Turmeric, also known as the “Indian solid gold” gets its nickname not only because of its gold color, but for the fact that it is worth its weight in gold when it comes to health benefits.
Turmeric remains one the most researched plants in the world.
Its medicinal properties have been the subject of over 6000 peer-reviewed and published biomedical studies.
It is armed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which fight diseases like Alzheimer’s and common cancer.
It is truly a superstar spice, and new studies show that it can even kill multiple myeloma cells.
It seems like more studies are popping up everyday showing promising benefits when it comes to this “wondrous” spice and root.
Turmeric boosts the immune system and fights chronic diseases:
A team of researchers from Oregon State University conducted a study that was published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. This study shows how curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric helps create proteins that are vital to our body’s immune response.
The team found that curcumin activated cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP), which is a part of our immune system that detects and identifies harmful bacteria so that it can be killed.
A substance that can increase levels of CAMP should be paid attention to, because it helps our immune system fight infections like cold and flu and more serious chronic diseases including cancer.
Vitamin D and curcumin work in synergy:
This new research also shows that vitamin D and curcumin work in synergy to fight infection and inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is considered a major risk factor for many chronic diseases including arthritis and many types of cancers.
“This research points to a new avenue for regulating CAMP gene expression… it’s possible that sustained consumption over time may be healthy and help protect against infection, especially in the stomach and intestinal tract,” stated Adrian Gombart, the lead author of the study.
The team also compared the ability of curcumin versus omega-3 fatty acids to increase levels of CAMP.
They found that curcumin caused CAMP levels to nearly triple in number.
How much to take?
First of all make sure you use organic turmeric. We always recommend organic food and spices to avoid pesticides and harmful chemicals.
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends about 1-3g of the powdered turmeric root per day to help keep infections away.
It is recommended to take 1000 IU of vitamin D per day. But please talk to your health practitioner to decide the amount that is right for you.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
New study shows turmeric kills multiple myeloma cells.
For the health benefits of turmeric.
REFERENCES:
1. “Ancient Curry Spice Boosts Innate Immune Response to Fight Infection and Chronic Disease.” NaturalNews. NaturalNews, 31 May 2012. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
2. “Curcumin Induces Human Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide Gene Expression through a Vitamin D Receptor-independent Pathway.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 24 May 2013. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.
3. “Turmeric.” University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.
