Turmeric can be legitimately called a superfoods. It has been extensively studied and researched.
It is a spice that has been around for centuries and researchers are now discovering its health benefits and learning how turmeric may help with common anti-aging conditions.
Turmeric is a ginger-like plant whose roots are gathered, dried and made into a spice for it’s flavor and health benefits. The scientific name of turmeric is Curcuma longa. It is a popular spice in many Indian and Asian dishes and a critical ingredient of curry.
The turmeric spice found in grocery stores is the boiled, dried and powdered root of the turmeric plant (picture the ginger you see in the grocery store). Turmeric has a distinct yellow color and can stain clothes (it is also used as a dye or as food coloring).
The most interesting nutrient in turmeric is curcumin. This nutrient has received attention from the media because researchers are interested in curcumin’s possibilities in fighting cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
The curcumin in turmeric is thought to work because it is a strong anti-inflammatory agent.
The research on turmeric so far appears to be very favorable.
It appears that turmeric mainly affects LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride levels.
In one study turmeric appeared to lower LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides, as well as preventing LDL from being oxidized.
Oxidized LDL has been shown to greatly accelerate the formation of atherosclerosis.
The cholesterol lowering effects of turmeric have remained consistent in these studies.
In fact, one study even concluded that LDL cholesterol was lowered anywhere between one-half and one-third of those subjects consuming turmeric in comparison to those not receiving it.
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