Healthy Living Makes a Difference

Diet of curry may add health benefits

  • Erika Geisheimer, Blog Coordinator
  • Communications, Good n' Natural Health Food Store

It may be time to load up on curry! Research has shown that turmeric-a dominant ingredient in curry powder-can potentially play a role in preventing inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, some types of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. This deep yellow herb, sometimes used as a substitute for highly prized saffron, is used widely in India as a pungent flavouring for rice, but also as a healing remedy for a variety of ailments.

It appears two components in turmeric are particularly potent-a volatile oil and a pigment called curcumin, both extracted from this herb which grows in Asian countries in the form of a root, much like ginger (in fact they belong to the same family). Curcumin, which provides the beautiful orange-yellow colour to the turmeric root, is the more viable. It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity which means it may be used as an inexpensive and well-tolerated treatment for bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. While it is not certain exactly how curcumin achieves its protective quality, it appears that not a large amount is needed for it to begin its healing work. In other words, even a modest serving of a flavourful curry can have a beneficial effect!

Studies have shown that curcumin has a strong antioxidant presence which means it plays a role in preventing some serious health issues. It is well known that antioxidants protect the body from free radicals that can damage cellular DNA to cause mutations leading to cancer. This seems to be particularly true in organs where cell turnover is rapid such as the colon.

In addition, curcumin seems to be effective in inhibiting the synthesis of protein which are instrumental in tumour formation, and prohibiting the development of blood supply that feed the tumours. Thus some epidemiological studies have linked the frequent use of turmeric to lower rates of breast, prostate and lung cancers.

Painful joint inflammation

Medical experts also attribute painful joint inflammation and eventual damage to the joints in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis to free radicals. As an antioxidant, curcumin has the ability to neutralize free radicals. Some studies have shown that patients with joint pain, stiffness and swelling found improvement after ingesting curcumin.

It comes as almost a surprise that curcumin might be effective in guarding against Alzheimer’s, a neurodegenerative disease that affects memory. One of the reasons North American scientists thought to perform research was because they observed that older people in India had a much lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease that those in the western world. It appears cucumin turns on a gene that codes for the production of antioxidant proteins. Again, the brain is protected against free radicals.

If you enjoy curried dishes, it might be worth your while to eat them often. It should be noted that there are many different types of curry, even though most Canadians know only what comes in the spice mixture found in grocery store shelves. Why not start experimenting with your own curry mixtures which will be far more satisfactory than the common commercially prepared curry powder. Here is one recipe for curry which can be used as directed in recipes: combine 2 tablespoons coriander powder, 1 tablespoon each turmeric and fennel powder, 1 teaspoon cumin and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

While most curries are a good source of turmeric (which contain the active ingredient curcumin), not everyone enjoys the taste. Turmeric, however, can be used with sautéed onions, cooked or roasted cauliflower, egg salad and lentils. Alternately, to get the benefit of curcumin in a concentrated form, look for it in capsule or liquid form. Make sure to read the labels before making a selection: the latest technology uses nano-particles of curcumin encased in a lipid or fat-soluble coating. This ensures the curcumin is readily available to the body, acts quickly and is highly effective.