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Benefits, Effects of the Turmeric Herb

Turmeric is an herb that has been used for thousands of years in eastern countries, particularly India, to promote good health and treat a wide range of ailments. In the 1970s, turmeric gained in popularity in the United States thanks to Indian research showing its efficacy as an anti-inflammatory. There are several purported benefits of enjoying turmeric in its spice form, both in food and as a nutritional supplement.

  1. Digestive Issues

    • Turmeric is thought to help ameliorate symptoms of numerous digestive problems. Curcumin is the active component of the herb and contains turmeric's power. Curcumin helps the gallbladder produce bile, which is thought to be a digestive aid. According to the University of Maryland's website, studies have shown turmeric to be effective in relieving gas and bloating, keeping ulcerative colitis patients in remission and treating stomach ulcers.

    Cancer Fighter

    • Reports from Harvard University, the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic suggest that turmeric may prevent and even kill certain types of cancer. Researchers at each school provide strong disclaimers, however, noting that the turmeric-cancer fighting link is weak and that research on the connection is in its infancy.

      Turmeric shows promise in preventing, curbing or even eradicating certain types of cancer, including prostate, breast, skin and colon cancer. Turmeric's antioxidant properties are thought to help it work as a preventive measure against cancer, while its ability to stop blood vessels that fuel cancer cells from growing is thought to have potential in warding off cancer.

    Infection and Inflammation Fighter

    • Advocates of turmeric believe it works just as well, if not better, against inflammation than ibuprofen. They argue that turmeric does not harm the stomach in the way that ibuprofen does for many. Turmeric shows promise in killing both bacterial and viral infections.

    Other Health Benefits

    • Turmeric has been shown to slightly lower blood sugar levels, which could make it a useful remedy for diabetics. Other diseases and ailments turmeric is thought to either prevent or soothe include atherosclerosis (a condition that can lead to a heart attack or stroke), osteoarthritis, liver damage, multiple sclerosis and uveitis, which is an inflammation of the eye.

      As is the case with cancer and turmeric, a vast majority of physicians, including those from Harvard, the University of Maryland and Mayo, stress that further research is needed to take such claims seriously from a medical standpoint. They do see promise, though, in turmeric's potential impact on the wide range of health ailments mentioned here and elsewhere.

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