Turmeric is often used in Indonesia and Southeast Asia as an ayurvedic medicine, although most western cultures use it as an ingredient for additional spice in their meals.
But turmeric actually has more to offer than most would expect: not only is it anti-inflammatory and a natural antioxidant, it can help numerous chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia.
What's even more amazing about turmeric is its ability "to significantly lower the DNA mutating ability of cancer-causing substances" with less than a teaspoon per day, according to Living Traditionally.
UCLA researchers discovered that the primary element in turmeric, called curcumin, has proven to block cancer cell growth.
The study, comprising of 21 participants with head and neck cancers, involved participants to take two chewable tablets, each having 1,000 milligrams of curcumin.
Results show that the enzymes responsible for cancer spread and growth that were found in the participants' mouths were repressed, all thanks to the curcumin tablets.
Furthermore, another study found that cancerous cells were even likely to die, as per Living Traditionally:
"A recent study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, for instance, found that a dose-dependent administration of curcumin effectively activated apoptosis of liver cancer cells, meaning it prompted these harmful cells to die."
However, in order to fully grab the most benefits out of these cancer-blocking properties of turmeric, the curcumin or the turmeric has to be of high quality and in the form that could optimize absorption by the body.
Keep in mind that turmeric is easily dissolved in fat (fat-soluble), so without the fat, the curcumin will have a more difficult time getting past the gastro-intestinal system, and ultimately, into the blood (which is where you want it to go for maximum benefits).
To fully optimize the health benefits of turmeric and curcumin, mix the spice with a healthy fat before actually heating it.
