Turmeric, sometimes called Indian saffron or the golden spice, is a tall plant that grows in Asia and Central America. The turmeric that we see on shelves and in spice cabinets is made of the ground roots of the plant. Such principles are consistent with Foodie Body “First Principles” food of going to plant based sources to fight inflammation and inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells.
The Arthritis Foundation cites several studies in which turmeric has reduced inflammation.
Turmeric can pull harmful lipids out of your arteries and veins as an antioxidant compound. The process of Lipid peroxidation is the chain of reactions of oxidative degradation of lipids. It is the process which free radicals “steal” electrons from the lipids in the cell membranes and produce oxidized free radicals which promote various levels of damage to your body. The effects of Lipid Peroxidation are such things as age spots, liver spots, lipofuscin, heart disease and cancers. Antioxidants such as Turmeric which contains curcumin remove and scavenge free radicals interrupting the chain reaction of Lipid Peroxidation.
Turmeric has been getting attention recently because of its antioxidant abilities. The antioxidant effect of turmeric appears to be so powerful that it may stop your liver from being damaged by toxins. This could be good news for people who take strong drugs for diabetes or other health conditions that might hurt their liver with long-term use.
Curcumin shows promise as a cancer treatment. Studies suggest it has protective effects against pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma.