Turmeric Benefits

Health Benefits of Turmeric Are there any Side Effects of Turmeric? In recent years, turmeric benefits have captured the attention of Western scientists and herbalists. However, this herb held a place of honor in India's traditional Ayurvedic medicine because they have always known the magical medicinal powers of turmeric. Before we delve into the health benefits of turmeric, including the possible side effects of turmeric, we would like to share with you a little about its healing history and traditional turmeric benefits. Turmeric is a perennial shrub that is grown in India and other tropical areas of Asia. It was long used as a hot yellow spice to flavor Indian cuisine. In addition, it was added to a variety of mustards to give them a potent "bite." In India's traditional Ayurvedic medicine turmeric was a symbol of prosperity - it was considered a whole body cleansing herb. Medically, it was used as an aid for digestive disturbances and as a treatment for fever, infections, dysentery, arthritis, jaundice and other liver problems. The traditional Chinese physicians also used turmeric medically to treat liver and gallbladder problems, stop bleeding, and relieve chest congestion and menstrual discomforts.

How Can Turmeric BenefitsBenefit You?

The Health Benefits of Turmeric.

The health benefits of turmeric lie in theactive ingredient called curcumin. This powerful compound gives turmeric its therapeutic benefits, its yellow color, and its pungent flavor. More specifically,curcumin harbors antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stomach-soothing, and liver-and heartprotecting effects. Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and it may also stimulate the adrenal glands to increase production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. It is often used to ease joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, it is also used to reduce joint pain and in inflammation in other disorders as well. Turmeric (curcumin) also harbors rich stores of antioxidants.Antioxidants are disease-fighting substances that mop up the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells as they travel through the body and are responsible forpremature aging and diseases such as cancer if left unchecked. In fact, Naturopaths often recommend turmeric for situations in which high concentrations of antioxidants are required.

Studies with animals show that turmeric benefits liver health. Several animal studies suggest that turmeric protects the liver from the damaging effects of certain toxins, including alcohol. These findings certainly lend credence to the herb's history of use in liver aliments. Among the many health benefits of turmeric, is that it harborsantiplatelet activity. The herb reduces the ability of the blood to form clots and, as such, this action may improve circulation as well as offer some protection against heart attacks and strokes. If you suffer from digestive problems this may be the herb for you. Turmeric helps digest fats by stimulating the flow of bile. No wander it was used traditionally as a digestive aid. Laboratory studies indicate that curcumin has anti-cancer activity. More specifically, it destroys some types of cancer cells. For example, in the laboratory, curcumin kills cultures of human leukemia cells. This action may be due to turmeric's antioxidant properties or some other anticancer activity. Needless to say, more research is needed to determine turmeric benefits as a potential cancer agent. Other possible health benefits of turmeric: May help fight bacteria infections. May offer cataracts prevention through its antioxidant properties. Bottom line........ More research is required to substantiate all of turmeric's purported health benefits. On the other hand, it wouldn't hurt to add it to your spice rack.

Precautions and Side Effects of Turmeric

Indeed, the possible turmeric benefits are substantial, but it is always good to be informed of possible side effects. Turmeric is considered asafe herb. However, prolong use of higher than recommended doses can cause stomach upset and other gastrointestinal disturbances. There is no RDA (recommended daily allowance) on turmeric because it is not considered an essential nutrient. However, a typical adult dosage as a stand-alone supplement is 400 to 600 of curcumin a day. The following people should avoid the use of turmeric. People with congestive heart disease whose cause remains unidentified. People with painful gallstones, obstructive jaundice, acute bilious colic, or extremely toxic liver disorders. The following people should speak with a physician before starting any supplementation.

 Pregnant women, women who are trying to conceive or women that have a history of fertility problems. Women who are nursing. People with a blood-clotting disorder. People on any type of medication. People with health conditions.

ayenne [red pepper or chili pepper, Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens], closely related to bell peppers, jalapes, paprika, and other similar peppers, was first discovered in South America and has become popular as food and spicy. Cayenne may have health benefits or support on various digestive conditions including stomachaches, cramping and gas. Cayenne has also been applied topically for pain, psoriasis, arthritis and shingles. Lalitha Thomas, author for '10 Essential Herbs' [second ed., Hohm Press, 1996] states: For cayenne to be the number one healer of bleeding ulcers in the digestive tract, cayenne must be in its dried and uncooked form and in the proper dosage. Nutritional Values Cavenne pepper is a good source of manganese, dietary fibers, vitamins A, B 6 and C. Traditional Uses of Cayenne. Traditional Uses Cayenne has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb to relieve gastrointestinal disorders and other circulatory related syndromes. Cayenne has also been considered as a first aid prior to medical treatment for bleeding. With no scientific supports, cayenne mixed with grape juice has been used for caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Active Ingredients and Health Benefits; Research finds. The active ingredient of cayenne is capsaicin; it is a resinous and pungent substance. This is what gives cayenne the ability to relieve pain and itching from various conditions when applied externally to the skin. [1-13] In a study, cayenne has been shown to relieve migraines and headaches. [14-15]. A study has demonstrated the benefits of capsaicin injection on symptom improvement of bladder dysfunctions. [16] Two studies suggest that large consumption of cayenne pepper may help weight loss

or even obesity prevention. [17-18]. Cayenne Pepper Weight Loss A database search was conducted regarding evidence for effectiveness, safety precautions, and side effects for the 10 ingredients that appeared most often across products. Modest evidence of effectiveness exists for green tea (Camellia sinensis), chromium picolinate, and ma huang (Ephedra major). For the remaining seven (ginger root, guarana, hydroxycitric acid, white willow, Siberian ginseng, cayenne [Capsicum annuum], and bitter orange/zhi shi, inadequate or negative evidence exists. This work is done by Sharpe PA and co-workers at University of South Carolina. [22] In a study, 27 subjects were randomized to three weeks of negative and three weeks of positive energy balance during which capsaicin, green tea, CH-19 sweet pepper, capsaicin+green tea or placebo was ingested on ten separate test days. CH-19 sweet pepper and a combination of capsaicin and green tea reduced energy intake during positive energy balance. Capsaicin and green tea suppressed hunger and increased satiety more during negative than during positive energy balance. Thus, bioactive ingredients may therefore be beneficial in reducing energy intake and might support weight loss periods. [23] Cayenne Pepper Cancer Marketers have promoted cayenne pepper as anti-cancer agent --- "The purported health benefits of cayenne are almost too unbelieveable, Cayenne pepper can do everything from kill cancer cells in the prostate, lungs, and pancreas to immediately stop a heart attack within 30 seconds." However, the cayenne pepper may not have such benefits but it may actually be a carcinogenic agent. Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the principal pungent component in hot peppers, including red chili peppers, jalapeos, and habaneros. Capsaicin has a long and convoluted history of controversy about whether its consumption or topical application is entirely safe. Conflicting epidemiologic data and basic research study results suggest that capsaicin can act as a carcinogen or as a cancer preventive agent. Capsaicin is unique among naturally occurring irritant compounds because the initial neuronal excitation evoked is followed by a long-lasting refractory period, during which the previously excited neurons are no longer responsive to a broad range of stimuli. This process is referred to as desensitization and has been exploited for its therapeutic potential. Capsaicin-containing creams have

been in clinical use for many years to relieve a variety of painful conditions. However, their effectiveness in pain relief is also highly debated and some side effects have been reported. In fact, chronic, longterm topical application of capsaicin increased skin carcinogenesis in mice treated with a tumor promoter. These results might imply that caution should be exercised when using capsaicin-containing topical applications in the presence of a tumor promoter, such as, for example, sunlight. Further, capsaicin side effect can be very serious, as it may be a cause for gastric cancer. Please, read: capsaicin and red chili pepper-benefits or side effects

Cayenne Pepper Side Effects, Warnings and Interactions. Side effects are limited for external uses of cayenne cream. [20] Some people may experience allergic reaction as a side effect. In a double-blind study of 15 subjects with heartburn, supplementation with 833 mg of cayenne caused abdominal pain in two of them. [19] Long-term consumption of large amounts of cayenne pepper is linked to stomach cancer. [21]