Health Benefits of Turmeric: Can it be used to Prevent or Treat Cancer

May 25, 2023

Introduction

Turmeric is a spice that has been used for thousands of years in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine, as well as traditional medicine. It is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is a member of the ginger family. Turmeric has a bright yellow-orange colour and a warm, bitter taste, which makes it a popular ingredient in curries, soups, and other dishes. Apart from its culinary uses, another promising benefit of taking turmeric is the plant’s naturally-occurring compound, Curcumin, and it’s potential anti-cancer properties. While most studies on the anti-cancer effects of curcumin have been conducted in animals or in laboratory settings, some clinical trials have shown promising results in humans as well. Curcumin has been shown to have several anti-cancer effects, including inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells, inducing cancer cell death (apoptosis), and preventing the formation of new blood vessels in tumours (angiogenesis).

In this article, we will explore the health benefits of turmeric, how it works, and how to incorporate it into your diet.

Cancer is a complex disease that arises from the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. There are many types of cancer, and each type has its own unique characteristics and challenges for treatment. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that turmeric and curcumin may have anti-cancer properties that could be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of various types of cancer.

What are the benefits of taking turmeric and what benefit for cancer patients?

While turmeric and curcumin should not be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments, they may have potential as a complementary therapy. Curcumin has been shown to have several anti-cancer effects. What benefits do cancer patients get from curcumin? Curcumin, which is a naturally occurring compound found in turmeric, can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, induce cancer cell death (apoptosis), and prevent the formation of new blood vessels in tumours (angiogenesis). It can also enhance the immune system's ability to recognise and attack cancer cells.

One of the most promising health benefits of turmeric for cancer patients is its potential to reduce inflammation. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to side effects such as fatigue, pain, and swelling. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce these side effects and improve quality of life for cancer patients.

For example, a study published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research found that curcumin reduced the number of precancerous lesions in the colon in people at high risk of developing colon cancer. Another study published in the same journal found that curcumin was safe and well-tolerated in people with advanced pancreatic cancer and may have some anti-tumour effects.

Turmeric and Cancer

Despite its potential health benefits, there is a myth that turmeric promotes lung cancer. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, several studies have suggested that turmeric may have a beneficial effect on lung health, including reducing inflammation in the lungs and improving lung function as well as suggesting that turmeric may have direct anti-cancer effects and shown that curcumin may be effective in the prevention and treatment of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, prostate, lung, and skin cancer. A study published in the journal Cancer Letters found that curcumin could inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells in mice. Other studies have suggested that curcumin may be effective against prostate cancer, lung, skin and pancreatic cancer. Another study published in the journal BioFactors found that curcumin inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells and induced apoptosis in those cells.

It is important to note that while turmeric and curcumin may have potential anti-cancer effects, they should not be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. These treatments have been rigorously tested and proven to be effective in many cases and should always be considered first-line options for cancer treatment.

Turmeric capsules benefits are a simple and tasty way of incorporating turmeric into a healthy diet to get the health benefits of turmeric without having to add it to your meals. While you can certainly incorporate turmeric into your cooking, taking turmeric in a capsule form may be more convenient and provide a more consistent dosage.

Here are some potential turmeric capsules benefits listed below:

Improved absorption: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is not well-absorbed by the body on its own. However, some turmeric capsules like The Golden Paste Companies contain other compounds, such as piperine (found in black pepper), and flax oil that aid the absorption of curcumin. This can make turmeric capsules a more effective way for the body to get the benefits of turmeric.

Convenience: Turmeric capsules are also convenient, as you can take them with you on-the-go and don't have to worry about incorporating turmeric into your meals. This can be especially useful if you're travelling or have a busy schedule.

Dosage control: Taking a turmeric supplement in capsule form also allows you to more easily control the dosage. While you can certainly add turmeric to your meals, it can be difficult to know exactly how much you're consuming. With turmeric capsules, you can follow the recommended dosage on the label to ensure that you're getting the right amount.

Overall, turmeric capsules may be a convenient and effective way to get the benefits of turmeric. However, it is important to choose a high-quality supplement and follow the recommended dosage on the label.

In conclusion, whilst turmeric is a spice with many potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and brain health properties, and that studies on the anti-cancer properties of turmeric have shown promising results, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in humans and their potential role in cancer prevention and treatment. Incorporating turmeric into a healthy diet may be a simple and tasty way to promote overall health and well-being but as always, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any supplements or alternative treatments for cancer.