Turmeric is an herb that has been used in India for thousands of years, both as a spice and as a medicine.  It is derived from a tropical plant with big beautiful green leaves and white flower spikes. It is a compound found in this herb, curcumin, that gives curries their yellow color and is a phytochemical believed to be responsible for turmeric’s therapeutic effects. Here are just a few of the studies that have suggested the positive attributes of this popular herb.

• Researchers from Swinburne University of Technology in Australia found that it reduced inflammation and improved blood flow. Sixty people between the ages of 60 and 85 were either given curcumin or a placebo. Those that took the derivative of turmeric experienced better memory, reduced fatigue, increased levels of calmness and contentment.
• Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been found to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Other diseases that chronic, low-level inflammation has been shown to play a part in are heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. According to Authority Nutrition, “It turns out that curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory, it is so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.”
• Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals—unstable molecules that contribute to aging and disease by damaging cells, proteins and DNA.
• Curcumin can increase brain levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Diminished levels of this growth hormone have been linked to depression and Alzheimer’s.
• Other laboratory studies suggest that it can reduce the growth of cancerous cells.
• Researchers in Bangkok at Srinakharinwirot University gave curcumin to half of the 240 people in their study who were pre-diabetic. No one in this group went on to develop diabetes.

While diet and exercise are the key ingredients to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting a little support along the way by the plants that surround us can be a helpful addition. You would have to eat an incredible amount of turmeric to get the full effects that curcumin offers. For this reason, supplementation is usually suggested. As herbs, over-the-counter remedies, and supplements can interact with prescribed medications, be sure to check with your parent’s primary health care provider before introducing this phytochemical into their diet.

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Resources

https://www.sciencealert.com/turmeric-can-improve-memory-and-attention-span-in-old-age-study-finds

https://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric/

http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/59/3/597.short

https://www.voanews.com/a/curry-lowers-diabetes-risk/1454678.html