The power of turmeric indeed wields very strong properties that it contains a very potent antioxidant that not only helps treat pain, but is also good for preventing a lot of diseases, including cancer.
The power of turmeric can be found in curcumin
As many people would know, turmeric is a root crop indigenous to most countries in South Asia and is a popular ingredient in the many cuisines around Asia and even made its way to many countries in Europe like Britain and France.
Turmeric is a root crop that resembles that of ginger, except that it has a rich orange hue and is also used as a main colouring agent for dyes.
Powerful weapon against breast cancer
Professor Martin Widschwendter and his research team from the University College, London, recently undertook an experiment regarding the effects of turmeric in preventing breast cancer among women.
This was based on several studies that show curcumin, a strong antioxidant ingredient found in turmeric has been successful in inhibiting breast cancer cells from metastasizing into full blown cancer.
The development of breast tumour cells to cancer is called DNA methylation, which scientists believe that when intervened just before it activates the cancer cells it can be reversed and prevent cancer from happening.
Together with British news outfit BBC, Widschwendter conducted an experiment involving almost 100 participants that were grouped into three.
One group was asked to take in a teaspoon of ground turmeric powder mixed with food daily for the next six weeks. Another group was made to take it in supplement form with a dosage similar to that of the first group and the third group was asked to take a placebo without them knowing it.
Surprising results
The experiment yielded no effects on those who took turmeric as a supplement and more so with those who took the placebo agent. However, what astounded the researchers was the fact that it dis show significant results on those who took turmeric mixed with food.
“There we saw quite substantial changes. It was really exciting, to be honest. We found one particular gene which showed the biggest difference. And what’s interesting is that we know this particular gene is involved in three specific diseases: depression, asthma and eczema, and cancer. This is a really striking finding,” says Widschwendter.
But why its effects when mixed with food and not when taken directly?
Newscastle University senior lecturer Dr. Kirsten Brandt who took part in the experiment believes that it may have something to do with how it was taken in.
“It could be that adding fat or heating it up makes the active ingredients more soluble, which would make it easier for us to absorb the turmeric. It certainly gives us something, to work on, to try to find out exactly what’s happening,” says Brandt.
She adds that more research needs to be done to explore the other benefits of turmeric, however, the team collectively agree that this is proof that turmeric is indeed good for the body.
The post The Power Of Turmeric May Help Prevent Breast Cancer appeared first on NUTRITION CLUB CANADA.
No comments:
Post a Comment