Turmeric in the fight against heart disease and neurological disorders

This week we have been discussing the health benefits of Turmeric, Curcuma longa.  In addition to the antioxidant and anticancer benefits of Curcumin, the active ingredient of Turmeric, research shows that it may also be able to help in the prevention of heart disease as well as degenerative neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

Research shows Curcumin is able to lower cholesterol and prevents the oxidation of cholesterol.  Why is this important, I hear you ask?  Oxidised cholesterol leads to damage of blood vessels and builds up in the plaques that may lead to heart attach or stroke.  By preventing the oxidation of new cholesterol, we may see a reducing in the progression of atherosclerosis and also diabetic heart disease.  Surely, a simple spice, with it’s Curcumin easy to buy and to use is an easy option.

Population studies of elderly Indian population, where the diet Turmeric is a common spice reveals very low levels of neurological complaints such as Alzheimer’s.  Other studies have shown that Curcumin slows the progression of Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis in mice.