Monday, February 14, 2011

Turmeric

What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a powerful East-Indian herb that is used in curry dishes. Turmeric extract contains the powerful active ingredient curcumin, which is where the therapeutic value lies. Curcumin is a strong anti-inflammatory with many health benefits.

Here are some of the many benefits of turmeric:

Turmeric Benefits

1) Lowering LDL cholesterol - Studies have shown that turmeric lowers LDL cholesterol levels. LDLs are responsible for the buildup of plaque in the arteries that could lead to heart disease.

2) Treating High Blood Pressure - Turmeric has been shown to improve blood flow as well as strengthen blood vessels.

3) Guarding Against Cancer - Studies point to turmeric's ability to neutralize free radicals, chemicals that could damage cells. Turmeric can ward off cancer and tumorous growths.

4) Promoting General Health - Turmeric extract contains powerful antioxidants which can help boost the body's immune system and protect against illness and disease.

Other Turmeric Benefits

Some of the other turmeric benefits include protecting the liver, aiding in digestion and helping with irritable bowel syndrome

.Turmeric Benefits - How can you get the maximum benefits?

In order to get the maximum turmeric benefits, you have to make sure you are taking a supplement with standardized herbal extract of pure turmeric. Many turmeric products on the market do not use standardized extract, because it is much cheaper to produce. But beware, because these products do not contain enough active ingredient to offer you turmeric benefits.

Also, you must make sure that the turmeric product is manufactured at a facility that follows strict GMP compliance. These are the strictest manufacturing standards in the world - the same standards that pharmaceutical drugs have to follow - so you know that they are the highest quality products you can buy.

It's important to note that under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, herbal products are considered dietary supplements, so manufacturers do not have to guarantee the content or effectiveness of their products.

As a result many of these products contain very little or none of the ingredients they claim to (therefore, no benefits) or too much ingredient (dangerous!). Still others contain harmful contaminants that could cause serious damage to your body!

That's why you have to find a high quality turmeric supplement, one with standardized herbal extract, manufactured under GMP compliance by a well highly trained, highly credentialed product formulator.

Are you better off with turmeric on its own or as part of a more comprehensive formula?

You can purchase an individual turmeric supplement, or you can buy a more comprehensive product that includes turmeric extract along with other herbs, vitamins and minerals. In our opinion, you are better off with the latter for many reasons.

Maximize the turmeric extract benefits

Many herbalists and scientists feel that you can achieve better results with a blend of herbs, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in one formula. Here's why:

A) Many herbs, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients work together synergistically - often a blend of nutrients can work better together than one nutrient on its own. The therapeutic effect is enhanced by the nutrients working together.

For example: Turmeric can work together with green tea and olive leaf to lower cholesterol. Vitamin E works in conjunction with Vitamin C in a similar fashion.

B) You can help several body systems at one time - For example, you can treat a condition with one herb, protect your body with another and make sure the condition does not return with yet another herb.

For example: Turmeric can improve blood flow while Vitamin E can strengthen your heart and gingko biloba maintains the circulatory system.

C) Herbs can offset the possible side effects of each other - an herb that helps alleviate a problem in one area can help treat a slight side effect that may be caused by another.

For example: Turmeric could cause a mild side effect that is easily treated with ginger present in the product.

Another thing to consider is that many turmeric products on the market don't even contain turmeric extract! It's hard to believe but it's true! This is the case with many different single and multi-herb products.

In a recent study, a test of 54 ginseng products found that 25% of them did not even contain ginseng! It's amazing what marketers will do when they don't have to account for the ingredients in their products!

So you can see how important it is to find a high quality product, and how a blend of herbs, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients may be more beneficial to your health than a single herb products, not to mention safer!
http://www.herbal-supplements-guide.com/turmeric-benefits.html