From beating cancer, helping anti-ageing to reducing cholesterol, we reveal the many health benefits of turmeric
The spice is commonly found in Indian food and is taken from the plant's underground stems
YOUR Friday night curry could be doing you a world of good.
Turmeric – a spice in Indian food taken from the plant’s underground stems – has health benefits and costs just 67p for 100g at Asda. No wonder it has overtaken cinnamon as Waitrose’s best-selling spice.
Here, we reveal why you should spice up your life.
Beats cancer
Turmeric’s anti- inflammatory properties reduce the risk of cancer if consumed regularly. Researchers in Philadelphia found it slowed down tumour growth – and another US study revealed the spice can kill off the disease’s cells.
Treats brain disorders
Eating turmeric helps neurons repair themselves – boosting brainpower. Researchers in Germany said it could help the development of drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease, strokes and other neurological disorders.
Improves memory
Adding just one gram of turmeric to breakfast could help improve the memory of people who are in the very early stages of diabetes and at risk of cognitive impairment, scientists from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, found.
Boosts immune system
A study carried out by Oregon State University in the US found curcumin – a compound found in turmeric – can boost our body’s defence system. It increases levels of a protein that helps prevent infections.
Fights superbugs
Turmeric may help halt the spread of superbugs. A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found serving it to hospital patients every day could inhibit the C. difficile bacterium that causes diarrhoea.