Turmeric Health Benefits - Why You Should Add It to Your Diet

Many of the turmeric health benefits are derived from the curcumin in the turmeric root. Turmeric is what gives curry its yellow color, and curry lovers will be glad to know that their love for this eastern flavor can produce many health benefits, from cancer fighting to cut healing. If you look at the ingredients on the back of the bottle of mustard in your refrigerator, you are likely to find it on the list, since it also is what gives mustard its yellow color.

Research has shown many cancer benefits can be found by using turmeric. It has been shown to prevent and stop the growth of prostate cancer cells when combined with cauliflower. In mice, it prevented breast cancer cells from spreading to the lungs.

It may prevent metastases from occurring in various types of cancer, prevent melanoma and even cause apoptosis, or suicide, of melanoma cells, and shows promising effects on pancreatic cancer. It reduces the risk of childhood leukemia and has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. It has shown many positive results in both preventing and fighting multiple forms of cancer.

There are also topical uses for turmeric. As a paste, it has been used for ages as a home remedy for sunburn, and is also found in many sunscreen today. Having natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it is useful for disinfecting cuts and burns and speeds up the healing process. As a natural painkiller, it also soothes the cuts and burns.

You can make a poultice with turmeric, lemon juice and salt for applying to aching joints and muscles. Applying freshly grated turmeric on a bunion twice daily can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with bunions. Crushing burnt turmeric into a fine powder between two spoons and gently pressing some of the powder into a tooth and the surrounding gum area will help relieve a toothache.

It is believed that the main factor in turmeric's pain reducing qualities is its anti infammatory properties. And this ability has many also believing it to be a better option than ibuprofen as a pain reliever by virtue of it being all natural which does not cause toxicity or side effects.

These turmeric health benefits should make you want to consider adding to your diet. It makes for a suitable and less expensive replacement for saffron, and this very flavorful herb can add pizzaz to many of your favorite dishes.