Comprehensive Guide To Turmeric

Uncommon Uses

Some individuals use turmeric supplements in the treatment of depression and dementia. Like prescription antidepressants, studies indicate that curcumin can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. A six-week study of sixty individuals with depression found curcumin was comparable to fluoxetine in reducing depression symptoms.

Depression patients typically have low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Scientists believe that this may contribute to a reduction in the size of the hippocampus in these patients. Curcumin improves levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Experts believe that this could reverse some of the impacts depression has on the brain. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier. Research indicates it can help clear the amyloid plaques in the brain that are heavily involved in Alzheimer's disease.

Continue reading to reveal the health benefits of turmeric next.

Health Benefits

Turmeric supplements are believed to have other health benefits as well, many of which are currently being evaluated. For example, some patients use the supplements to treat stomach ulcers. Anecdotal evidence suggests individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or prediabetes may also benefit from supplementation with turmeric. In the past, turmeric has been used in alternative medicine as a treatment for tuberculosis. Studies suggest it could also be effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Laboratory tests and animal studies have shown curcumin reduces the growth of cancerous cells. Research indicates the supplement also reduces both the growth of new blood vessels within tumors and the spreading of cancer to other parts of the body. In a four-week study of forty-four males with precancerous growths in the colon, taking four grams of curcumin each day reduced the number of these lesions by forty percent. Scientists believe that curcumin may be particularly beneficial in treating cancers of the digestive system. Studies are now underway to investigate this more closely.

Learn about the potential risks linked to turmeric next.