Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the distinctive yellow-orange spice that lends flavor to curries and other ethnic dishes, may do a lot more than jazz up food, research shows. The health benefits of turmeric are numerous, and since it is a natural food substance, this powdery spice can be safely ingested on food or in the form of supplements.

Recent attention has been given to turmeric’s flu-fighting potency. Curcuminoids, which are the active ingredients in turmeric, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thus making them useful in both prevention and intervention. Other properties that continue to be discovered include antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-mutagen and anti-cancer.

1. Inflammation of the Joints - Turmeric can significantly reduce the pain felt by rheumatoid arthritis patients.
   
   
2. Flu Protection - Turmeric possesses anti-viral properties helpful in protecting against numerous flu strains, thus preventing its replication in the body.
   
   
3. Cardiovascular Health - A clinical study has shown that turmeric lessens cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
   
   
4. Fights Cancer - Preliminary studies point to its ability to slow down the growth of certain types of tumors. Plus, demographic research points to the observation that people living in areas where turmeric is a favored spice – like India – have the lowest cancer rates in the world.
   
   
5. Weight Loss and Weight Management - Turmeric promotes faster fat metabolism. In fact, many weight loss supplements contain turmeric as an active ingredient.
   
   
6. Digestive System Protection -Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric lessens the congestion and inflammation brought by stagnant mucous membranes in addition to stimulating gastric mucous production. As such, it is very useful in people with irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn’s Disease and diarrhea.
   
   
7. Pain Reliever - Turmeric acts as a natural pain reliever due to its anti-spasmodic properties, which means that it can smoothen the kinks in the muscles as well as reduce digestive and menstrual cramping.
   
   
8. Wound Healing - Due to its antiseptic properties, turmeric promotes faster wound healing. Just apply to the affected area to generate the best results.
   
   
9. Protection Against Asthma Attacks - Strengthens the lungs against the onslaught of asthma attacks.
   
   
10. Blood Sugar Stabilization - Turmeric assists in stabilizing blood sugar levels, especially in diabetes.