Q. Could you please respond to all of the articles that I’ve been reading lately that hail turmeric as a powerful herb for its anti-inflammatory abilities, cancer prevention abilities and much more?
A. Turmeric has been used as a spice in Indian cooking for centuries. It adds the yellow color and distinctive flavor to curry.
Researchers have been studying an ingredient in turmeric called curcumin. This compound has antioxidant activity and also has strong anti-inflammatory properties. In rats, curcumin reduces precancerous lesions and colon cancers.
Readers of this column tell us it helps prevent boils and relieve arthritis and back pain. Others report that yellow mustard (which contains turmeric) can alleviate heartburn and flatulence.
