The Health Benefits of Turmeric Powder

The health benefits of turmeric powder have been known for centuries. Recently, scientists have uncovered how turmeric powder benefits health. The exciting news that curcumin, the main constituent of turmeric, has genuine disease fighting capabilities should lead to the development of more potent curcumin compounds that could help fight a variety of diseases. Recently, scientists discovered how curcumin in turmeric behaves at a cellular level to provide health benefits--information not previously known.

History

Turmeric is widely used as a spice in South Asian recipes. Turmeric health benefits include use as a tonic for a variety of maladies that include wound healing, aiding digestion disorders, as an anti-inflammatory and as an anti-bacterial.

Benefits

Discovery of the health benefits of turmeric is nothing but good news. Developing disease-fighting compounds from nature can eliminate harmful side effects that come from synthetic pharmacologic agents. Natural health enthusiasts have already discovered how turmeric can lead to better health.

Potential

Researchers have been studying the health benefits of turmeric powder for years, discovering that curcumin found in turmeric boosts immunity and reduces cytokine (a marker of inflammation) levels in the body. The results of research make turmeric powder appealing for use in a wide array of diseases, including heart disease prevention, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and cancer. A more recent study shows that curcumin in turmeric enters the cells of the body and "induces segmental ordering in the membrane," acting like a pharmaceutical drug.

Features

Turmeric creams, poultices, teas and milk laced with turmeric powder can be used for healing. Turmeric capsules can also be purchased to tap into the health benefits of curcumin in turmeric powder.

Warning

It is safe to use turmeric powder for its potential health benefits. High intake of turmeric can cause gastric upset. No other ill effects have been found when using turmeric powder to benefit health. Tell your health care provider if you are using turmeric powder supplements.