for a healthy full body glow uses turmeric. Bewellbuzz says, “mix some turmeric with gram flour and water and use it to scrub all over your body before your shower. Doing this regularly will indeed help you get a glowing skin. Ask any bride in India and she will affirm that this is the beauty regimen that they dutifully follow weeks before their wedding to get a spotless skin.”
Turmeric just may be a miracle spice. Mix up a batch for your at home facial while adding it to your meals while cooking. Your new cooking companion will not only spice up your meals but will provide many benefits – inside and out.
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