Q: What can you tell me about Turmeric?
A: Tons of interest in Turmeric!
Turmeric is a bright yellow aromatic powder used mostly in Indian cooking. It’s a member of the ginger family and is the key ingredient in curry. Turmeric has been used throughout history mainly as a condiment, but has also been used to color textile and as a natural health remedy. Today, turmeric is used as a dietary supplement for inflammation, arthritis, stomach, skin, liver, and gallbladder problems, cancer, and other conditions. The health benefits of turmeric come from curcumin. Curcumin gives turmeric its bright orange-yellow hue and is responsible for a whole host of health benefits. Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is a very strong antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that protect the cell from cell damage caused by free radicals and environmental factors, https://www.cdhfinechemical.com/cdh_data/antibiotics-online/. Some studies have noted that curcumin has several therapeutic effects, one being the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Studies are also being conducted showing the positive effects curcumin has when supplemented during chemo and radiation therapy. More research is needed but the benefits of curcumin have thus far shown positive outcomes, and nothing to date has shown a negative effect on cancer or cancer survivorship, especially breast cancer.
Turmeric can easily be added to any run-of-the-mill dishes to give it an extra layer of flavor. It’s great sprinkled on fish, meat and poultry, and can liven up your mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower. Turmeric can also be sautéed with onions and garlic and added to your favorite soup or stew. You may even want to give it a try in your favorite tuna salad or egg salad recipe. Turmeric can also make a soothing tea. (Boil 4 cups water, add one teaspoon ground turmeric and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey and/or lemon to taste. Add a pinch of black pepper for increased absorption of the curcumin). If you prefer to take a supplement, make sure it contains a significant amount of curcumin. For a Turmeric Curcumin supplement to be effective, it has to have at least 1,300 mg of Turmeric, containing 95% curcumin PLUS 10 mg of piperine extract, (active ingredient in black pepper), for increased absorption and no additional fillers.
Remember: Before you take any supplements during cancer treatment, you need to talk with your oncologist to determine if they are appropriate for you. Curcumin can interfere with some chemotherapies and Coumadin (generic: warfarin), an anti-clotting medication.
