Turmeric as a natural immunity booster -- spice up your winter dinners and stave off colds and flu

Add turmeric to your curry recipes and boost your immune system

With cold and flu season upon us, every immune system can use a boost.

New research conducted at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark by the Linus Pauling Institute, and supported by the National Institutes of Health, shows that curcumin, an active ingredient in the spice turmeric, raised the levels of immunity in both humans and animals.

Speaking of the findings, Adrian Gombart, an associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics in the Linus Pauling Institute said:

“It's possible that sustained consumption over time may be healthy and help protect against infection, especially in the stomach and intestinal tract."

There have been additional studies which suggest turmeric harbors antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stomach-soothing, and liver-and heart-protecting effects. There is also evidence that turmeric may help in lowering cholesterol, aid in weight loss, reducing arterial plaque, slowing the progression of MS, and aiding in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. It is also a safe but powerful pain killer when taken regularly.

Other studies show that turmeric may help prevent various other types of cancers including those involving the prostate, breast, lungs, pancreas, and skin. There are also indications that turmeric can help prevent multiple myeloma as well as some childhood leukemias.

Turmeric has also been shown to inhibit the spread of various cancers for people already struck by the disease.