Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that originated in India and is a part of the ginger family, Zingiberaccae. The largest trading center in the world for turmeric is in the town of Sanglia, India. The health and medical benefits have been known in India for centuries and set forth in the Ayurvedic Texts.
In recent years scientists in the Western countries are taking notice of its health benefits too. According to an article in 2005 in the Wall Street Journal, the research on turmeric is exploding. Based on a search of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, two hundred and fifty-six papers were published in 2005 on curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric. This has caused a significant increase in the sales of curcumin supplements - a 35% increase in 2005 over 2004. At the present time, the U. S. National Institute of Health has four clinical trials underway to study curcumin treatment for pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, Alzheimer's and multiple myeloma.
Curcumin's powerful antioxidant properties have long been considered a cancer fighter. A study involving genetically altered mice by UCLA-Veterans Affairs indicated that turmeric might inhibit the accumulation of harmful beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and in addition may even eliminate existing plaques.
Other recent studies indicate turmeric can be effective against STDs including chlamydia and gonorrhea.
The low incidence of colorectal cancer among ethnic groups who consume large amounts of curries compared with groups who do not is an indication of cancer benefits from turmeric.
Studies have also shown the effectiveness of curcumin in the elimination of inflammation from arthritis.
