Tumeric Article Review

Dr. Mercola’s article “Tumeric- The Spice of Life”, discusses the various health benefits of the health benefits of tumeric. Tumeric is a yellow-pigmented curry spice used in Indian cooking, as well as Eastern medicine. Curcumin is the medicinal compound in tumeric, that is extracted for its health benefits. It is what gives tumeric its yellow color. Dr. Mercola discusses a number of different mechanisms of action for curcumin. Curcumin has the ability to modulate about 700 genes, as well as 160 different physiological pathways. Mercola presents a 2011 study, published by Natural Product Reports, that states curcumin can be therapeutic for lung and liver, neurological, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory and metabolic diseases.

The neurological benefits of curcumin are outlined, identifying what makes it so beneficial. Curcumin is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, which has led researchers to believe there is potential as a protective agent for disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which implies it may also promote general brain health. Dr. Mercola notes that curcumin may also be beneficial to those with osteoarthritis. He cites research that found that tumeric blocked inflammatory pathways, thus preventing the launch of a protein that triggers pain and swelling.

Dr. Mercola states that one of tumeric’s greatest benefits is its potent anti-cancer activity. The research isn’t cited, however, Mercola notes that research has shown that curcumin works synergistically with certain chemotherapies, and enhancing the elimination of cancer cells. Curcumin also possesses anti-microbial activity, and may be useful against health issues caused by h. pylori. Dr. Mercola states, that according to a 2009 study, curcumin effectively stops the growth of h. pylori.

Dr. Mercola concludes the article with suggestions for therapeutically using...