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Hello Arabella

 

 

Apart from being widely used in South Asian cooking, in alternative

medicine, Turmeric is said to be a tonic for the liver, to help calm

inflammation and to relieve digestive problems. It improves circulation

and also has antibacterial action.

 

Properties:

 

Antiseptic, warming, pungent, bitter and astringent. It acts as a

stimulant, a carminative with antibacterial properties. It has a bright

yellow colour and is used as a food colouring as well as a dye.

 

Caution:

 

Not to be used in cases of Hepatitis or Pregnancy. It reduces fertility

and therefore not recommended for someone trying to conceive.

 

Hope this information is useful.

 

Kind regards

 

 

Feisal

 

----------

Arabella McIntyre-Brown <abs

 

turmeric

Sunday, February 20, 2000 10:39

 

Arabella McIntyre-Brown <abs

 

Hello, bodymindbenders

 

I read somewhere that turmeric is an astonishing medicine - does anyone

know anything more about it?

 

Arabella

 

 

 

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Gail:

 

I am sorry that you chose to leave the list over someone's bad

behavior... was that particularly mature, either? ;-)

 

At any rate, all good energy to you in your endeavors. There are many

little bears who get sore paws over potential trojans/viruses; a little

tolerance goes a long way. Besides which, the list is set up to default

all responses to the list, not to the sender, which will occasionally

cause an error in send-judgement.

 

Just another reason to count to ten before you press " Send " folks!

 

Caroline Abreu

Owner

 

Gail Mead wrote:

>

> " Gail Mead " <gailmead

>

> well this was a mature response. I'm sick of this list.

> -

> <Talks-withtrees

> < >

> Friday, February 25, 2000 9:14 PM

> Re: turmeric

>

> > Talks-withtrees

> >

> > The Happy doc is a virus you ass

> >

> >

> > http://community.webtv.net/Talks-withtrees/PrayerChain

> >

> >

> >

> >

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Hi I am new here, well I have been a r for a while but haven't been

active, I was interested in the turmeric as a tonic for the liver. Has anyone

here used it and had good results? I am pretty sure I have problems with my

liver as I have an acne type of rash on my face that does not go away and I have

a very noticeable reduction in energy each day around 3-4pm. Also I am

interested in improving my general health to help in my quest for vision

improvement. Is there anyone else on this list that has been working on

improving their sight?

 

Kim

-

Umar

Monday, February 21, 2000 1:11 PM

Re: turmeric

 

 

" Umar " <umar

 

Hello Arabella

 

 

Apart from being widely used in South Asian cooking, in alternative

medicine, Turmeric is said to be a tonic for the liver, to help calm

inflammation and to relieve digestive problems. It improves circulation

and also has antibacterial action.

 

Properties:

 

Antiseptic, warming, pungent, bitter and astringent. It acts as a

stimulant, a carminative with antibacterial properties. It has a bright

yellow colour and is used as a food colouring as well as a dye.

 

Caution:

 

Not to be used in cases of Hepatitis or Pregnancy. It reduces fertility

and therefore not recommended for someone trying to conceive.

 

Hope this information is useful.

 

Kind regards

 

 

Feisal

 

----------

Arabella McIntyre-Brown <abs

turmeric

Sunday, February 20, 2000 10:39

 

Arabella McIntyre-Brown <abs

 

Hello, bodymindbenders

 

I read somewhere that turmeric is an astonishing medicine - does anyone

know anything more about it?

 

Arabella

 

 

 

------

GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0%

Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW!

http://click./1/911/4/_/148494/_/951106680/

------

 

****************************************

To from , send an email to

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

****************************************

To from , send an email to

-

 

 

 

 

 

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Sounds good.

Let me know how your batch works out.

I also now use fresh Cilantro in my Total Tonic (my last improvement ;-) since it chelates with existing proteins and helps them to bond with heavy metals and other toxic metals (like aluminum) and then removes them from the brain and the rest of the body. I'd have to say the formula is now perfect. LOL

ML,

Doc

 

Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc

 

-

Cassandra A.

Dr. Ian Shillington

Tuesday, December 05, 2006 7:17 PM

Re: turmeric

 

Dear Doc,

 

Thanks for answering. I'll do this.

 

Love,

 

Cassandra

 

-

Dr. Ian Shillington

Cassandra A.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006 3:26 PM

Re: turmeric

 

Did you ask your Organic Grocer to get some??? They will order it if you keep asking.

You want the whole fresh root (looks a little like ginger root).

Use in the same proportion as the Garlic and Ginger.

Love,

Doc

 

Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc

 

-

Cassandra A.

Dr. Ian Shillington

Tuesday, December 05, 2006 6:02 PM

turmeric

 

Dear Doc,

 

I couldn't find any raw turmeric for my total tonic.

 

Do you use some other form? If so, what do you use and in what proportion?

 

Love,

 

Cassandra

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Has anyone used turmeric for inflammation healing? I have been using it to

heal and was curious as to what others have to say about this wonderful herb?

Thanks

Diane M

 

 

 

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, Teddyberen wrote:

>

> Has anyone used turmeric for inflammation healing? I have been

using it to

> heal and was curious as to what others have to say about this

wonderful herb?

> Thanks

> Diane M

>

>

>

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Turmeric can promote circulation, relieve pain, and alleviate

traumatic swelling. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for

detoxification and hemostasis. Put turmeric powder and milk mixture

on the face, it could help to remove the fine hair, freckles, and

chloasma. Another one having similar function is Yunnan Baiyao,

mixture of different herbs. It has a better effect, according to my

experience.

 

Wang Qiang

Http://www.tcmdepot.com

 

, Teddyberen wrote:

>

> Has anyone used turmeric for inflammation healing? I have been

using it to

> heal and was curious as to what others have to say about this

wonderful herb?

> Thanks

> Diane M

>

>

>

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T is a wonderful, gentle " cleanser " . It's suggested often with hot water, a

bit of lemon following a meal to aid in digestion. That's mostly how I apply

it in my world. And it works nicely. I would imagine for the fever it worked

kind of like vitamin C in cleansing the bad stuff out of your one year old's

system.

 

 

 

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Tumeric is absolutely the best I have found for arthritis pain. It work on the

same principle that vioxx did but it will NOT hurt you. It's also full of

anti-oxidents and cheap!

 

 

 

 

 

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we use a indian powder to treat my adhd son.. is the termeric you speak of of

Indian origin? orange?

 

wangqiang0502 <wangqiang0502 wrote: Turmeric can promote

circulation, relieve pain, and alleviate

traumatic swelling. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for

detoxification and hemostasis. Put turmeric powder and milk mixture

on the face, it could help to remove the fine hair, freckles, and

chloasma. Another one having similar function is Yunnan Baiyao,

mixture of different herbs. It has a better effect, according to my

experience.

 

Wang Qiang

Http://www.tcmdepot.com

 

, Teddyberen wrote:

>

> Has anyone used turmeric for inflammation healing? I have been

using it to

> heal and was curious as to what others have to say about this

wonderful herb?

> Thanks

> Diane M

>

>

>

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Heather Anderson wrote:

we use a indian powder to treat my adhd son..

is the termeric you speak of of Indian origin? orange?

 

Heather,

Turmeric is a wonderful herb/food, but

this is the first time I have heard of it

being used to treat ADHD.

Please do tell how it is working?

 

 

Ien in the Kootenays

http://freegreenliving.com

 

 

 

 

 

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no change yet.. it just started..

 

Ieneke van Houten <ienvan wrote: Heather Anderson wrote:

we use a indian powder to treat my adhd son..

is the termeric you speak of of Indian origin? orange?

 

Heather,

Turmeric is a wonderful herb/food, but

this is the first time I have heard of it

being used to treat ADHD.

Please do tell how it is working?

 

Ien in the Kootenays

http://freegreenliving.com

 

 

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Turmeric is widely used in TCM. I don't know if it originated from

India. But it is very popular in south asia. you can get some

information here,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric

 

Wang Qiang

Http://www.tcmdepot.com

 

, heather anderson

<handerson4388 wrote:

>

> we use a indian powder to treat my adhd son.. is the termeric you

speak of of Indian origin? orange?

>

> wangqiang0502 <wangqiang0502 wrote: Turmeric can

promote circulation, relieve pain, and alleviate

> traumatic swelling. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for

> detoxification and hemostasis. Put turmeric powder and milk mixture

> on the face, it could help to remove the fine hair, freckles, and

> chloasma. Another one having similar function is Yunnan Baiyao,

> mixture of different herbs. It has a better effect, according to my

> experience.

>

> Wang Qiang

> Http://www.tcmdepot.com

>

> , Teddyberen@ wrote:

> >

> > Has anyone used turmeric for inflammation healing? I have been

> using it to

> > heal and was curious as to what others have to say about this

> wonderful herb?

> > Thanks

> > Diane M

> >

> >

> >

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, " Diana Moore "

<artbyrichardmoore wrote:

>

> Are there any members here that have been taking Turmeric with

water

> for health issues? I would be interested in hearing how it has

helped

> you.

>

> I have been taking Turmeric for my memory as my mother has

possible

> Alzhiemers. She is also taking it.

>

> My husband who has been taking Turmeric too noticed that his blood

is

> scarlet red now, whereas before it was quite dark. It almost

looked

> unnatural as it was so bright. I wonder if it is because his

blood has

> been purified by the Turmeric?

>

> All the best

> Diana Moore

>

That is definately a good question, I also wonder if it helps the

liver and white blood count?

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Hi Diana,

 

I sprinkle turmeric on everything even my morning veggie/fruit

smoothie. I have noticed that I have flouresent yellow urine. I do

some blood work in August... So I will check to see if my blood is

bright red, over dark red. I do believe that my brain seems faster

and more fun. I also read that turmeric had antiflammatory

properties, but I'm not sure what blood work would prove that was

happening. I also read that it uploads better with black pepper. So

turmeric, black pepper and cayenne are my three favorite spices.

 

Dyan

 

, " Diana Moore "

<artbyrichardmoore wrote:

>

> Are there any members here that have been taking Turmeric with

water

> for health issues? I would be interested in hearing how it has

helped

> you.

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Health Benefits

 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the bright yellow of the spice rainbow, is

a powerful medicine that has long been used in the Chinese and Indian

systems of medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat a wide

variety of conditions, including flatulence, jaundice, menstrual

difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest

pain, and colic.

 

A Potent, Yet Safe Anti-Inflammatory

 

The volatile oil fraction of turmeric has been demonstrated

significant anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental

models. Even more potent than its volatile oil is the yellow or

orange pigment of turmeric, which is called curcumin. Curcumin is

thought to be the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric. In

numerous studies, curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects have been

shown to be comparable to the potent drugs hydrocortisone and

phenylbutazone as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents

such as Motrin. Unlike the drugs, which are associated with

significant toxic effects (ulcer formation, decreased white blood

cell count, intestinal bleeding), curcumin produces no toxicity.

 

 

An Effective Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

 

Curcumin may provide an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective

treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn¡¯s and

ulcerative colitis, recent research suggests. In this study, mice

given an inflammatory agent that normally induces colitis were

protected when curcumin was added to their diet five days beforehand.

The mice receiving curcumin not only lost much less weight than the

control animals, but when researchers checked their intestinal cell

function, all the signs typical of colitis¡ªmucosal ulceration,

thickening of the intestinal wall, and the infiltration of

inflammatory cells¡ªwere all much reduced. While the researchers are

not yet sure exactly how curcumin achieves its protective effects,

they think its benefits are the result of not only antioxidant

activity, but also inhibition of a major cellular inflammatory agent

called NF kappa-B. Plus, an important part of the good news reported

in this study is the fact that although curcumin has been found to be

safe at very large doses, this component of turmeric was effective at

a concentration as low as 0.25 per cent¡ªan amount easily supplied by

simply enjoying turmeric in flavorful curries.

Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis

 

Clinical studies have substantiated that curcumin also exerts very

powerful antioxidant effects. As an antioxidant, curcumin is able to

neutralize free radicals, chemicals that can travel through the body

and cause great amounts of damage to healthy cells and cell

membranes. This is important in many diseases, such as arthritis,

where free radicals are responsible for the painful joint

inflammation and eventual damage to the joints. Turmeric's

combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects explains why

many people with joint disease find relief when they use the spice

regularly. In a recent study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis,

curcumin was compared to phenylbutazone and produced comparable

improvements in shortened duration of morning stiffness, lengthened

walking time, and reduced joint swelling.

 

 

Help for Cystic Fibrosis Sufferers

 

Curcumin, the major constituent of turmeric that gives the spice its

yellow color, can correct the most common expression of the genetic

defect that is responsible for cystic fibrosis, suggests an animal

study published in the April 2004 issue of Science. Cystic fibrosis,

a fatal disease that attacks the lungs with a thick mucus, causing

life-threatening infections, afflicts about 30,000 American children

and young adults, who rarely survive beyond 30 years of age. The

mucus also damages the pancreas, thus interfering with the body¡¯s

ability to digest and absorb nutrients.

 

Researchers now know that cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in

the gene that encodes for a protein (the transmembrane conductance

regulator or CFTR). The CTFR protein is responsible for traveling to

the cell¡¯s surface and creating channels through which chloride ions

can leave the cell. When the protein is abnormally shaped because of

a faulty gene, this cannot happen, so chloride builds up in the

cells, which in turn, leads to mucus production.

 

The most common mutation, which is called DeltaF508, results in the

production of a misfolded protein. When mice with this DeltaF508

defect were given curcumin in doses that, on a weight-per-weight

basis, would be well-tolerated by humans, curcumin corrected this

defect, resulting in a DeltaF508 protein with normal appearance and

function. In addition, the Yale scientists studying curcumin have

shown that it can inhibit the release of calcium, thus allowing

mutated CTFR to exit cells via the calcium channels, which also helps

stop the chloride-driven build up of mucus. Specialists in the

treatment of cystic fibrosis caution, however, that patients should

not self-medicate with dietary supplements containing curcumin, until

the correct doses are known and any adverse interactions identified

with the numerous prescription drugs taken by cystic fibrosis

sufferers.

 

Cancer Prevention

 

Curcumin's antioxidant actions enable it to protect the colon cells

from free radicals that can damage cellular DNA--a significant

benefit particularly in the colon where cell turnover is quite rapid,

occuring approximately every three days. Because of their frequent

replication, mutations in the DNA of colon cells can result in the

formation of cancerous cells much more quickly. Curcumin also helps

the body to destroy mutated cancer cells, so they cannot spread

through the body and cause more harm. A primary way in which curcumin

does so is by enhancing liver function. Additionally, other suggested

mechanisms by which it may protect against cancer development include

inhibiting the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in

tumor formation and preventing the development of additional blood

supply necessary for cancer cell growth.

 

 

Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth and Metastases

 

Epidemiological studies have linked the frequent use of turmeric to

lower rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer, and earlier

laboratory experiments have shown curcumin can prevent tumors from

forming. Now, new research conducted at the University of Texas

suggests that even when breast cancer is already present, curcumin

can help slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs in mice.

 

In this study, published in the September 2005 issue of Biochemical

Pharmacology, human breast cancer cells were injected into mice, and

the resulting tumors removed to simulate a mastectomy.

 

The mice were then divided into four groups. One group received no

further treatment and served as a control. A second group was given

the cancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol); the third got curcumin, and the

fourth was given both Taxol and curcumin.

 

After five weeks, only half the mice in the curcumin-only group and

just 22% of those in the curcumin plus Taxol group had evidence of

breast cancer that had spread to the lungs.

 

But 75% of the mice that got Taxol alone and 95% of the control group

developed lung tumours.

 

How did curcumin help? " Curcumin acts against transcription factors,

which are like a master switch, " says lead researcher, Bharat

Aggarwal. " Transcription factors regulate all the genes needed for

tumors to form. When we turn them off, we shut down some genes that

are involved in the growth and invasion of cancer cells. "

 

In another laboratory study of human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells

published in the September 2005 issue of Biochemical Pharmacology,

University of Texas researchers showed that curcumin inhibits the

activation of NF-kappaB, a regulatory molecule that signals genes to

produce a slew of inflammatory molecules (including TNF, COX-2 and IL-

6) that promote cancer cell growth. In addition, curcumin was found

to suppress cancer cell proliferation and to induce cell cycle arrest

and apoptosis (cell suicide) in the lung cancer cells. Early phase I

clinical trials at the University of Texas are now also looking into

curcumin's chemopreventive and therapeutic properties against

multiple myeloma and pancreatic cancer, and other research groups are

investigating curcumin's ability to prevent oral cancer.

 

 

 

Turmeric and Onions May Help Prevent Colon Cancer

 

Curcumin, a phytonutrient found in the curry spice turmeric, and

quercitin, an antioxidant in onions, reduce both the size and number

of precancerous lesions in the human intestinal tract, shows research

published in the August 2006 issue of Clinical Gasteroenterology and

Hepatology.

 

Five patients with an inherited form of precancerous polyps in the

lower bowel known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) were

treated with regular doses of curcumin and quercetin over an average

of six months. The average number of polyps dropped 60.4%, and the

average size of the polyps that did develop dropped by 50.9%.

 

FAP runs in families and is characterized by the development of

hundreds of polyps (colorectal adenomas) and, eventually, colon

cancer. Recently, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such

as aspirin, ibuprofen) have been used to treat some patients with

this condition, but these drugs often produce significant side

effects, including gastrointestinal ulcerations and bleeding,

according to lead researcher Francis M. Giardiello, M.D., at the

Division of Gastroenterology, Johns Hopkins University.

 

Previous observational studies in populations that consume large

amounts of curry, as well as animal research, have strongly suggested

that curcumin, one of the main ingredients in Asian curries, might be

effective in preventing and/or treating cancer in the lower

intestine. Similarly, quercetin, an anti-oxidant flavonoid found in a

variety of foods including onions, green tea and red wine, has been

shown to inhibit growth of colon cancer cell lines in humans and

abnormal colorectal cells in animals.

 

In this study, a decrease in polyp number was observed in four of

five patients at three months and four of four patients at six

months.

 

Each patient received curcumin (480 mg) and quercetin (20 mg) orally

3 times a day for 6 months. Although the amount of quercetin was

similar to what many people consume daily, the curcumin consumed was

more than would be provided in a typical diet because turmeric only

contains on average 3-5 % curcumin by weight.

 

While simply consuming curry and onions may not have as dramatic an

effect as was produced in this study, this research clearly

demonstrates that liberal use of turmeric and onions can play a

protective role against the development of colorectal cancer. And

turmeric doesn't have to only be used in curries. This spice is

delicious on healthy saut¨¦ed apples, and healthy steamed cauliflower

and/or green beans and onions. Or, for a flavor-rich, low-calorie

dip, try adding some turmeric and dried onion to creamy yogurt.

 

 

 

Turmeric Teams Up with Cauliflower to Halt Prostate Cancer

 

Prostate cancer¡ªthe second leading cause of cancer death in American

men with 500,000 new cases appearing each year¡ªis a rare occurrence

among men in India, whose low risk is attributed to a diet rich in

brassica family vegetables and the curry spice, turmeric.

 

Scientists tested turmeric, a concentrated source of the

phytonutrient curcumin, along with phenethyl isothiocyanates, a

phytochemical abundant in cruciferous vegetables including

cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi and

turnips.

 

When tested singly, both phenethyl isothiocyanate and curcumin

greatly retarded the growth of human prostate cancer cells implanted

in immune-deficient mice. In mice with well-established prostate

cancer tumors, neither phenethyl isothiocyanate nor curcumin by

itself had a protective effect, but when combined, they significantly

reduced both tumor growth and the ability of the prostate cancer

cells to spread (metastasize) in the test animals.

 

The researchers believe the combination of cruciferous vegetables and

curcumin could be an effective therapy not only to prevent prostate

cancer, but to inhibit the spread of established prostate cancers.

Best of all, this combination¡ªcauliflower spiced with turmeric¡ªis

absolutely delicious! For protection against prostate cancer, cut

cauliflower florets in quarters and let sit for 5-10 minutes; this

allows time for the production of phenethyl isothiocyanates, which

form when cruciferous vegetables are cut, but stops when they are

heated. Then sprinkle with turmeric, and healthy saut¨¦ on medium

heat in a few tablespoons of vegetable or chicken broth for 5

minutes. Remove from the heat and top with olive oil, sea salt and

pepper to taste.

 

Reduce Risk of Childhood Leukemia

 

Research presented at a recent conference on childhood leukemia, held

in London, provides evidence that eating foods spiced with turmeric

could reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia. The incidence

of this cancer has risen dramatically during the 20th century, mainly

in children under age five, among whom the risk has increased by more

than 50% cent since 1950 alone. Modern environmental and lifestyle

factors are thought to play a major role in this increase.

 

Childhood leukemia is much lower in Asia than Western countries,

which may be due to differences in diet, one of which, the frequent

use of turmeric, has been investigated in a series of studies over

the last 20 years by Prof. Moolky Nagabhushan from the Loyola

University Medical Centre, Chicago, IL.

 

" Some of the known risk factors that contribute to the high incidence

of childhood leukemia are the interaction of many lifestyle and

environmental factors. These include prenatal or postnatal exposure

to radiation, benzene, environmental pollutants and alkylating

chemotherapeutic drugs. Our studies show that turmeric¡ªand its

colouring principle, curcumin¡ªin the diet mitigate the effects of

some of these risk factors. "

 

Nagabhushan has shown that the curcumin in turmeric can:

 

inhibit the mutagenicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

(carcinogenic chemicals created by the burning of carbon based fuels

including cigarette smoke)

inhibit radiation-induced chromosome damage

prevent the formation of harmful heterocyclic amines and nitroso

compounds, which may result in the body when certain processed foods,

such as processed meat products that contain nitrosamines, are eaten

irreversibly inhibit the multiplication of leukemia cells in a cell

culture

 

 

 

Improved Liver Function

 

In a recent rat study that was conducted to evaluate the effects of

turmeric on the liver's ability to detoxify xenobiotic (toxic)

chemicals, levels of two very important liver detoxification enzymes

(UDP glucuronyl transferase and glutathione-S-transferase) were

significantly elevated in rats fed turmeric as compared to controls.

The researchers commented, " The results suggest that turmeric may

increase detoxification systems in addition to its anti-oxidant

properties...Turmeric used widely as a spice would probably mitigate

the effects of several dietary carcinogens. "

 

Curcumin has been shown to prevent colon cancer in rodent studies.

When researchers set up a study to analyze how curcumin works, they

found that it inhibits free radical damage of fats (such as those

found in cell membranes and cholesterol), prevents the formation of

the inflammatory chemical cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and induces the

formation of a primary liver detoxification enzyme, glutathione S-

transferase (GST) enzymes. When the rats were given curcumin for 14

days, their livers' production of GST increased by 16%, and a marker

of free radical damage called malondialdehyde decreased by 36% when

compared with controls. During this two week period, the researchers

gave the rats a cancer-causing chemical called carbon tetrachloride.

In the rats not fed curcumin, markers of free radical damage to colon

cells went up, but in the rats given turmeric, this increase was

prevented by dietary curcumin. Lastly, the researchers compared

giving turmeric in the diet versus injecting curcumin into the rats'

colons. They found injecting curcumin resulted in more curcumin in

the blood, but much less in the colon mucosa. They concluded, " The

results show that curcumin mixed with the diet achieves drug levels

in the colon and liver sufficient to explain the pharmacological

activities observed and suggest that this mode of administration may

be preferable for the chemoprevention of colon cancer. "

 

Cardiovascular Protection

 

Curcumin may be able to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the

body. Since oxidized cholesterol is what damages blood vessels and

builds up in the plaques that can lead to heart attack or stroke,

preventing the oxidation of new cholesterol may help to reduce the

progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. In

addition, turmeric is a good source of vitamin B6, which is needed to

keep homocysteine levels from getting too high. Homocysteine, an

intermediate product of an important cellular process called

methylation, is directly damaging to blood vessel walls. High levels

of homocysteine are considered a significant risk factor for blood

vessel damage, atherosclerotic plaque build-up, and heart disease;

while a high intake of vitamin B6 is associated with a reduced risk

of heart disease.

 

In research published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and

Pharmacology, when 10 healthy volunteers consumed 500 mg of curcumin

per day for 7 days, not only did their blood levels of oxidized

cholesterol drop by 33%, but their total cholesterol droped 11.63% ,

and their HDL " good " cholesterol increased by 29%! (Soni KB, Kuttan

R).

 

 

How Turmeric Lowers Cholesterol

 

Tumeric¡¯s cholesterol-lowering effects are the result of the curry

spice¡¯s active constituent, curcumin, which research reveals is a

messaging molecule that communicates with genes in liver cells,

directing them to increase the production of mRNA (messenger

proteins) that direct the creation of receptors for LDL (bad)

cholesterol. With more LDL-receptors, liver cells are able to clear

more LDL-cholesterol from the body.

 

LDL-receptor mRNA increased sevenfold in liver cells treated with

curcumin at a concentration of 10 microM, compared to untreated

cells. (Liver cells were found to tolerate curcumin at levels of up

to 12. microM for 24 hours). (Peschel D, Koerting R, et al. J Nutr

Biochem)

 

Practical Tips:

 

Help increase your liver's ability to clear LDL-cholesterol by

relying on turmeric, not just for delicious fish, meat or lentil

curries, but to spice up healthy saut¨¦ed onions, potatoes and/or

cauliflower; or as the key flavoring for a creamy vegetable dip. Just

mix plain yogurt with a little omega-3-rich mayonnaise and turmeric,

salt and pepper to taste. Serve with raw cauliflower, celery, sweet

pepper, jicama and broccoli florets. Be sure to choose turmeric

rather than prepared curry blends. Recent research indicates the

amount of turmeric (and therefore curcumin) in curry blends is often

minimal.(Tayyem RF et al.,Nutr Cancer)

 

For the most curcumin, be sure to use turmeric rather curry powder¡ªa

study analyzing curcumin content in 28 spice products described as

turmeric or curry powders found that pure turmeric powder had the

highest concentration of curcumin, averaging 3.14% by weight. The

curry powder samples, with one exception, contained very small

amounts of curcumin. (Tayyem RF, Heath DD, et al. Nutr Cancer)

 

 

 

Protection against Alzheimer's Disease

 

Growing evidence suggests that turmeric may afford protection against

neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological studies show that in

elderly Indian populations, among whose diet turmeric is a common

spice, levels of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer¡¯s are very

low. Concurrently, experimental research conducted recently found

that curcumin does appear to slow the progression of Alzheimer's in

mice. Preliminary studies in mice also suggest that curcumin may

block the progression of multiple sclerosis. While it is still

unclear how it may afford protection against this degenerative

condition, one theory is that it may interrupt the production of IL-

2, a protein that can play a key role in the destruction of myelin,

the sheath that serves to protect most nerves in the body.

 

 

A number of studies have suggested that curcumin, the biologically

active constituent in turmeric, protects against Alzheimer¡¯s disease

by turning on a gene that codes for the production of antioxidant

proteins. A study published December 2003 in the Italian Journal of

Biochemistry discussed curcumin¡¯s role in the induction of the the

heme oxygenase pathway, a protective system that, when triggered in

brain tissue, causes the production of the potent antioxidant

bilirubin, which protects the brain against oxidative (free radical)

injury. Such oxidation is thought to be a major factor in aging and

to be responsible for neurodegenerative disorders including dementias

like Alzheimer¡¯s disease. Another study conducted jointly by an

Italian and U.S. team and presented at the American Physiological

Society¡¯s annual scientific conference, held April 17-21, 2004 in

Washington, DC, confirmed that curcumin strongly induces expression

of the gene, called hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) in astrocytes from the

hippocampal region of the brain.

 

 

 

Curcumin Crosses Blood-Brain Barrier, May Help Prevent Alzheimer¡¯s

Disease

 

Research conducted at UCLA and published in the December 2004 issue

of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, which has been confirmed by

further research published on-line April 20, 2006, in the Journal of

Agricultural and Food Chemistry, provides insight into the mechanisms

behind curcumin's protective effects against Alzheimer's disease.

 

Alzheimer's disease results when a protein fragment called amyloid¦Â

accumulates in brain cells, producing oxidative stress and

inflammation, and forming plaques between nerve cells (neurons) in

the brain that disrupt brain function. Amyloid is a general term for

protein fragments that the body produces normally. Amyloid¦Â is a

protein fragment snipped from another protein called amyloid

precursor protein (APP). In a healthy brain, these protein fragments

are broken down and eliminated. In Alzheimer's disease, the fragments

accumulate, forming hard, insoluble plaques between brain cells.

 

The UCLA researchers first conducted test tube studies in which

curcumin was shown to inhibit amyloid¦Â aggregation and to dissolve

amyloid fibrils more effectively than the anti-inflammatory drugs

ibuprofen and naproxen. Then, using live mice, the researchers found

that curcumin crosses the blood brain barrier and binds to small ¦Â-

amyloid species.

 

Once bound to curcumin, the amyloid¦Â protein fragments can no longer

clump together to form plaques. Curcumin not only binds to amyloid¦Â,

but also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, supplying

additional protection to brain cells. The results of this research

are so promising, human clinical trials to further investigate

curcumin's potential as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for

Alzheimer's disease will soon be underway.

 

 

 

Turmeric Helps Remove Beta-Amyloid Plaques in Alzheimer's Patients

 

In persons with Alzheimer's disease, immune system cells called

macrophages, which would normally ingest and destroy waste

products¡ªincluding the beta-amyloid proteins that deposit in the

brain forming the plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's¡ª don't work

very well.

 

Research published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, (Zhang L,

Fiala M, et al), indicates that curcuminoids, phytonutrient compounds

found in turmeric that give the spice its yellow color, stimulate the

macrophages of Alzheimer's patients' to clear out beta-amyloid

plaques.

 

Following up on earlier experiments that showed curcuminoids enhanced

clearance of beta-amyloid in animals, researchers at the University

of California-LA, studied the blood of six patients with Alzheimer's

disease, ranging in age from 65 to 84, and three healthy controls.

 

When macrophages were extracted from the subjects' blood and exposed

in the lab to curcumin, the macrophages of three of the Alzheimer's

patients showed greatly improved clearance of beta-amyloid deposits.

The patient's age and how far his or her Alzheimer's had progressed

appeared to influence curcumin's effectiveness, with younger and

early-stage Alzheimer's patients benefiting the most. For one

delicious way to add more turmeric to your healthy way of eating, cut

cauliflower florets in half and healthy saut¨¦ with a generous

spoonful of turmeric for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss

with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

 

Description

 

Turmeric was traditionally called ¡°Indian saffron¡± since its deep

yellow-orange color is similar to that of the prized saffron. It has

been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and

textile dye.

 

Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has a

tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh. This herb has a very

interesting taste and aroma. Its flavor is peppery, warm and bitter

while its fragrance is mild yet slightly reminiscent of orange and

ginger, to which it is related.

 

History

 

Turmeric is native to Indonesia and southern India, where it has been

harvested for more than 5000 years. It has served an important role

in many traditional cultures throughout the East, including being a

revered member of the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. While Arab traders

introduced it into Europe in the 13th century, it has only recently

become popular in Western cultures. Much of its recent popularity is

owed to the recent research that has highlighted its therapeutic

properties. The leading commercial producers of turmeric include

India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Haiti and Jamaica.

 

How to Select and Store

 

Even through dried herbs and spices are widely available in

supermarkets, explore the local spice stores or ethnic markets in

your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of

dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness

than those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried

spices, try to select organically grown turmeric since this will give

you more assurance that the herb has not been irradiated. Since the

color of turmeric varies among varieties, it is not a criterion of

quality. For the most curcumin, be sure to use turmeric rather curry

powder¡ªa study analyzing curcumin content in 28 spice products

described as turmeric or curry powders found that pure turmeric

powder had the highest concentration of curcumin, averaging 3.14% by

weight. The curry powder samples, with one exception, contained very

small amounts of curcumin. (Tayyem RF, Heath DD, et al. Nutr Cancer)

 

Turmeric powder should kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool,

dark and dry place. Fresh turmeric rhizome should be kept in the

refrigerator.

 

How to Enjoy

 

For some of our favorite recipes, click Recipes.

 

Tips for Preparing Turmeric:

Be careful when using turmeric since its deep color can easily stain.

To avoid a lasting stain, quickly wash any area with which it has

made contact with soap and water. To prevent staining your hands, you

might consider wearing kitchen gloves while handling turmeric.

 

If you are able to find turmeric rhizomes in the grocery store, you

can make your own fresh turmeric powder by boiling, drying and then

grinding it into a fine consistency.

 

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:

Add turmeric to egg salad to give it an even bolder yellow color.

 

Mix brown rice with raisins and cashews and season with turmeric,

cumin and coriander.

 

Although turmeric is generally a staple ingredient in curry powder,

some people like to add a little extra of this spice when preparing

curries.

 

Turmeric is a great spice to complement recipes that feature lentils.

 

Give salad dressings an orange-yellow hue by adding some turmeric

powder to them.

 

Safety

 

Turmeric is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to

contain measurable amounts of goitrogens, oxalates, or purines.

 

Nutritional Profile

 

Turmeric is an excellent source of both iron and manganese. It is

also a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber and potassium.

 

For an in-depth nutritional profile Turmeric.

 

In-Depth Nutritional Profile

 

In addition to the nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an in-

depth nutritional profile for Turmeric is also available. This

profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including

carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins,

minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.

Introduction to Food Rating System Chart

 

The following chart shows the nutrients for which this food is either

an excellent, very good or good source. Next to the nutrient name you

will find the following information: the amount of the nutrient that

is included in the noted serving of this food; the %Daily Value (DV)

that that amount represents; the nutrient density rating; and the

food's World's Healthiest Foods Rating. Underneath the chart is a

table that summarizes how the ratings were devised. Read detailed

information on our Food and Recipe Rating System.

Turmeric, powder

2.00 tsp

4.52 grams

16.04 calories

Nutrient Amount DV

(%) Nutrient

Density World's Healthiest

Foods Rating

manganese 0.36 mg 18.0 20.2 excellent

iron 1.88 mg 10.4 11.7 excellent

vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 0.08 mg 4.0 4.5 good

dietary fiber 0.96 g 3.8 4.3 good

potassium 114.48 mg 3.3 3.7 good

World's Healthiest

Foods Rating Rule

excellent DV>=75% OR Density>=7.6 AND DV>=10%

very good DV>=50% OR Density>=3.4 AND DV>=5%

good DV>=25% OR Density>=1.5 AND DV>=2.5%

 

In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Turmeric

 

 

 

 

 

, " Dyan "

<dyanbuffa wrote:

>

> Hi Diana,

>

> I sprinkle turmeric on everything even my morning veggie/fruit

> smoothie. I

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Turmeric in plain yogurt is delicious! Try it!

 

Linda

 

-------------- Original message ----------------------

" Dyan " <dyanbuffa

> Hi Diana,

>

> I sprinkle turmeric on everything even my morning veggie/fruit

> smoothie.

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Guest guest

I am certainly glad I love the taste of turmeric. It appears to be

good for everything. Thanks for the information.

 

Hi Linda,

 

I use nonfat yogurt for a lot of things and always put a dash of

turmeric and pepper into it to spice it up. I love the taste and the

color and just seem to like a dash on everything.

 

Dyan

 

, " montaraspeaks "

<MontaraSpeaks wrote:

>

> Health Benefits

>

> Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the bright yellow of the spice rainbow, is

> a powerful medicine that has long been used in the Chinese and

Indian

> systems of medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat a wide

> variety of conditions, including flatulence, jaundice, menstrual

> difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest

> pain, and colic.

>

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Turmeric is derived from a plant. Plants have no ability to manufacture

inorganic compounds in themselves. However, a particular plant may

process fluorides better than another if they are present in the soil.

If you read Dr. Joel Wallach's book, " Rare Earths, Forbidden Cures " , you

will get some clever insight into this process. When you Googled

Turmeric, you got several pages telling you about its marvelous

effects. Read a few. Plant based minerals are generally not a

concern, but their medicinal effects are often quite impressive.

 

Turmeric is one of the more impressive of these natural gifts. Read,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric_powder

I quote, " Turmeric contains up to 5% essential oils

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil> and up to 3% curcumin

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curcumin>, a polyphenol

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphenol>. It is the active substance of

turmeric and it is also known as C.I. 75300, or Natural Yellow 3. The

systematic chemical name is

(1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione.

 

It can exist at least in two tautomeric

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tautomerism> forms, keto and enol. The

keto form is preferred in solid phase and the enol form in solution. "

 

All raw metallic minerals are to avoided as Dr. Wallach tells you. Many

are poisonous to your system... iron. sodium, and fluoride are good

examples. In the case of fluoride, your concern should be with waste

products from commercial processes... which is what all of the fuss is

about, not plant based fluoride in small quantities.

 

 

 

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Deb,

 

My opinion is that you should not have to worry about flouride from

turmeric. Tumeric is a naturally occuring spice used by Indians

primarily for thousand of years. Below is some related information

extracted from Time Magazine. The article Margot Roosevelt

(2005), " Not in my Water Supply " , Vol 166, Issue 17,pp62-63.

 

 

Ingested in high doses, fluoride is indisputably toxic; it was once

commonly used in rat poison. Hydrogen fluoride is regulated as a

hazardous pollutant in emissions from chemical plants and has been

linked to respiratory illness. Even in toothpaste, sodium fluoride is

a health concern. In 1997 the Food and Drug Administration toughened

the warning on every tube to read, " If more than used for brushing is

accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a poison-control

center right away. "

 

The most recent-and controversialcharge links fluoridation with bone

cancer. In June the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a watchdog

organization, petitioned the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to

list fluoride in tap water as a carcinogen. The group cited " decades

of peer-review studies " on fluoride's " ability to mutate DNA and its

known deposition on the ends of growing bones, the site of

osteosarcoma " -a rare, often fatal cancer that affects mainly boys.

 

Federal health officials view those concerns as exaggerated. Current

standards rely on a 1993 review of published studies by the National

Academy of Sciences, which found " no credible evidence for an

association between fluoride in drinking water and the risk of

cancer. " The academy has launched a new review to be released in

February.

 

Meanwhile, unions representing 7,000 employees at the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) have waded into the debate. The optimal level

of fluoride in water, according to the CDC, is between 0.7 and 1.2

parts per million. In 1985 political appointees at the EPA raised the

acceptable level of fluoride in drinking water to 4 p.p.m., over

objections from agency scientists.

 

All this makes for a potent mix, especially when filtered through the

Internet, where health-safety concerns tend to get amplified.

 

 

If you require specific research-based information from journals,you

may consider registering at

 

http://www.yourorganicdepot.com/contactus.php

 

All the best for health!

 

Pascal Xavier.

 

 

 

 

 

, Carriage

<carriage wrote:

>

> deb3857wick wrote:

> >

> > I goggled turmeric and found out that it has high levels of

floride in

> > it. Was anyone else aware of that?

> >

> > Deb

> I'm wondering if this is naturally occurring fluoride and would it

be

> different than a toxic fluoride by product as in aluminum smelting.

> My instincts are that this is most probably true, but I will wait

for

> others more knowledgeable to weigh in.

>

> Bb

>

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