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When you think of spices that add flavor to your food and also offer health benefits, turmeric is a top choice. Often called “the Indian saffron”, this bright yellow spice enhances the flavor of curries. It can help fight cancer. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is becoming important in the treatment and prevention of cancer. But how does this golden spice help reduce inflammation and fight cancer?
What are the benefits of curcumin present in turmeric?
Curcumin, also known as diferruloylmethane, is the substance that gives turmeric its bright yellow color and its health benefits. Research from the National Cancer Institute shows that countries where people consume 100-200 mg of curcumin per day have lower rates of certain cancers, such as breast, bowel, stomach, and skin cancer. This information prompts consideration of how increased intake of curcumin may improve health.
“Curcumin can slow the growth and spread of cancer cells. It works by blocking certain chemicals that help cancer grow,” surgical oncologist Dr. Saurabh Kumar Arora tells Health Shots. This is especially important during treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as curcumin may increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to these treatments, increasing their overall effectiveness.
What is the role of curcumin in cancer?
How does curcumin help treat cancer? Dr. Arora explained several important ways in which curcumin works. “First, it acts as a strong antioxidant, protecting healthy cells from the harmful effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This has two benefits: curcumin not only increases the effectiveness of conventional treatments but also reduces their side effects.”
Curcumin helps protect against cancer and may slow the transformation of healthy cells into cancer cells. It works by blocking harmful chemicals that cause cancer. “Curcumin is an integral part of cancer prevention; even if cancer has already developed, it can slow tumor growth and prevent cancer from spreading to other organs,” the doctor says.
Pancreatic cancer is known to be very aggressive and difficult to treat. A new research journal, Foods, suggests that a compound called curcumin, found in turmeric, may help fight this disease. Dr. Arora explains that a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that curcumin can reduce the levels of certain substances in the body, such as NF-κB, COX-2 and IL-6, which promote pancreatic cancer cell growth and metastasis. By halting their growth and preventing their spread to other parts of the body, curcumin offers hope to patients facing this challenging diagnosis.
How to consume curcumin daily?
Including curcumin in your daily diet is easy and beneficial. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers curcumin to be safe. This makes it a reliable part of your nutrition plan. A safety study published in Phytotherapy Research shows that curcumin is generally well tolerated with few adverse effects. This makes it a safe option for people who want to improve their health.
Dr. Arora recommends people take around 500-2,000 mg of curcumin daily for best health benefits. Achieving this amount by consuming raw turmeric can be challenging; Therefore, natural curcumin supplements or capsules are a viable option. However, it is important to talk to a health care professional before starting any supplements, especially if you are taking them long-term, as every person’s needs may be different.
Turmeric and curcumin may help fight cancer and reduce inflammation; However, these should be used alongside conventional treatments as well as alternatives to them. This includes lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet with enough fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, and managing stress.
,Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you have about a medical condition.)
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