The goal of a holistic cancer coaching program is to fortify the immune system to prevent cancer, while dealing with existing malignancies. The reason cancer is able to develop in the first place is due to the body’s inability to destroy malignant cells faster than they’re created. There are many complementary therapies available, including using superfoods to build up immunity. Keep reading to learn about the health benefits of curcumin for chronic disease.
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What Is Curcumin?
Curcumin is the main curcuminoid in the Indian spice turmeric, a member of the ginger family. If you’ve ever bought turmeric root, you know it looks quite similar to ginger root. Known for its bright yellow color, turmeric has long been used in Asia to treat a variety of conditions. It’s also a popular Ayurvedic medicine.
Curcumin is being researched as a component of holistic cancer care, in part due to its ability to reduce inflammation, a causative factor in the development of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Curcuminoids are natural phenols that give turmeric its signature color. Curcumin is used as an herbal and dietary supplement, in cosmetics, and as a food additive and coloring in prepared foods. Unfortunately, curcumin is difficult to study due to its instability and lack of bioavailability.
Properties of Curcumin
1. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation and combats oxidative stress by fighting free radical damage. It also protects DNA, and boosts the body’s endogenous antioxidant system.
2. Research into curcumin is promising, showing that it has apoptotic properties, reduces angiogenesis, which may prevent metastasis or the spread of cancer.
3. Curcumin is anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, which may explain its efficacy in preventing cancer since infections are an underlying component in its development.
4. Laboratory and animal studies show that curcumin may slow cancer cell and tumor growth, while preventing tumors caused by radiation. The effectiveness of curcumin in treating cancer is inconclusive, however, there is evidence that it may prevent certain types of cancer, including breast and colon carcinomas.
5. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a remarkable pain reliever, rivaling some prescription pain medications. Animal studies are showing curcumin may slow the progression of cancer, while protecting normal cells from radiation damage, and augmenting the effects of chemotherapy.
Turmeric root has an impressive nutritional profile. It’s a good source of dietary fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, E, and K, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium.
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The Health Benefits of Curcumin
Traditionally used as a spice in Indian curry dishes, turmeric is now found in ice cream, lattes, and even chewing gum. With chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease on the rise, people are catching onto the anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties of curcumin. Below is a list of its benefits:
- Reduces inflammation
- Is a potent antioxidant
- Protects DNA
- Is anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
- Prevents angiogenesis
- Stimulates apoptosis
- Is anti-mutagenic
- Decreases depression
- Improves brain function
- Lowers heart disease risk
- Reduces the pain of arthritis
- May prevent Alzheimer’s disease
- Promotes longevity
Curcumin is also beneficial for acne and other inflammatory skin conditions. I’ve heard of people taking it in hopes of clearing their complexions, and they were pleasantly surprised.
What To Look For In A Curcumin Supplement
When looking for a high-quality curcumin supplement, make sure it includes piperine, or BioPerine, which has been found to increase its effectiveness by enhancing absorption up to 2,000%. Curcumin by itself does not absorb very well, but since it’s fat soluble, taking it with a meal that contains fat will also boost effectiveness.
Large doses of curcumin need to be taken if using it for cancer. It also must be taken for several months to see maximum results. Check out the supplements below:
Curcumin C3 Complex with BioPerine
Turmeric Extract (95% Curcuminoids)
Full Spectrum Turmeric Extract
Turmeric Milk Recipe
Here’s an easy recipe for those days when you feel achy, swollen, and inflamed. Turmeric milk will take the edge off sore joints and muscles, soothe annoying coughs, and reduce headache-pain. Here’s how you make it:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk (Use almond or coconut milk if you’re dairy intolerant)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger (use powdered if you don’t have fresh ginger)
- Peppercorns or cardamom
Directions
- Place all ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer the mixture until it almost boils.
- Let stand for a couple of minutes, then add a little honey, maple syrup, Lakanto, or stevia to sweeten.
- Strain if using minced ginger root.
- If you want your milk hot and spicy, add a couple of peppercorns or some cracked cardamom. Peppercorns enhance absorbability or you could add a teaspoon of olive oil for that same purpose.
- Experiment with ingredient amounts until you get the perfect combination.
- Enjoy before bed for a relaxing night’s rest.
Key Points
Can a compound in a household spice really be that powerful? Many people who have used curcumin in conjunction with conventional cancer treatments can attest to its potency in mitigating the damage caused by radiation, while reducing pain and inflammation.
Curcumin is widely available, affordable, and since it’s a natural remedy, is safe to take in high doses. It contains plentiful amounts of bioactive compounds and medicinal properties that support health. Enjoy it in food or as a supplement to take advantage of its nutritional profile and anti-cancer properties. It’s certainly safer than over-the-counter painkillers.
If you or someone you love has cancer, consider incorporating curcumin into your diet and supplementation regimen. Have you used curcumin to treat cancer or other inflammatory conditions? Please share your insights and experiences below.
As a person who suffers from this disease, I enjoyed reading your post. My mother always makes me turmeric milk lattes.
They actually taste really good. But remember for our bodies to digest turmeric, It’s important to add black pepper or olive oil.
Without either of these ingredients, turmeric isn’t digested the way it should be. I love that you’ve posted all the benefits, which I totally back because I have researched the heck out of how to beat cancer.
Thank you. I love turmeric milk. It’s a great pain reliever and is soothing to drink. How awesome that your mom made turmeric lattes for you. I like adding peppercorns to my milk to make it spicier, but to also enhance absorbability.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Really, this is one great article! Being Indian and residing in India, I know that turmeric has played a very important role in Indian kitchens. Without turmeric powder we can’t prepare our daily dishes. Until reading your article, I was ignorant about the health benefits that turmeric offers. In India, we normally find two types of turmeric- one is yellow which is used in our dishes and other is black which is used purely for medicinal purposes.
Thanks for this well informed article.
Thank you so much. I appreciate your input. Turmeric is an amazing spice. I used it just last night in my rice dish. The curcuminoids in turmeric are showing great promise in the realm of chronic disease. I know that many people have found great relief for their arthritic pain and other inflammatory diseases, including cancer.
It’s likely that researchers have just skimmed the surface of what these incredible compounds can do. Thanks so much for reading”)
Hello Dear,
Thanks for this awesome and educational review of the benefits of curcumin for treating cancer. Cancer is one of the major health challenges that people are going through in this modern age, and it doesn’t discriminate in terms of age, gender, or geographical location.
My aunty currently has cancer. I will talk to her about curcumin and it’s many benefits, especially in regard for cancer. I am sure it will prove insightful. Thank you…
Thank you. Yes, cancer is one of the epidemics of our modern age. It touches people of all socioeconomic status, all ages and gender, and doesn’t discriminate in terms of where a person lives. I’m sorry to hear about your aunt. Please do forward this article to her. Curcumin is a great anti-inflammatory and effective pain-reliever. I appreciate your comment:)