Turmeric health benefits: Turmeric and curcumin: How this common spice may help fight cancer and reduce inflammation
According to Hindustan Times, research conducted by the National Cancer Institute says that people who take 100-200 mg of curcumin every day have a lower risk of breast, bowel, stomach and skin cancer. These lower cancer rates are seen in countries where curcumin intake in daily foods is common.
Curcumin and cancer protection
Surgical oncologist Dr Saurabh Kumar Arora explains that curcumin can slow the growth and spread of cancer cells. “Curcumin can slow the growth and spread of cancer cells. It works by blocking certain chemicals that help cancer progress,” says Dr Arora. Curcumin is especially useful during chemotherapy and radiotherapy because it may make cancer cells more sensitive to these treatments.
This increased sensitivity may improve how well standard cancer treatments work. Dr Arora says curcumin works as a powerful antioxidant that protects healthy cells during cancer treatment. “It primarily acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting healthy cells from the harmful effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” explains the Hindustan Times.
Curcumin also helps reduce side effects caused by cancer treatments. The compound helps prevent healthy cells from turning into cancer cells by blocking harmful chemicals in the body. “Curcumin is integral to cancer prevention; even if cancer has already developed, it can slow tumor growth and stop cancer from spreading to other organs,” says Dr Saurabh.
Curcumin and pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat cancers. A research journal called Foods suggests that curcumin may help fight pancreatic cancer. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that curcumin reduces substances such as NF-κB, COX-2, and IL-6, as noted by the Hindustan Times. These substances are known to promote the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer throughout the body. By reducing these substances, curcumin can slow tumor growth and prevent the spread of cancer.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers curcumin safe for consumption. This makes curcumin a reliable addition to the daily diet. A safety study published in Phytotherapy Research says curcumin is well tolerated and has few side effects. As mentioned in a report by Hindustan Times, Dr Saurabh Kumar Arora recommends taking 500-2,000 mg of curcumin per day for its health benefits. It may be difficult to get this amount from raw turmeric alone. Therefore, curcumin supplements or capsules may be a practical option. Doctors recommend talking to a healthcare professional before starting supplements, especially for long-term use. Experts say that turmeric and curcumin should support cancer treatment, not replace medical treatments. They work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress control.
FAQ
Q1. Can turmeric help treat cancer?
Yes, turmeric contains curcumin, which, doctors explain, may help slow the growth of cancer and support treatments such as chemotherapy.
Q2. Is it safe to take curcumin every day?
Yes, curcumin is considered safe by the FDA and is generally well tolerated when taken in the right amount.
