From the rhizomes (root) of this perennial plant found in India, come the highly valued turmeric health benefits. However, turmeric has other talents besides being used for medicine. Turmeric is a fairly new arrival to most Americans spice racks, but it’s been a mainstay flavoring spice of Indian curries for thousands of years. In addition to its role as a flavoring spice, turmeric has a long history of use in India’s Ayurvedic medicine.

Indeed, its arrival here is good news because studies with animals show that this herb has an impressive array of medicinal uses. So, without further adieu, let’s delve into turmeric health benefits.

First, it’s important to note that turmeric’s chief constituent is known as curcumin. However, it also contains volatile oils, which also harbors medicinal effects.

That said, let’s move on to this herbs health benefits.

Turmeric has created a lot of excitement in the natural world of medicine. It’s a potent antioxidant and a powerhouse anti-inflammatory agent. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, which are highly unstable destructive oxygen molecules that can damage cells if left unchecked. Put simply, antioxidants protect the body from the continuous onslaught of free radicals that many experts believe are responsible for premature aging and most diseases, including cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and arthritis if left unchecked.

If you suffer from arthritis, turmeric health benefits may be of interest to you. Turmeric is prized for its ability to fight arthritis. Turmeric is often found in arthritis supplements to help mitigate pain and inflammation. More specifically, test-tube and laboratory studies have confirmed turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity. In addition to arthritis, turmeric may be helpful for other inflammatory conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and joint inflammation.

Many people have specifically expressed an interest about turmeric for tumors. Turmeric is currently being researched for its effects on different types of cancerous tumors. In fact, many laboratory studies have shown that turmeric has anti-cancer activity. In animal studies, turmeric (smartparenting) has been shown to prevent a number of cancers. According to our research, evidence suggests via laboratory data that turmeric (curcumin) can inhibit tumor initiation, promotion, invasion, angiogenesis (growth of new tumor blood vessels), and metastasis (uncontrolled spread).