Page 41 - FoodFocusThailand No.168 March 2020

STRATEGIC R & D

Anti-inflammatory Properties
The Arthritis Foundation cites several studies in which
turmeric has reduced inflammation. This anti-inflammatory
ability might reduce the aggravation that people with
arthritis feel in their joints. The foundation suggests taking
turmeric capsules of 400 to 600 milligrams (mg) up to
three times per day for inflammation relief.
Pain Relief
Turmeric is thought of as a pain reliever. The spice is
reputed to relieve arthritis pain as well. Studies seem to
support turmeric for pain relief, with one study noting that
it seemed to work as well as ibuprofen (Advil) in people
with arthritis in their knees. Though dosing
recommendations seem to vary, those who participated
in the study took 800 mg of turmeric in capsule form each
day.
Improving Liver Function
Turmeric has been getting attention recently because of
its antioxidant abilities. The antioxidant effect of turmeric
appears to be so powerful that it may stop your liver from
being damaged by toxins. This could be good news for
people who take strong drugs for diabetes or other health
conditions that might hurt their liver with long-term use.
Possibly Reducing the Risk of Cancer
Curcumin shows promise as a cancer treatment. Studies
suggest it has protective effects against pancreatic
cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma.

Digestion
Turmeric adds flavor to food, which explains its presence
in curry powder. However, turmeric can also play an
important role in digesting that food. The spice can
contribute to healthy digestion as a result of its antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a digestive
healing agent. Western medicine has now begun to study
how turmeric can help with gut inflammation and gut
permeability, two measures of digestive efficiency. The
spice is even being explored as a treatment for irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS).
Negative Side Effects of Turmeric
While turmeric does provide potential health benefits, it
creates some risks that are worth considering before
consuming large amounts. The same agents in turmeric
that support digestive health can irritate when taken in
large amounts. Some participants in studies looking at
the use of turmeric for cancer treatment had to drop out
because their digestion was so negatively affected.
Turmeric stimulates the stomach to produce more gastric
acid. While this helps some people’s digestion, it can
negatively affect others.

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