Is This “Wonder Spice” Too Good to Be True?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 12, 2017
Q: It seems like all I ever hear about these days is turmeric. Where was this stuff 10 years ago? Can it really do all of the things that people say it does?
— Albert H.
Dr. Scott: Americans have been slow to catch on to the spice turmeric. But it’s been widely used by traditional healers in India for ages.
But I hear what you are saying. Everywhere I look, I see articles about the miracles of turmeric (and its extract called curcumin).
Has it been over-hyped? A bit.
But this spice truly does come with some remarkable health benefits.
To date, there have been over 100 clinical trials on turmeric and curcumin. Here’s what turmeric does REALLY well:
Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric contains polyphenolic compounds that reduced chronic inflammation in several studies. How much turmeric drops inflammation depends a lot on the quality and concentration of the product used in the study.
Eating food containing turmeric will help, but using a concentrated, highly bioavailable curcumin extract will drop inflammation more. If inflammation is something you are looking to control, consider eating a low-inflammatory diet and taking a good turmeric or curcumin supplement.
Pain Reduction: If you are looking for something to erase all pain, you will need to visit your hospital or get a prescription (that may lead to addiction). But, if you have joint pain, back pain, arthritis… any chronic pain – turmeric works wonders. A recent study pitted curcumin against ibuprofen and curcumin worked better (with none of the harmful side effects).
Stops Chronic Diseases: Turmeric is full of antioxidants and other powerful plant nutrients. Research studies show that regular consumption of turmeric can help to reduce heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Great for Your Brain: The antioxidants and curcuminoids in turmeric can help reduce brain damage. Turmeric can help reduce the amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer’s disease. It also improves working memory and it even helps with anxiety. You can keep your brain in shape by taking curcumin, Omega-3 fish oils, and the herb, Bacopa.
Your best way to get turmeric – and the curcumin it contains – is by supplementing.
I recommend 400-800 mg/day of a curcumin extract to see the most benefit.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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