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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Hello Lisa…very fascinating information regarding Turmeric. How are we able to get a hold of you for questions and also I have something important to share with you regarding Turmeric.
Look forward to reply…Thank you!
I wrote a wonderful article on Turmeric Golden Milk which my friend Heather Carlini, solar flares expert is passing around to her followers. It is so simple to do, absorbs quickly in the system and is extremely powerful. http://nigellasativa.weebly.com/how-to-make-turme… What I did was add black pepper which increases the intensity 1000 percent and I added in calendula. The three ingredients will give you the rest you need, the cancer fighter you want and the anti-inflammatory properties you desire. The drink is topped off with black cumin oil, of course.
My sister showed me the easiest way to get your turmeric AND some good old EVOO – put a tsp of turmeric onto a tablespoon and pour olive oil over it and drink. Tastes good!