There’s no single way to prevent cancer. But eating a well-balanced diet filled with nutrient-rich superfoods certainly plays an important part in keeping our bodies fighting fit.
When it comes to choosing the best superfood supplements, Turmeric Curcumin should be at the top of your list.
Packed full of antioxidants, nutrients, and anti-inflammatory abilities, this superfood has been the subject of countless studies into the prevention and treatment of different kinds of cancer. While more research needs to be carried out to confirm its anti-cancer credentials, the results of recent research are promising. We explore the full potential of Turmeric Curcumin in the fight against cancer.
Why is Turmeric Such a Powerful Superfood?
Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its yellow-orange hue, is more than just a tasty ingredient. Nutritionist’s have identified its huge number of health benefits, including the potential to improve memory, treat arthritis, reduce inflammation and prevent heart disease.
So what’s the secret behind Turmeric’s incredible health benefits?
The answer can be found in its most active compound: curcumin. As well as being responsible for the bright orange color of the spice, curcumin provides most of its powerful medicinal benefits.
Many scientific studies have looked into the effects of curcumunoids in recent years. Most of them support what Ayurvedic medicine has taught for millennia – that curcumin really does boast some amazing health benefits. With its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, this powerful compound packs a punch when it comes to helping prevent and treat all kinds of illnesses, ranging from simple colds to more serious cancers.
Turmeric Curcumin and Cancer
There are many different types of cancer. This means that no single food can prevent or treat the disease. However, superfoods like Turmeric Curcumin have shown incredible potential when it comes to helping your body stay healthy.
Lower Cancer Rates
Turmeric has been at the heart of a number of laboratory studies. But to see the most convincing clue to its potential, we have to widen our lens.
By studying international cancer rates, researchers have isolated the countries that have the fewest incidences of cancer. In particular, they discovered that South Asia has some of the lowest cancer rates in the world. While there are a few possible explanations for these statistics, there is one very convincing link – all of these countries consumer high quantities of Turmeric Curcumin.
Polyphenols Could Suppress Tumors
Curcumin is a polyphenol. This means it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as the potential to inhibit the development of several types of cancer cells, suppress tumor initiation and inhibit metastasis. In fact, researchers increasingly see polyphenols as the main reason for the protective effects of certain superfoods. Luckily, Turmeric Curcumin has no shortage of them.
Turmeric Targets Cancer Cells
One of the benefits that really sets Turmeric apart from the crowd is its ability to differentiate between cancer cells and normal cells. According to a 2011 study, curcumin can selectively inhibit cancer cells, while ignoring healthy cells. This unique ability means that some scientists believe it could be a useful supplement to take during chemotherapy. In fact, one 2013 international laboratory study showed that a combined treatment of chemotherapy and curcumin produced better results than chemotherapy alone.
Using Turmeric for Preventing and Treating Cancer
Turmeric Curcumin is definitely not a cure for cancer. No food can boast that title. Rather, when consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, this superfood can help ward off certain cancers, enhance the effects of treatment, and generally aid your recovery.
Before you grab a jar from your kitchen cupboard, remember these important facts about using this spice as part of cancer prevention and treatment:
- Most studies research the benefits of concentrated curcumin, so make sure your Turmeric has high levels of this precious compound.
- Always choose a 100 per cent organic supplement to avoid any added nasties.
- To enhance absorption of Turmeric, eat it with fat and black pepper.
- Turmeric can be used in all kinds of delicious drinks, soups, curries and stir fries.
Read here for more inspiration on adding Turmeric to your everyday diet!