Turmeric Root Extract Information

Turmeric root is a tuberous plant of the curcuma longa family, related to ginger and native to Southeast Asia. The rhizomes have been used since ancient times in cooking, medicine and cosmetics. Substances called curcuminoids offer many health benefits and cause its distinctive yellow color.

Types

• Turmeric root extract is sold in liquid and capsule form.

Benefits

• Turmeric is used to promote cardiovascular, colon and neural health because of the high levels of curcumin, the main antioxidant in turmeric root extract.

Significance

• Pure turmeric root extract contains 3 percent curcumin by weight.

Function

• Curcuminoids work to protect cells from the destructive effects of free radicals. The body naturally produces free radicals, but as we age our ability to produce protective antioxidants declines.

Potential

• Research is being conducted regarding turmeric extract and Alzheimer's disease. At the University of California, Los Angeles, researchers have demonstrated that curcumin inhibits the formation of amyloids, substances found in abundance in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

Fun Fact

• Turmeric is one of the main ingredients in curry powder, used in Indian cooking and widely available.