2502 NYCC TRANS FINAL2 - New York Chiropractic College

Turmeric:
The Golden Root with the Magic Touch
Continued from previous page
cinogens in the body and reduced the likelihood that the compounds
will become active and dangerous. One study showed an inhibition
of carcinogenesis in the stomachs and colons of mice. Another
demonstrated that smokers who ingested turmeric for 30 days showed
significant decreases in their levels of urinary mutagens.
HIV
Promising research has been performed regarding the effects of
turmeric and curcumin on HIV. Lab studies show that curcumin
inhibits the Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) gene in the DNA of HIV.
The LTR gene directs production of the virus. Another study focused
on the population of Trinidad, comparing the occurrence of
AIDS contracted by the 40% Indian-descent population who use
curry extensively in their daily diet, and the 40% African-descent
population who seldom use the spice. Inhabitants of African descent
were 10 times more likely to contract AIDS then those of
Indian descent. In a third study, HIV-positive patients who took
2,000 mg of cumin a day significantly increased CD4 immune cell
counts compared to patients in the control group. Pharmaceutical
companies are scrutinizing these studies closely for future applications.
Contraindications
Since turmeric is a food item that is consumed on a daily basis by
many people, it is regarded as safe, and its side effects are well documented.
Because curcumin increases the secretion of bile, patients
with gall stones or a biliary tract obstruction should not consume
more than a small amount of turmeric (perhaps enough to flavor
their food). Curcumin has also been known to irritate people’s stomachs,
so it should be taken only by people who are not afflicted with
ulcers, and should be ingested along with other food.
Because curcumin may reduce platelet clotting, patients with blood
clotting problems or those taking anti-coagulants should not eat much
turmeric. Due to curcumin’s ability to interfere with the DNA of
cancer and HIV, women who are pregnant or who wish to become
pregnant are advised to avoid therapeutic doses of turmeric of
curcumin as the safety of the substance to unborn children has not
yet been completely evaluated. Few rare cases of contact dermatitis
have been documented with turmeric and curcumin, so patients who
experience a rash or itching after contacting either substance should
avoid topical applications and loose powder.
Availability
Ground turmeric is generally found in the spice aisles of grocery
stores and is often used to flavor meat and vegetable dishes. While
this practice will not approach what is considered to be therapeutic
levels, it can still be of some benefit to most patients. Capsules of
turmeric and curcumin are commercially available in health stores
and at supplement sites on the Internet. Topical treatments are more
difficult to locate, but may be found at some health stores and commercial
health sites, as well as from licensed herbalists.
Soybeans Are
Good For the Heart
The FDA says soy protein manufacturers may now tout
their products’ ability to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Studies reveal that more soy in the diet can result
in lower cholesterol. While this may encourage people
to eat more foods containing soy, they should be aware
that the amount of soy protein varies from product to
product. For example, whole soybeans and tofu contain
only 38 and 16 percent protein respectively, while soy
protein isolate, which is added to soy patties and soybean
burgers, tops 92 percent protein. Nutritional facts
on products’ labels tell consumers about soy protein
levels. Soy protein differs from soy supplements in that
the supplements commonly contain concentrations of
the estrogen-mimicking soy isoflavones and may not be
appropriate for controlling cholesterol.
Garlic’s Benefits Are
Gender Related
The Journal of Nutrition reports that
women who eat garlic may benefit
more than men. Women
who received garlic oil supplements
demonstrated significant
increases in HDL cholesterol
and reductions in total cholesterol,
whereas men experienced small
adverse effects in these measures.
Men who received garlic oil demonstrated
significant reductions in glucose levels,
while women’s levels increased. No significant
changes were detected in those people
taking garlic powder, likely due to the low
bioavailability of allicin.
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