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  • Anyone who has tasted Indian food, particularly curry, has savored the golden-colored herb turmeric. The spice is a key ingredient in Indian cuisine. Besides adding flavor to a meal, turmeric also provides healthy benefits when eaten or used as a supplement.

    Background

    Turmeric is a large-leafed perennial shrub widely grown in India and used in many dishes in that country and throughout Asia. Turmeric contains a natural antioxidant called curcumin. This is the key to the spice's health benefits, of which there appear to be many.

    The liver

    Turmeric seems to keep the liver, in particular, healthy, protecting the organ from damage by toxins including alcohol. Turmeric also appears to stem the effects of jaundice, which causes the skin and eyes to take on a yellowish appearance because the liver is malfunctioning. Additionally, the herb is believed to increase the flow of bile, which is loaded with toxins, out of the body.

    Antioxidants and antiplatelets

    Turmeric acts as an antioxidant, thus increasing the body's immunity while potentially protecting it against free radicals, which can damage cells and result in cancer. For protection against heart attacks or strokes, turmeric may reduce the dangers of clots while improving circulation.

    Other potential benefits of turmeric

    Making a liquid-paste mixture of water and turmeric and rubbing it on the skin can improve skin tone by giving it a healthier glow. Some people mix turmeric with milk to alleviate congestion.

    Warnings

    Pregnant women or those who are nursing, and people suffering from gallstones should avoid ingesting, either through meals or supplements, turmeric. Turmeric also causes heartburn and upset stomach in some people.

    Source:

    Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre: Turmeric Benefits

    Women's Health: Benefits of Turmeric

    eMedTV.com: Benefits of Turmeric

    More Information:

    Yourbodycanheal.com: The Multiple Health Benefits of Turmeric...

    National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Turmeric

    MedlinePlus: Turmeric and Curcumin

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