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What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice grown in
India and other tropical regions of Asia. It has a long
history of use in herbal remedies, particularly in China,
India, and Indonesia. The root and rootstock (rhizome) of
the plant contain the active ingredient, curcumin.
Health
Benefits
Turmeric may prevent and slow
the growth of a number of cancers. Curcumin, the active
ingredient in turmeric, inhibited the formation of
cancer-causing enzymes in rodents, although this has not yet
been tested in humans.
Turmeric may prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's
disease by removing amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, may
prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit
suicide, May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other
inflammatory skin conditions.
Side Effects
People with liver disease should avoid using turmeric
products, as there turmeric extracts may be toxic to the
liver.
Turmeric has anti-clotting
properties that may have an adverse effect if you have a
blood-clotting disorder. It may inhibit platelet aggregation
which may, theoretically, increase the risk of bleeding.
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