A study from Thailand suggests that curcumins, components of the yellow spice turmeric, may be beneficial after heart bypass surgery. The research was conducted in 120 heart patients. Half got capsules containing curcumins, while the other half got a look-alike placebo. Only 13 percent of those taking curcumin compounds had a heart attack during their post-surgical hospitalization. The rate for patients on placebo was 30 percent. That is a significant reduction.
Curcumin is known to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that may explain its benefit for these heart surgery patients. Doctors will want to see further research to confirm these results before adopting curcurmin as a treatment. The side effects of the high dose used in this study are unknown, but some people experience digestive distress when taking large amounts of turmeric. Although experts don’t recommend patients take curcumin capsules on their own, eating curry isn’t likely to be harmful.
