Turmeric has gained yet another victory under its belt. New research published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry shows that it stopped the multiplication of the often deadly Rift Valley Fever (RVF) virus in infected cells. RVF, a mosquito-borne virus, affects domestic animals like cattle and even humans.
Lead investigator, Aarthi Narayanan of Mason’s National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, says she knows the benefits of turmeric first-hand. “I eat it every day. I make it a point of adding it to vegetables I cook. Every single day.” She’s so passionate about turmeric’s benefits that she’s even bringing it under the microscope with alphaviruses like Venezuelan equine encephalitis and retroviruses like HIV.
“It is often not taken seriously because it’s a spice,” she adds. She believes that curcumin may soon be part of drug therapies that fight powerful viruses.
Turmeric is Not Just a Spice
Turmeric and curcumin, one beneficial active compound found in turmeric, have also been shown to exhibit a number of other positive effects. Turmeric has been linked to the reduction of cancerous tumors by a whopping 81 percent, prevention and treatment of diabetes, protection of the liver, easing of osteoarthritic pain and stiffness, and can aid in preventing chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Given the numerous benefits of turmeric spice, it is no wonder it is swiftly becoming the next miracle supplement and dietary addition. To incorporate more turmeric (and therefore curcumin) into your diet, try the following.
- Drink a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of water. It’s that simple. Add lemon juice for flavor if desired.
- Brew turmeric tea by bringing four cups of water to boil and adding a teaspoon of ground turmeric. Strain after 10 minutes. Add honey or lemon to taste.
- Sprinkle turmeric over deviled eggs, egg salad, or even scrambled varieties.
- Add turmeric to almost any lentil or cauliflower dish.
- Spread the word of turmeric by preparing a delicious turmeric party dip. Mix turmeric with either dried, finely diced, or ground up onion, omega-3 rich (or grapeseed oil) mayonnaise, garlic, salt, and pepper. Serve with raw vegetables or pita bread.
- Purchase a high quality turmeric supplement.
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