Health Benefits of Spices

Spices have been credited with reducing a person’s risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and a slew of other harmful medical conditions.  But not until recently have scientists discovered its role in helping to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Once spice in particular, Curcumin--the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color—has been generating a lot of buzz in the medical world.  Curcumin is a member of the ginger family and is used extensively in Asian and Indian cuisine to make curries, dhal, pilaf and chutney.  These days researchers looking for natural remedies for Alzheimer’s disease are embracing it.

In a recent study scientists discovered that Americans have four times the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as the people in India, who consume large amounts of Curcumin on a daily basis. 

In the past five years there has been an explosion of interest in the benefits associated with Curcumin.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 800 studies were conducted on Curcumin in the last four years alone.  The studies show that Curcumin contains polyphenols and curcuminoids, which are loaded with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-amyloid properties.  The spice has also been shown to interfere with tumor development, prevent oxidative damage to cells, and reduce brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Other health benefits associated with a diet rich in Curcumin include the reduction of inflammatory bowel disease and improvement of liver function.  Researchers say the spice also helps lower cholesterol and in some cases acts as a pain reliever.

To reap the benefits of the popular spice, researchers recommend adding about 1200 mg of 95% standardized Curcumin to your diet.  You can do so by cooking with turmeric. Researchers found people who ate curry once a day had a 49 percent reduced risk of cognitive impairment, while those who ate curry at least three times a week had a 38 percent reduced risk of mental disease. Basically, the more Curcumin you consume the more noticeable the benefits.

See Also:

The Importance of a Good Breakfast
The Facts on Folic Acid
The Healthier Red Meat