Turmeric’s a healer

Studies show it has major benefits for the body and brain

MUCH more than just an ingredient that gives curry its yellow colour, turmeric is a spice with healing properties.

Many high-quality studies show that it has major benefits for the body and brain, making it arguably the most effective nutritional supplement available today.

So the latest science is backing up what Indian traditional medicine has always said. It really does contain compounds to support good health.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. It is now believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a role in almost every major Western disease, including heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Therefore, anything that can help fight inflammation is potentially important. Curcumin fights inflammation at a molecular level.

So it’s no surprise that arthritis patients have responded very well to turmeric supplements.

Many studies show that curcumin can help treat symptoms — in some cases more effectively than antiinflammatory drugs.

Oxidative damage is also believed to be one of the culprits behind ageing and many common diseases. As a powerful antioxidant, curcumin is thought capable of delivering a one-two punch against free radicals, neutralising them and stimulating the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.

What’s more, it may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease, though evidence from trials is inconclusive as yet. And several studies have found that curcumin effectively reduces depression symptoms more than a placebo.

Curcumin may support heart health in several ways. Studies suggest that curcumin improves the function of the lining of the blood vessels.

And the fact it reduces inflammation and oxidation are also significant here. With more than 10,000 peer-reviewed articles published looking at turmeric’s benefits, it tops the list as the most frequently mentioned medicinal herb in all of science.

However, curcumin only accounts for 3 per cent of turmeric powder — so to benefit you really need to take a supplement that contains only the curcumin. Most importantly, it should be formulated to be readily absorbed by the body.

One effective supplement, supported by 29 clinical studies, combines it with soy lecithin, making it 30 times more absorbable than standard turmeric.